So, you’re thinking about getting a guinea pig, or maybe you’ve already taken the plunge and brought one home. Congratulations!
These furry little creatures make wonderful pets. But if you’re planning on breeding your guinea pigs, there’s a bit more to think about. Here’s what you need to know about how to care for a pregnant guinea pig.
How Long Does Guinea Pig Pregnancy Last?
When it comes to guinea pig pregnancies, there is no fixed gestation period. A normal range of pregnancy length is between 59 and 72 days; however, some guinea pigs may take longer or shorter than this to give birth.
It’s important to pay attention when keeping track of a pregnant guinea pig’s progress — both the mother’s health and the size of her expanding belly can provide clues about when she will be ready for delivery.
In some cases, complex veterinary care such as X-rays may be called for if signs suggest that labor will not start on its own before the end of the gestation period.
In any case, being aware of the length of a guinea pig pregnancy is essential to provide timely and necessary care.
How Do You Know When a Guinea Pig Is About To Give Birth?
One of the most exciting experiences with a guinea pig is witnessing the birth of a young. Since guinea pigs are small, they tend to birth quickly and sometimes unassisted, so knowing when it’s about to happen is beneficial for both you and your pet.
A few telltale signs indicate a guinea pig is close to giving birth. You may notice her looking uncomfortable or restless while moving around her cage. She can also get unusually vocal at this point due to stress and restlessness.
Knowing the mating history of your guinea pig is important since it gives you an exact time window for expecting new arrivals.
Dismantling of nests by the pregnant female and excessive coat grooming are some other everyday activities seen just before giving birth and these should be monitored closely.
Lastly, if your female guinea pig becomes particularly affectionate and seeks cuddles, it might signify that she is getting ready for delivery.
How Do I Prepare My Guinea Pig To Give Birth?
Giving birth can be a nerve-wracking experience for both mother and baby. If you’re a guinea pig owner and your pet is expecting, it’s important that you carefully prepare to ensure that the birth goes as smoothly as possible.
First, before the big day arrives, make sure that your guinea pig has been checked by a veterinarian, and confirm that all nutritional needs are being met with a proper diet.
Secondly, plan and have everything she may need for the delivery, such as towels and blankets ready for her nesting box. Finally, keep an eye out for any signs of labor so that you can respond accordingly if any problems arise during delivery.
By taking these steps to properly prepare your pet before giving birth, you can give both mom and baby the best chance at a safe pregnancy and delivery.
What To Do After Guinea Pig Gives Birth?
After your guinea pig gives birth, there are a few key steps to take to ensure the health of both the mother and her babies. As soon as possible, check that they have been born alive and move them to a separate cage, although the mother should still be able to see her offspring.
Make sure that the cage is warm and dry, and provide a large enough space for all of them. In addition, feed the expectant mother a high-fiber diet before labor begins and continue with it for at least 3-4 days after birth.
During this time, keep an eye out for any signs of illness or abnormal behavior from either mom or her babies, such as lethargy or diarrhea. A healthy diet is essential at this important time – guinea pigs require 70% hay in their diets and fresh vegetables should also be included several times per week.
Taking these steps will help ensure the happiness and well-being of your entire guinea pig family.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are social animals and love companionship. Expect your guinea pig to want to be around you often, especially during pregnancy when she may feel a little vulnerable.
Don’t worry if she doesn’t want to be handled as much as usual, this is normal behavior for a pregnant guinea pig.
Be sure to provide her with plenty of fresh hay, vegetables, and water so that she stays healthy throughout her pregnancy. Congratulations on your soon-to-be-arriving baby guinea pigs!
