Pregnant guinea pigs should be fed a mixed diet consisting of:
- grass and/or grass hay
- green leafy vegetables
- small amount of vitamin C rich foods e.g. citrus or kiwi fruit
- a small amount of high quality commercial pellet
- a small amount of lucerne hay – though this is not essential (as a supplement to provide increased calcium and protein)
- grass and/or grass hay.
- green leafy vegetables.
- small amount of vitamin C rich foods e.g. citrus or kiwi fruit.
- a small amount of high quality commercial pellet.
What food is bad for guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs simply cannot eat any kind of meat. Cooked, raw, dry–it doesn’t matter. If the food is made from another animal or creature, it is bad news for guinea pigs. However, guinea pigs may have tiny brains, but they are not stupid. Generally, guinea pigs will avoid eating meat on their own.
What extra stuff should I Feed my guinea pigs?
Some Vegetables
- Onions And Garlic. Onion and garlic are toxic in your cavy’s diet. ...
- Iceberg Lettuces. Lettuce generally is not poisonous, but it’s worth mentioning that it can trigger health issues when eaten by guinea pigs.
- Cabbage. ...
- Rhubarb. ...
- Leeks And Chives. ...
- Jalapenos. ...
- Mushrooms. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Asparagus. ...
- Carrots. ...
What do you do for new baby guinea pigs?
Ten tips for introducing a new guinea pig
- It is easier to introduce younger guinea pigs to one another. ...
- If you have an older piggy, it is best to add a baby. ...
- Only put one male in with females. ...
- Before introducing a male to a female, make sure they are neutered. ...
- Make sure there is enough room in their crate. ...
- Only buy hiding houses with two entrances. ...
How do you care for a baby guinea pig?
- Let your pig get used to the harness. Leave it by their food bowl, let them sniff it.
- Put the harness on your pig for no more than an hour
- Do this daily, but extend the time they have the harness on by a few minutes a day.
- After they seem comfortable with it, take your pig on a walk. Let them lead you.
- Take them for a walk, but you lead them. ...
What veggies are good for pregnant guinea pigs?
Vegetables such as red, green, or yellow bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. A good combination to pair them with is fresh greens to provide extra nutrients. It's important to avoid feeding iceberg lettuce to your guinea pig as it's not the healthiest for them.
How much food does a pregnant guinea pig need?
All guinea pigs should be given at least one cup of fresh vegetables a day, but as the pregnant sow begins to eat more you can increase this to 1½ to 2 cups a day.
What hay is best for pregnant guinea pigs?
UNLIMITED Timothy Hay is recommended for guinea pigs. For young Guinea pigs under the age of 4 months and pregnant or lactating mothers, Alfalfa hay is also recommended. For those cavies, you could mix half Timothy and Alfalfa.
What Vitamin Will the pregnant guinea pig need?
vitamin CDuring pregnancy, the sow's requirement for vitamin C doubles, to 20mg daily, and so very fresh fruit or vegetables must be given daily. Fresh food stored in the fridge, or cut into pieces, will lose a lot of its vitamin C after only a few hours. Also, the sow will need twice as much food as usual.
Do pregnant guinea pigs need a nesting box?
Most rodents and many other mammal mothers build safe, soft, warm nests where they can feed their helpless, hairless, blind young. But most guinea pigs don't build nests for raising babies in.
Can I hold my pregnant guinea pig?
If you have a pregnant guinea pig, it's best not to handle them unnecessarily during the month before they give birth. They will be feeling a bit tender and very protective of their babies after the birth, so it's best to leave them alone for a month afterwards too.
What do I do when my guinea pig gives birth?
2:005:46What to Do If Your Guinea Pig Had Babies - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can make an appointment at the vets. Or call a guinea pig rescue.MoreYou can make an appointment at the vets. Or call a guinea pig rescue.
How can you tell how far along a pregnant guinea pig is?
