What you're looking at in the photo above is the clitoral hood of a gilt, that is to say a female pig who has not yet had a litter. If her body is metabolizing fat, it will generate ketones, which you can measure with strips for her urine. Each litter can contain eight to twelve piglets. Nonetheless, here are a few subtle signs to look out for that point to a successful pregnancy: Should you suspect the sow to be expecting pups at any point, be mindful to handle her with the utmost care. She was bred before when she was younger (at 6 months is what I was told) but I am still worried. Dont restrict her exercise just because shes pregnant; she needs it to keep her weight down and her strength up. . 2 Remove any boars. Any apparent change of behavior in means of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a sign of sickness. Normally, the pregnancy period lasts between 63 and 70 days. The guinea pig's heat cycle lasts 16 days. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. Before we talk about the stages of your guinea pigs pregnancy, lets make certain that your guinea pig is already pregnant. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. All pregnancies are risky and breeding is never recommended. I always try to give her a small piece of fruit so that she has the extra energy to litter (not sure if this is the word for g-pigs, but it is the term for most rodents) if she needs to. Vitamin C supplements should be given orally at a regiment of 10 mg a day. The feeding of a pregnant guinea pig should also include the following modifications: Calcium enriched hay as pregnancy increases guinea pig calcium requirements. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Nonetheless, be wary that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the body. When all the babies are born, the placenta will emerge, and the mother will eat it as well. . If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. JavaScript is disabled. Joined Jun 13, 2010 Posts 178. . These kinds of guinea pigs are the most popular in America and are the breeds most commonly sold in shops. Avoid putting any pressure on her body. But usually, by the second day, they realize that no one else is tending to these little noisy creatures so they might as well do it. Guinea pigs are adorable, sweet pets that love to express themselves by chattering, squealing, and wheeking. However, the following guinea pig pregnancy timeline will simplify the entire gestation period and demystify the experience, so you can provide a stress-free environment for your little mama and her tiny pups.. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development at a youthful age 2 months for females and 3 months for males. Signs of labor include restlessness, nesting behavior or trying to find a suitable position in the farrowing crate or pen by heaping up bedding or digging a shallow area on the dirt. She also needs extra vitamin C; you can give at least 10mg orally. In the pregnant female, the symphysis relaxes and stretches in response to secretion of relaxin by the pituitary gland and endometrium, allowing separation of the pubic bones (Williams 2012, Brower 2006, Martinho 2006). The afterbirth will be a round flat bloody object ranging in size from a nickel to a quarter. Other potential complications are prolapse, retained placenta, uterine tears, etc. By choice and sometimes by accident, a pregnant guinea pig comes under our care. Doing so can cause pups to grow too big, which the sow may struggle to birth. She doesn't like the florets (tried them) but I wanna do what is best for her! Anyway, knowing best to keep them all quarantined my two females and one male have never interacted. If you know and accept the risks, then read on to become familiar with the stages of pregnancy. Ultrasounds are non-intrusive and dont need sedation. During the late third trimester, this plug might push into your vagina. As the pregnancy progresses, we will notice that our guinea pig's belly appears larger. It is also an indication that the first stage of labor is happening. Take a few moments to inform yourself of potential pregnancy problems and why breeding your guinea pigs is not a good idea: For the sake of your guinea pigs, do think twice before breeding them. Some factors like body size, breed and number of fetuses affect the pig gestation period or length. After the widening, is birthing within 12-24 hours or 24-48 hours? Well with guinea pigs its the opposite. Loose-feeling joints. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. I have no idea when she was bred. Your email address will not be published. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs of Labor The majority of guinea pigs give birth during daylight. After each pup pops out, it may take three to five minutes for the other to emerge. 12 minute read; 5. Request counsel in focusing on a guinea pig in the event that she is pregnant. Sooner when the motherly impulse slowly sinks in, they may take up their maternal role. 1. Even though you can assist the birthing by yourself, its always better to leave it to licensed professionals. Shares. Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. Young female pups reach maturity at around two months and can effectively bear life. Polar fleece is perfect. Cessation of this agitated behavior indicates labor has begun. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least. Whether it was planned or not, this post will inform you on what to expect during guinea pig pregnancy, the potential problems, and post-natal care. Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. Changes in the Estrous Cycle. You should also provide the sow with a stress-free environment. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. A female guinea pigs weight will rise remarkably if shes pregnant. Remember that the young pups have wide-opened eyes from birth. Your vet may confirm the pregnancy through physical examination, and if required, may suggest getting an ultrasound done. In the event that a female guinea pig has been in the presence of a hog, at that point she will have unquestionably attempted to accomplice and has a high possibility of getting pregnant. Bloody show. It is very helpful and appreciated. I know guinea pigs don't. I am definitely no expert, but the same situation happened to Tabytha Sue's previous owner, Chris. This is 59 days from exposure. She does so, as well, with the placenta. You'll also see that the sides of her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts. Sometimes, small particles of fecal matter or meconium appear in the discharge. In both cases, your pet needs to be seen by a vet. Sometimes, the babies come so fast that the Mom has no time to tend to each baby. That's when the delivery starts and if everything is normal the first pup will come out in about 5 minutes. How can you tell if the sow has become pregnant? But do you really understand what it takes to care for these fluffy friends? Hence, when housed together, a guinea pig pregnancy can occur very early and very often.. Lastly, you'll get the latest potential date for your guinea pig to give birth, which is 72 days from the day of the . Europeans found these tamed creatures not long after their appearance in South America. Sometimes even surgery must be performed to save the mothers life. Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include: Baby drops. Try giving her green peppers, more broccoli and kale. Apart from injuring your sow, they may attempt to mate or impregnate her soon after birth. Yet, they may emit a similar sound after the baby comes out. Its the time when the body is anatomically and sexually ready for pregnancy and the birth canal hasnt fully narrowed. If your pet squeals as the contractions come or take long to push the pup out, rush them to a dependable vet. Guinea pigs need extra vitamin C during pregnancy, so you may see her favoring the products of the soil having the vitamin C in high quantity over those lacking it. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. Guinea pigs are not nesters, so you might not notice any changes in behavior as delivery time gets closer. How to tell if your sow is pregnant. Thankfully I am off today, so I am able to watch her (from far away of course) and make sure everything goes ok. After the widening, is birthing within 12-24 hours or 24-48 hours? Fruit is high in sugar and can contribute to diabetes. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Interesting fact The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! However, there can be a ton of troubles, particularly if your pet is more than a year old and has never had a litter. With your other hand hold her firm around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. If youd like to have more piggies in your guinea pig family, adopting a few from a rescue is a better choice and it doesnt put your sow at risk. It's your body's way of protecting your baby . The signs of pregnancy toxaemia are abrupt onset of depression (quiet, weak, lethargic) and anorexia (not eating). All I know is she was bred prior to May 26. Potential Pregnancy Problems. Nesting is common for many pregnant animals, but guinea pigs don't display + Read More Here. She will give out a cry just as she goes into labor, and it will take about five minutes to birth a pup. Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. Let us delve deeper and find out more about pregnancies in guinea pigs and how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant. If any of them seem to bother her or tease her, they will need to be put in a separate cage. The average period of pregnancy is approximately 65 days. Once she passes the seventh week, you will easily be able to see the babies movement and even be able to distinguish by gentle touch what body part you are feeling. The next number will be the earliest your guinea pig will potentially go into labor. Hmmm, wonder how many the hubby will let me keep. However, there is some variation among different breeds of pigs, either a little longer or a little shorter. Signs when my Sow will give birth? Somewhere around week 5-6, the abdomen and hindquarters of the pregnant guinea pig will be markedly enlarged.. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. A pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy propels. Whether pregnant or not, it is wise to monitor the weight of your pets. Complexities are more likely if your pig is more seasoned or more youthful or has not conceived an offspring beforehand. And post pictures of the babies. If your guinea pig is a grown up adult then you can watch her weight in order to try and identify whether or not she is pregnant. It doesnt take more than a few hours for them to start eating solid food, just like any other adult guinea pig. One of the clear signs that your guinea pig is pregnant is if she starts to take on the shape of a pear. During the process, the sow squats on all its limbs. 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