pregnant guinea pig signs of laborpregnant guinea pig signs of labor

Caution: What makes guinea pigs very different from humans in pregnancy is their lactation patterns. Its a wise choice to breed these cavies before they are seven months old to widen their pelvis right before birth. }, Basic QuestionsAbout Guinea Pig Pregnancy. Most inexperienced Guinea pig "breeders" do not understand this concept. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Fingers crossed for you, my pigs will wheek for your sow! Has She Interacted With an Unneutered Male? Not always is it ensured that the mother will deliver her litter by natural means. The vitamin C required by a pregnant female is obviously more than that required by one that isnt pregnant. However, if your sow is not yet mature and is less than 6-8 months of age, she will still be growing and thus weight gain may not be indicative of pregnancy. At around 8-10 months of age, the pelvis bones of these cavies become tightly fused and unable to retrieve the babies. (Plus Tips to Keep Warm)Continue, Guinea pigs are well-known and adored for their plump, bean-like bodies. This happens not only in human pregnancy but also in the case of animals. She is eating a lot, drinking, and moving about the cage normally. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 450,304 times. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-2','ezslot_5',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-2-0');Fun Fact: You may think that the more the number of babies, the longer it takes for them to get born. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. Giving them their favorite toys and treats. Being able to feel the babies. Of course, as you probably already know, a break between two consecutive estrus cycles can be caused only by a pregnancy. Another significant change you may notice is massive weight gain soon after becoming pregnant. In order to ensure that both the mother and the young are healthy, its essential to be aware of the changes undergone by this animals body. For safety, working closely with your vet is essential during the whole cycle of your guinea pig pregnancy and in the birth process too. Report any suspected problem right away. Also, one may observe a mucous discharge from the vulva. She still has at least 2 living babies. This way you can keep track of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be indicative of a pregnancy. awww. I did all, "I think that it was great help. This article has 20 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. Guinea pigs need additional vitamin C during pregnancy, so you might see her favor fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C over those lacking it. Whether pregnant or not, it is wise to monitor the weight of your pets. These young ones can eat big pig food like hay, even on the first day of life. Such a piggy turns out to be defensive or territorial towards others. Your sow can be pregnant, and you dont notice it, or you realize some change of behaviors, e.g., distancing itself and reluctance to move, when shes close to giving birth. In long-haired breeds, it gets even worse. If you have two pregnant guinea pigs and live peacefully with each other, you may want to keep them in the same cage. . Its ethanol extract can induce labor in pregnant guinea pigs by either intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection; . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Another clearly observable sign is the female making hiccup sounds, beginning to crouch down, and licking around her bottom. If several fetuses are present, you will feel several bumps spaced across her tummy, each of a similar size. Then there is a point when her hips begin to spread to allow the passing of the babies down the birth channel. ", the things on wikiHow and my guinea pig gave birth to three boys and one girl. For instance, you may realize your piggy is resting and hiding more than usual during this period. Avoid making changes to a pregnant sow's cage, like removing toys or putting the cage in a totally new location. So I am morally obligated to answer it. The gestation period usually lasts about eight and a half to nine weeks. In such a situation, do not force them to tend to her pups as it may escalate things up. However, do not assume that your guinea pig is pregnant based on just how much she is eating or drinking. I researched, stressed, slept . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3','ezslot_6',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3','ezslot_7',129,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-129{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Mothers start lactating after about 8 days. You should absolutely, Alfalfa hay is rich in calcium and protein. Reduce her exposure to loud noises or bright lights, including direct sunlight. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If your guinea pig is pregnant, talk with your vet and learn the date its likely to give birth. You shouldnt give it less food than it needs, nor overfeed it. The afterbirth will be a round flat bloody object ranging in size from a nickel to a quarter. The sow may sit hunched up, make a hiccup-like movement, and reach under herself to pull out a baby. But make sure your handling of her is minimal. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Even though having a vet all the time is not convenient. Update - No babies yet. If your guinea pig gives birth longer than this or shows s signs of struggling, she needs immediate attention from a veterinarian, as they frequently require assistance when giving . Feed your pregnant cavy a mixed diet of grass and grass hay, high-quality pellet (explicitly designed for cavies), green leafy vegetables, a small amount of vitamin C-rich foods, e.g., spinach, citrus, etc. Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity early in their life- as early as six weeks!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-1','ezslot_18',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-1-0'); So, remember that when you are wondering about the probable pregnancy of your guinea pigs. If you are present, and she is still cleaning up a baby and is not tending to the next one, get a clean towel and carefully pick the baby up, take the sac off the baby, and rub it gently to make sure it is breathing. ", all. Your email address will not be published. The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it the most translationally relevant rodent species. The signs of pregnancy toxaemia are abrupt onset of depression (quiet, weak, lethargic) and anorexia (not eating). Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. For instance, a 2 Ibs sow may augment up to 4 Ibs by the end of the pregnancy. If you are reading this article then most likely the answer is, Yes! Guineas are not for everyone, but those who have them love their pets dearly. When pregnant the pelvic area relaxes due to the hormonal changes. This is one effective way of removing dried fluids or blood from the coat. Try to provide a welcoming and stress-free environment for your pet during these final weeks. Research source A few weeks later I noticed she was getting bigger, I was curious to see if she was pregnant. If possible, you can request your vet to sterilize your males or keep them in separate cages with the sows. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. But when she is, you have no choice but to give nothing less than the perfect. Please pay attention to her diet, housing condition, health, and environment, to ensure they are at their best standard. Moreover, remove any other soiled bedding from the area and leave a clean and comfortable room for the mother to care for the young. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Pregnancy can have a number of complications for the sow, the female guinea pig, including toxaemia (metabolic imbalance), dystocia (difficulty giving birth), and post-partum difficulties (such as seizures due to low calcium levels). Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. 3. It supplies extra calcium to the mother, and babies need it too. Oxbow Animal Health Organic Bounty Adult Guinea Pig Food All Natural Adult Guinea Pig Food. Swollen Teats and Belly This is an obvious sign of pregnancy but is unfortunately not usually apparent until around three months of gestation. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. My Animals A blog on tips, care and everything related to the world of animals. 2012 2023 . Normal labor should be short and sweet. For obvious reasons, your guinea pig needs extra nutrition when she is pregnant. If there is a sensitive stage that requires extra care and caution, it is during pregnancy in guinea pigs. Ultrasounds are non-invasive and do not require sedation. The mother will wash down the pups and chew off their umbilical cord. Guinea pigs have many pregnancy complications that risk losing the babies or sometimes the mother. Guinea pig's pregnancy lasts very long if you compare it with other rodents. Your pet piggys appetite multiplies, and she starts to eat more than usual. Symptoms and Types Bleeding from the uterus/vagina Discomfort/pain Extended straining during labor without actually delivering the fetus Part of the fetus may be seen at the vaginal canal, but the labor does not progress Expected due date comes and goes Causes 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. The gestation period for pregnant guinea pigs is 60 to 70 days. I have actually found a home for all of the babies, and C&C cages are being built for all of them. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. have company. And hand those records to your vert during his weekly visit so that he can comprehend the situation in hand better. If you notice your guinea pig eating and drinking more, look for other signals. Lets see! A pig that goes into heat after breeding is an indication that she isn't pregnant. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Well, not too many similarities are shared by guinea pigs and humans in their pregnancy. Medical Disclaimer: VIVOPets.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. The most important thing for the mother is to feed herself in a balanced way. But it contains more than necessary amounts for a regular guinea pig. The whole process should take no more than 40 minutes. Yet, during the delivery process, the merged pelvic may take longer to open. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. Now you know that age is a primary factor in breeding female guinea pigs to avoid problems with delivery. In theory, guinea pigs can give up to 5 litters per year. This is because the strain and pressure implicated puts at risk the life of a female guinea pig. So then, waiting until the pig is sexually mature is paramount, plus it should not be too old to give birth. Of course, much much cuter! Guinea pig pregnancy, there is a fine line between it sounding scary and it sounding heartening. This is easily detectable by squeezing the teats. More extra care is necessary during this time. JavaScript is disabled. You can also touch her abdomen gently to feel for piglets in the womb. In this article, we're going to tell you some great fun facts about guinea pigs, from where they get their name from, to how they communicate. After some bleeding last night, I stayed up with her and she had no signs of contractions or labor. In guinea pigs, you may be able to feel the tiny pups forming inside the sow. Due to several factors including age, weight, other diseases, nutritive health, etc., females could be inefficient of nourishing and/or delivering the litter. She eats those to keep predators from discovering the babies. Note that the guinea pig gestation period decreases with litter size. Make sure to use a soft and clean towel. That indicates that your guinea pig is pregnant. Yet, they may emit a similar sound after the baby comes out. None of the rabbits or guinea pigs developed clinical signs of obstruction during the study, and the recorded sand volumes represented 1.0 1.2% of the 14-d sand intake in rabbits and 0.2 0.2% . Anna, Expert. It happens when you have no idea your piggy pet is expectant, and it catches you by surprise by giving birth. And I am reading everything I can about labor and delivery again, to prepare. Anything above that required an emergency vets attention. Jane is an advocate for animal welfare and supports organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. For an effective process, ensure that your pregnant sows consume fresh veggies and fruits hay each day. Their physical and mental well-being are directly linked to their emotional state. To learn more about what to expect during the pregnancy, read on! The duration of a normal birthing process is 30 minutes. The pig loses appetite and seems depressed. Symptoms include refusal to eat, lethargy, and rapid weight loss. They will be more evident when its one week to the birth process. The first noticeable sign on a pregnant sow is an increased appetite. It is also an indication that the first stage of labor is happening. So, it is vital that you know which stage of pregnancy your guinea pig is. 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