A nonpregnant or newly pregnant guinea pig's sides will be straight when she is stretched out. By mid-pregnancy, she looks like she has a tennis ball inside her. When she is ready to give birth, she will look like she swallowed a softball and her hips and hind legs will be wide to accommodate the impending birth.
How can I help my guinea pig give birth?
2:065:59What To Do If Your Guinea Pig Is Pregnant - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGiving birth. If things go well you don't have to do anything let nature take care of everything.MoreGiving birth. If things go well you don't have to do anything let nature take care of everything. And don't reach into the cage. Chances are you won't even be present for the birth.
How do you take care of a pregnant pig?
Care of the pregnant sow She should be given some feed high in nutrients e.g. grain and greenstuffs every day. Giving the sow access to clean soil or grass with roots from land where no pigs have been kept will allow her to get the minerals she needs. Give the sow plenty of clean bedding when birth is close.
Should I put vitamin C drops in my guinea pigs water?
Water based vitamin C drops can also be found at pet stores; however, we do NOT recommend these for several reasons. First, because these dilute the vitamin C into a very low concentration in the water your guinea pig would have to drink ridiculously large amounts of water to reach their needs every day.
How do I know when my guinea pig is ready to give birth?
If you touch her underbelly a couple of centimeters ahead of the anus, you will be able to feel that the pelvic bones have spread apart. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it won't be long until birth. You should also provide the sow with a stress-free environment.
How can you tell how far along a pregnant guinea pig is?
They can diagnose a pregnancy in various ways depending on how long your guinea pig has been pregnant. Some vets can do ultrasound exams to visualise babies in the womb. In later gestation vets may be able to take an xray or gently palpate the babies. They may be able to feel or see the babies moving.
How do you take care of a pregnant pig?
Care of the pregnant sow She should be given some feed high in nutrients e.g. grain and greenstuffs every day. Giving the sow access to clean soil or grass with roots from land where no pigs have been kept will allow her to get the minerals she needs. Give the sow plenty of clean bedding when birth is close.
How do I know when my guinea pig will give birth?
If you touch her underbelly a couple of centimeters ahead of the anus, you will be able to feel that the pelvic bones have spread apart. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it won't be long until birth. You should also provide the sow with a stress-free environment.
How many days does a guinea pig stay pregnant?
59 to 72 daysThe guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. A female can give birth to up to 5 litters per year.
How to prevent pregnancy in guinea pigs?
Neuter male guinea pigs. Another way to prevent pregnancy in guinea pigs is to have the boars neutered. It is also possible to have sows spayed, but this is a more complex and risky process. Always have an exotics or cavy savvy vet for guinea pig surgery.
What breed of guinea pigs carry a lethal gene?
6. Determine if the sow’s or boar’s breed makes the pups more vulnerable to hereditary disease. Dalmatian and Roan guinea pigs carry a lethal gene recessively. If one parent is of these breeds, for each pup there is a 25% chance it will be born lethal.
Why are guinea pigs so vulnerable to illness?
Pregnant guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable to illness as a result of stress during pregnancy. It can be a trigger for diseases such as toxemia, or can scare the sow so she doesn’t want to eat or drink. For these reasons stress should be minimized as much as possible.
How to get guinea pigs to burrow in grass?
Provide quality hay. Provide grass hay (timothy or orchard) with a green tinge. Supplement this with a daily dose of alfalfa hay which is higher in protein and calcium. Make sure hay is freely available at all times, and provide in a large ball the guinea pig can burrow in.
How to prevent guinea pigs from being overweight?
Provide extruded pelleted feed. In a pellet feed, each chunk of kibble is identical. Choosing pellets over muesli (where you can identify individual peas, corn, wheat etc.) prevents selective feeding. Do not over-feed pellets as too much can cause the guinea pig to become overweight. Read the packet for how much, but it should be no more than a few teaspoons or a dessert spoon a day.
How to tell if guinea pig is pregnant?
Nevertheless, you may notice your guinea pig begin to eat and drink more , and their belly begin to grow — see Tell if Your Guinea Pig Is Pregnant. Do not apply pressure to the abdomen as you may cause a miscarriage.
