To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. Female guinea pigs have a Y-shaped opening close to their anus. New babies are born with teeth, claws, and fur. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. Check out these most popular guinea pig products on the market: Last update on 2023-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. This is necessary to prevent pregnancy. And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? Baby guinea pigs are capable of digesting solid food very soon after birth (within hours). 10. Genetic abnormalities have been reported in guinea pigs, similar to those found in other breeds of animals (such as hip dysplasia in dogs). Start offering them shredded lettuce from the day their born. (Find Out Now). So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. An average sized pup measures around 3 to 5 inches at birth, and very cylindrical roughly the size of a tangerine in fact! Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. But, can guinea pigs eat them? This process includes eating the placenta and, while she does this, there is a chance that she will mistake one of her babies for the placenta. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. Donnelly, T. M. and Brown, C. J., Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry, Veterinary Clinics Exotic Animal Practice, 2004. During our research we learned that there are two possible reasons why: Malnourished - not getting enough to eat of the right kinds of food Back to back pregnancies - due to nutrient deficiencies This was one question that had me really worried. Male baby guinea pigs have a donut-shaped genital opening in front of their anus. RELATED: CLICK HERE for tips on how to tame your guinea pig (step by step guide). If you handle a baby bird in a nest, the mother will often abandon them because she'll sense something isn't right (i.e. On the other hand, a male guinea pig eats guinea pig babies when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. And all the behaviors theyll need to carry out for themselves instead of having performed for them by mom like grooming will be well established. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUniverseReflected The all natural Piggies Choice Hay Racks are available finally! We hope youve enjoyed this in depth article about cute baby guinea pigs!Guinea pig pups are quite unlike most other baby animals. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. On the other hand, if it turns out that they dont form any attachment to their young, then we can rest assured knowing that there isnt anything we need to worry about. (2020, May 5). At worst, it can cause her to reject them. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. Do not disturb your guinea pigs when they are sleeping or nursing. Guinea pigs have a good sense of hearing, so they will potentially even be able to hear you coming from down the hall. Guinea pigs can eat their babies if they lack nutrition. The causes are different for each species. Want to know more? Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. The guinea pig fathers dont play any role in taking care of the litter, and can do more harm than good (sorry piggie dads!). At first your guinea pig baby may seem afraid when you pick him up. It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. It can therefore be tempting to pick up and cuddle the little babies right away! Guinea pigs are fragile animals at any age but especially during their early days of life. It may take some time for him to become comfortable with you. Every baby guinea pig needs its mothers milk, which provides enough nutrition during the first crucial days of their lives. That way she doesnt have to deal with the stress of more pregnancies. If you are a new guinea pig parent or have an unexpected pregnancy like we did, you too may have lots of questions about newborn baby guinea pigs. Giving birth is very stressful for the guinea pig mother and the babies. A human can serve as a surrogate mom if there are no other guinea pigs available, but it is best if the baby can be raised by its kind. Or house her with a neutered male to prevent future pregnancies. It can be a little surprising to witness, but its completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about. and Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? It's particularly common when introducing new guinea pigs for the first time. More research must be conducted to determine whether or not guinea pigs truly miss their babies when they are apart. This is a question that has long been debated when it comes to guinea pigs. You can expect your pup to wander curiously about their world during this time, but their legs are still a bit clumsy and theyre apt to suddenly plop down as they explore their environs. Our goal is to make Guinea Pig Den the ultimate resource for learning about your new guinea pig and helpful information before you bring one home as a pet. Make sure any seller houses male and female guinea pigs separately, or there could be a chance you'll take home a pregnant female. Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. Allowing siblings to breed also poses a risk of dangerous congenital disorders to their offspring. Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. Yes, it is okay to touch your new baby guinea pigs. The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. So, I took some time to do some research on it for you. We found the following cage on Amazon that worked really well. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. And that means that in a mixed litter of boys and girls, its time for the boys to be relocated to a new home, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. However, they will continue to feed on their mothers milk as well. (Fun Facts). Read Also: How Often to Clean Guinea Pig Cage. (n.d.). Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? The answer to this question is not entirely clear. Kind, K.L., Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, American Journal of Physiology, 2005. We were stressed out during this time because we did not want to have another unexpected guinea pig pregnancy. But recognising the biological reasons why it occurs makes it easier to avoid. Home - Guinea Pigs - Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? There is a chance that your sow will only partially eat her offspring, particularly if she killed them by accident. Guinea pig pups are essentially born ready to go: their eyes are open, they have hair and a full set of teeth, and they can run around on their own. Some say that they do not form the same type of attachment as other animals, while others believe that they do experience a certain level of sadness after their young have been weaned. From the moment they are born they are unusually mature and capable of looking after themselves. Read More Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines? You should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables given daily and also consider pet-friendly supplements. Yes, guinea pigs eat their babies albeit very rarely, mostly by accident. How To Stop Guinea Pigs Chewing On Cage Bars, Baby Chicken What To Expect From Egg To 8 Weeks Old, Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Cardiovascular and renal disease in the adolescent guinea pig after chronic placental insufficiency, The effect of maternal undernutrition on the growth and development of the guinea pig placenta, Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, Guineapig Vocalizations: Their Structure, Causation and Function, Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig, Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry. If one or two guinea pig pups suddenly vanish from their cage, it doesnt necessarily mean theyve been eaten, especially if its been more than twenty four hours. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. Most species clean their offspring with their tongue and so do your little friends. Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . The gestation period is about 59 to 72 days or about two months. I thought they would be born helpless and look like baby rats or hamsters with no fur and their eyes closed. In situations where one of your guinea pigs crosses the rainbow bridge leaving one behind, the guinea pig left behind might not be so receptive to a new cage mate. Guinea pigs diet rests on grasses, herbs, hay, and raw fruits and vegetables. Just like big farmyard pigs! This is called precociality. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. If it is found that they experience sadness after their young have been weaned, it would suggest that we take extra care in handling this process. So the remaining milestones left to look for relate to growth, feeding, behavior and sexual maturity. of 2-4. The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. (And How? Guinea pigs are different from many other species; they are born with teeth and fur, and almost immediately they can see and walk around. The average guinea pig litter is 2 to 4 pups. Guinea pig babies can walk, see, and hear, as soon as they are born, and most start nibbling on solid foods within a few days. But, stick with me. Following delivery, your guinea pig mama will be exhausted and hungry. Its better to have a cage that is much larger than a cage that is too small. By the time theyre a month old, baby guinea pigs body shape rather resembles that of a syrian hamster. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. Dont separate them from their mother too soon. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. (2014, March 28). New guinea pig breeds are formalised by the American Cavy Breeders Association, who also oversee breed standards and competitions in the United States. The surprising truth is that it happens more often than youd think. In our research, we could not find a definitive age when guinea pigs are declared adults; however, they reach sexual maturity by four weeks of age. It is fine to carefully handle your new guinea pig pups during their first week, but be sure to allow them plenty of time with their mother as well. While guinea pigs are usually docile, friendly and social creatures, adult males should not be around the babies under any circumstances. You can also ask your vet for advice and support. This can be startling and upsetting. Calcium is very important for baby piggies as they are growing and developing. CLICK HERE to check the price. Pets. They are able to express a wide range of emotions using different sounds and gestures. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Newborn guinea pigs can open their eyes after they are born. However, this would put a huge amount of strain on her body and her mental stamina. And make sure that the guinea pig mother is not present. The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. i am so excited!!! Wheek: The shrill noise a guinea pig or other small rodent makes. Hey there, I'm Angela. Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. Guinea pigs can be aggressive towards each other if they are not adequately trained. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? The mother may eat her babies if one or more of her litter dies, or she is under a lot of stress. The good news is that its unlikely for your pregnant pet to eat her offspring. How do you tell if a baby guinea pig is a boy or girl? https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, Why do animals sometimes kill their babies? This can happen if the guinea pig is not being fed enough timothy hay, pellets, vitamin C supplements, etc. When properly fed, you dont have to worry that she will eat her babies. They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. The largest guinea pig litter recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records contained a whopping 17 pups! Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. Do guinea pigs get attached to their babies? Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. Another challenge that people face is that they may not be able to tell if the guinea pig is sick or not. If a typical guinea pig male suspects that the babies are not his own (whether or not this is the case in reality), he may kill and eat them. Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Or Is It Bad For Them? If this happens, pop them back in with her, and visit again later. You need to be able to provide your guinea pigs with regular ample attention all the time. Many people believe that male guinea pigs eat their babies as well. But whether youre raising a litter from birth or buying an older baby guinea pig for sale, getting prepared in advance is the best way to make sure you provide them with the best start in life. From there you can jump straight to the answers you need, or join us for a complete overview of baby guinea pig development, week by week. If your sow has eaten her own babies, you may want to consider changing her living conditions. Never again hear the dreaded sounds of your guinea pigs angry squeaks because you forgot to clean out their cage or feed them on timefor the fourth day in a row. We will help you to raise your baby guinea pigs to become healthy, happy pets. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to help determine the sex of the pups. The sow needs this time to focus on nursing her living babies, and you need to create an environment that will allow her to do this. Whats your experience with newborn baby guinea pigs? Sometimes, male Guinea pigs will eat pups if they were fathered by another cavy. Your pregnant and lactating guinea pigs should have access to alfalfa hay in the last weeks of their pregnancy. These colorful, chore charts will help you keep track of when to feed your fuzz butts, clean their cages, and much more. Its understandable to feel that way. For example, guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, and their ears which look huge at the moment can already hear. In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. The extra calories should be provided until she stops nursing her newborn babies. Once the pups arrive, monitor them closely to make sure nursing is established within 12 hours. If a guinea pig mother cannot nurse her babies due to illness or death, keep the orphans with as many pet guinea pigs as possible. I personally dont recommend it and neither do vets and most responsible rescues and shelters.Accidents happen. (What You Need To Know)Continue. Sufficient nutrition, a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass, keeps female guinea pigs hydrated and can prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies. But do all animals miss their babies as much as we do? My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. (Find Out Now)Continue. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. Guinea pig babies are born quickly. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? Prepare to separate the male and female baby guinea pigs by at least three weeks of age. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Eat Their Young? If it has not happened within the first 24 hours, it is very unlikely she will attempt to do it later on. Guinea Pigs May Lick as a Sign of Affection or Grooming. Once all the serious aspects of baby guinea pig care are in hand, you can turn your mind to more fun tasks, like picking their names. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. If it does occur, the reasons will probably differ slightly from that of other species, and its important to understand these reasons in order to try to prevent it from happening: Most female guinea pigs will never eat their live young on purpose. The best items to put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage are absorbent,, Read More 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know)Continue, Pet parents who consider housing their guinea pigs outside often wonder whether or not their pet guinea pigs can hibernate.