Can you handle pregnant guinea pigs?
In the last couple weeks of pregnancy, you should handle your guinea pig as little as possible, and grooming requires a lot of handling. Baths are very stressful for pregnant guinea pigs. Therefore, you should avoid giving your guinea pig baths while she’s pregnant, especially as she gets closer to giving birth.
Can a female guinea pig get pregnant at 4 weeks?
It is worth noting that female guinea pigs can get pregnant at four weeks old. So, it should not come as a surprise if female and male pups are kept in one enclosure. 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.
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! Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace.
Can you keep a pregnant guinea pig at home?
Whilst guinea pigs should never be bred intentionally, coming home from the pet store with a guinea pig who is already pregnant is a common story. However, with the proper care, this risk can be significantly reduced and your pregnant guinea pig can be kept in good health. Look for symptoms of pregnancy.
What are the risks of a pregnant guinea pig?
Risks for Guinea Pigs During Pregnancy. One of the biggest risks in Guinea Pig pregnancy is age. Older Guinea pigs are susceptable to hip issues when pregnant, as a consequence, pregnancies in older guinea pigs may need to conclude with a cesarean section. Stress is also a risk in a pregnant Guinea Pig.
What are the first signs of a pregnant guinea pig?
Symptoms and Types. The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. In addition, pregnant guinea pigs ketosis may lead to death of the fetuses while still in the uterus. In other cases, a sick guinea pig may display signs such as: Loss of energy. Lack of appetite. Lack of desire to drink.
How can you tell if your guinea pig is pregnat?
Another way of telling if your guinea pig is pregnant is by noticing if they experience any weight changes. Take a kitchen scale and weigh your pet every week. If you see that they are steadily gaining weight, they may be pregnant. Many females can double in weight when they are pregnant.
How old do guinea pigs have to be to get pregnant?
Male guinea pigs can impregnate a female at as young as 3 weeks old and a female guinea pig can become pregnant at as young as 4 weeks old, so don’t be doubtful if your guinea pig is pregnant due to age.
Is it safe to keep guinea pigs while pregnant?
While rodents such as guinea pigs are popular pets, they present certain health risks to people who care for them, particularly pregnant women. Guinea pigs, especially those bought in pet stores or from mass breeders, may carry the lymphotic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and can pass this virus to people. When infected, pregnant women can pass the infection to their unborn children.
Nothing. Not quite! You’re right that when possible, you should avoid handling a heavily pregnant guinea pig. But longhaired breeds tend to get their hair dirty and tangled, so you need to do something to keep your guinea pig clean and healthy.
How do I know if my guinea pig is in labor?
You can try to feel the bones of her pelvis to give you a clue. In pregnant females, the underside of the pelvis bone (called the pubic symphysis) will start to separate a few days before birth, to allow room for the young to pass through. The separation will be an inch wide at the time of delivery.
What is the behavior of a pregnant guinea pig?
The signs of pregnancy toxaemia are abrupt onset of depression (quiet, weak, lethargic) and anorexia (not eating). They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. Risk reduction includes preventing obesity in the mother guinea pig and providing adequate energy in the diet late in gestation.