How to keep guinea pigs clean?
All guinea pigs should always have access to clean water, but this is even more important when they are pregnant. Empty the water bottle and re-fill daily, to ensure the water is clean.
How to prevent pregnancy in guinea pigs?
The main ways to prevent pregnancy include guinea pig neutering and separation of male and female guinea pigs. Yet, neutering cannot be done too early and guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at a young age.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to get pregnant?
Regardless of how pregnancy occurs, the average guinea pig gestation period is 65 days. But anywhere in the range of 59 days to 72 days is regarded as normal. This refers to the time between your guinea pig becoming pregnant and its offspring being born.
Why is my guinea pig less mobile?
As the pregnancy progresses, you may find that your guinea pig becomes less mobile. This could limit the parts of the cage or hutch which are accessible. Especially if there are any narrow passages to navigate. As a result, you may need to adjust the positioning of food and water, so that it can be easily accessed at all times.
Can guinea pigs have a baby?
Pregnancy is a fact of life, and if you own a female guinea pig, it is something you may have to deal with. Even if you have no plans to breed them. However, it is important to know that pregnancy in a guinea pig is significantly different from human pregnancy. Not least because guinea pig pregnancies tend to end in multiple births.
Can a guinea pig break its amniotic sac?
In the vast majority of cases, the mother will break the sacs herself, using her teeth, but there are instances where this does not occur. If this happens during your guinea pig’s pregnancy, you should ideally seek the help of a vet. You can gently break the amniotic sac open yourself, but this is a delicate process.
Can pregnant guinea pigs have ketosis?
Pregnancy ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxaemia, is a potentially fatal metabolic disease, which is characterised by elevated ketone bodies within a guinea pig’s blood. Ketosis also affects other animal species, including humans, and risk factors include obesity, stress and lack of exercise, which is why it can occur during pregnancy.
Can guinea pigs die from toxaemia?
You may also notice that your guinea pig becomes clumsy in its movement. In the most serious cases, the condition can result in prolonged unconsciousness ( coma) and can ultimately lead to death.
How old are guinea pigs when they are sexually mature?
As we said previously, guinea pigs reach sexual maturity early. With an average life expectancy of about 5 years, they reach sexual maturity at about 2 - 4 months. From 10 months of age, a female guinea pigs pelvic bones become fused. This means that if they have not yet had a litter, their rigid birth canal can prevent the exit of their offspring. This means a cesarean section is likely required, but this is also a risky procedure for any animal. If we do not know the age of our guinea pig or if it has not given birth before, it is advisable to ensure a vet checks on the cavy and we follow their advice closely. The ideal time for a guinea pig to be pregnant is between 4 and 7 months.
How many sprogs are in a guinea pig?
To be certain, we'll need to consult our veterinarian. Using an ultrasound, it's possible to confirm the pregnancy and find out how many little sprogs our guinea pig is gestating. This can be anywhere from 1 to 6, generally the more fetuses, the easier it will be to tell if they are pregnant from looking at them.
What to feed a pregnant guinea pig?
Feeding a pregnant guinea pig. Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the first thing we need to consider with our expectant guinea pig is their diet. The correct diet for any guinea pig, portions according to size, is: Hay (guinea pigs are completely herbivorous). Fortified hay pellets.
Why is my guinea pig in labor for an hour?
Taking too long: if your guinea pig is i n childbirth for more than an hour, it implies there may be a problem such as dystocia (a type of obstructed labor). If this is the case, we need to ring a vet right away for help on what to do.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to get pregnant?
The ideal time for a guinea pig to be pregnant is between 4 and 7 months. On the other hand, during their pregnancy, it is important to know that the likelihood of a pathology known as toxemia is increased.
How long does a guinea pig's pregnancy last?
Although we know that a guinea pig's pregnancy will last about two months, it is impossible to know the exact day of delivery.
What to feed guinea pigs to prevent scurvy?
Hay (guinea pigs are completely herbivorous). Fortified hay pellets. Vegetables rich in vitamin C to prevent scurvy (this is especially if you do not have added vitamin C in the rest of their diet). Fruit and cereals as an occasional treat or reward. Vitamin C supplement if not enough in the rest of their diet.
How to Care for Pregnant Guinea Pig?
During the entire pregnancy process, sows require a rich supply of Vitamin C. It is recommended that pet owners should double the quantity up to 20 mg per day.
How to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant?
The first noticeable sign on a pregnant sow is an increased appetite . An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pig’s appetite.
How long before a guinea pig delivers?
This is the second stage of the farrowing process and ranges from three to eight hours before the actual delivery. If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night.
How long does it take for guinea pigs to farrow?
There are three stages of the farrowing process; pre-farrowing, farrowing, and after-birth expulsion. Pre-farrowing happens 10 to 14 days before the delivery day.
Why is expectant guinea pig dangerous?
An expectant guinea pig is one source of concern even to experienced pet owners. This is because the strain and pressure implicated puts at risk the life of a female guinea pig .
Can pregnant sows coexist?
Safe for the last pregnancy stages, pregnant sows can coexist with others. Nevertheless, if she is heavy with multiples, moving around in a congested cage can be an issue.
Can guinea pigs gain weight?
Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pig’s appetite. Thus, an increased desire for food may not always indicate pregnancy. Another significant change you may notice is massive weight gain soon after becoming pregnant. For instance, a 2 Ibs sow may augment up to 4 Ibs by the end of the pregnancy.
How many babies does a cavy have?
The average litter size for a cavy is 3.
What to do if guinea pig hasn't eaten placenta?
Cleaning. If your guinea pig hasn’t eaten the placentas of her pups, you can remove these, as well as other soiled bedding so she can care for her babies. Pregnancy and delivery are taxing on your guinea pig’s body, so help her regain her strength and care for her pups by offering vegetables and some treats.
How to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant?
Pregnant guinea pigs will have an enlarged or swollen abdomen in late pregnancy , so this is one of the signs to look out for if you think your pet is expecting babies. It’s also common for pregnant sows (female guinea pigs) to double their body weight during gestation.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Feed her a diet consisting of unlimited grass hay (preferably Timothy grass hay), a small amount of high-quality guinea pig pellets, vegetables (ideally leafy greens), and small portions of foods high in vitamin C.
Why do guinea pigs have lumps?
However, lumps don’t always indicate babies – they can sometimes be due to health issues like cysts or tumors. It’s a good idea to take your guinea pig to the vet for a diagnosis if you feel lumps, even if you’re certain she is expecting babies.
How long does a guinea pig's pregnancy last?
Pregnancy for guinea pigs can last anywhere from 59 days to 72 days, though the average is 65 days.
What are some good foods for guinea pigs?
Dairy Products. Dairy products (like yogurt, cheese, milk, and eggs) – Guinea pigs lack the enzymes necessary to digest dairy as they are herbivores. Yogurt drops are also big no-nos for guinea pigs. Parsley – Although a great staple leafy green for many guinea pigs, parsley is not recommended for sows during pregnancy.
How many pups does a guinea pig have?
A guinea pig’s pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Interesting fact – The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! If your sow is carrying more pups rather than less, her length of pregnancy will more likely be closer to 60 days than 70.
How to keep a pregnant sow from gaining weight?
Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Avoid over-feeding her, however, because by the time she moves into the latter stages of pregnancy it will be difficult if she’s carrying extra body fat. Don’t restrict her exercise just because she’s pregnant; she needs it to keep her weight down and her strength up. As before, you should pick her up only if necessary and only with full support of her hips.
How do guinea pigs get pregnant?
Your Guinea Pig’s Pregnancy: The Stages of Pregnancy 1 Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 20 percent on average of the mothers dying during birth. 2 Many others survive but with complications—costly to you, painful to her. 3 You must be prepared to handle the litter of newborns, and remember that males can impregnate their mothers when they are only three weeks old. Plus, brothers must be separated so they don’t fight with one another.
How long does it take for guinea pigs to wean?
It takes two or three weeks to wean pups, and remember that the baby males must be separated by the time they are at most three weeks old. Otherwise, you risk starting an entirely new pregnancy cycle! For weekly guinea pig care tips and super cute photos, make sure to LIKE our Guinea Pig Care Facebook Page.
How to help a guinea pig with nerves?
If the male or other guinea pigs seem to get on her nerves, move them into another cage. Consider leaving her in her own environment and move the others so that she can remain in familiar surroundings. Reducing her stress makes her pregnancy and childbirth easier.
How difficult is it to have a guinea pig?
Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 20 percent on average of the mothers dying during birth. Many others survive but with complications—costly to you, painful to her. You must be prepared to handle the litter of newborns, and remember that males can impregnate their mothers when they are only three weeks old.
How to help a fetus with hair loss?
Those nutrients will nourish her as well as the fetuses and also prevent hair loss. She also needs extra vitamin C; you can give at least 10mg orally. Try giving her green peppers, more broccoli and kale.
How to feed cavies?
Fresh Grass is a great seasonal food for their diet from spring to fall but you have to pay attention if you start to feed grass each year. Start with short amount of it and increase every day a bit. This guarantees that cavies will be softly get into the way of it. At winter season you should replace grass with fresh vegetables to keep them healthy with a diet rich in vitamins. Fruits should be always handled like candy and should not be provided that much. Herbs can be provided fresh or dried permanent in any quantity.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Diet plan. Hay, vegetables, fruits, branches, herbs and other plant. There is very much you can feed your Guinea Pigs. Cavies listen to their natural instinct and really like to eat what grows on ground – raw. Most of all feed hay!
How long does it take for a guinea pig to lose its teeth?
After 24 hours. Guinea Pigs lose their deciduous teeth at womb and will be born with a complete set of teeth.
How to care for guinea pigs in the evening?
Fresh hay has to be provided all time. Water has to be filled up from time to time. Only use clear and fresh water. There is no reason to provide special “rodent-water” from the pet shop if you take care about the food for your Guinea Pigs.
What is the best food for cavies?
Cucumber. Very popular food for cavies. Endive. rich in vitamins and minerals / appetizing. Fennel. rich in vitamins and minerals. Can take on color on urine. Helpful by digestive complaints. field salad.
What foods can you feed a da?
Feed carefully because of it oxialic acid. May take color on urine and feces. Can be provided with the green. Broccoli. High amount of vitamin C. Contains oxialic acid. Provide it increasing. Carrot. Rich in calories. Do not feed every da.
Can cavies cause diarrhea?
Rich in sugar. Do not feed if one of your cavies has Diabetes. Can cause diarrhea.
How old do guinea pigs have to be to get pregnant?
That’s why the best age for a guinea pig to get pregnant is between 4 and 7 months of age. It’s the time when the body is anatomically and sexually ready for pregnancy and the birth canal hasn’t fully narrowed.
How cute are guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are without a doubt cute, and baby guinea pigs climb twice as high on the cuteness ladder.
When is a Guinea Pig Too Old to Breed?
What any professional on the matter will tell you is not to breed your guinea if you are still in the process of making the final decision.
Why do guinea pigs stretch?
When a guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic canal stretches as a result of hormonal secretion. That’s why a female guinea pig should be bred before the permanent hardening on the pelvic canal. Only this way, serious delivery problems can be avoided.
Why is my guinea pig's pregnancy shorter?
The pregnancy of the guinea pig will be shorter if there is a larger litter size .
What does it mean when a guinea pig squeals?
Loud squeals are a sign that she accepted him. If not, the female guinea pig will most likely bite or urinate on the male.
How many stages of pregnancy are there in guinea pigs?
There 3 stages in guinea pig pregnancy:
