When properly fed, you dont have to worry that she will eat her babies. One of which is probably: Will your guinea pig eat her babies? Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. Why would a pet guinea pig eat its own babies? Will Your Guinea Pig Eat Her Babies? (What You Need To Know) Female guinea pigs dont intentionally eat their babies nor do they kill them to eat them. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies - And How To Prevent It! A female needs to give birth for the first time before the age of 7 months. Newborn guinea pigs should be kept with their mom for at least 3 weeks. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. Bellinger, S. A. et al, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Behavioral Brain Research, 2015. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. They can impregnate mom and sisters! You should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables given daily and also consider pet-friendly supplements. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Individual size is generally linked to litter size, so the more siblings there are in a litter, the smaller they are each likely to be. Female guinea pigs take care of the hardest part as much as possible. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. Baby guinea pigs are unique in that they are born with their eyes open! Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. They need to stay with their mother guinea pigs and suck their milk, but they will quickly become active. Although guinea pigs need the presence of other guinea pigs, attention from human beings is also essential for their well-being. How many babies do guinea pigs have in their first litter? It's particularly common when introducing new guinea pigs for the first time. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. 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. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. Breeding and Reproduction of Guinea Pigs - All Other Pets - Merck A fully grown guinea pig is between 20 and 25 cm long. Calcium can be found in alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets, timothy hay and oranges. 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. How to Take Care of a Female Guinea Pig With Babies - wikiHow The causes are different for each species. 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. Guinea pig pregnancy seems short to us, but in fact it lasts a remarkably long time for their size. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? Make sure to feed your guinea pig hay of high quality. Guinea pigs definitely can eat clementines. Some of the cutest animals kill and devour their offspring. They will understand. Guinea pigs are social animals who rely on their families for support. It is famously difficult to sex baby rodents, so the easiest way to be sure which of your pups are girls and which are boys is to ask a more experienced mentor, or a vet, to help you. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is provide your guinea pig with plenty of love and attention, so it doesnt feel lonely. Guinea pigs need fresh water daily. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. It's often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. Although guinea pigs occasionally sneeze, frequent sneezing is a sign of pneumonia, especially in response to climate change. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. Its better to have a cage that is much larger than a cage that is too small. It is important to consider the space between the bars of your guinea pig cage. All of the babies are usually born within 30 minutes once labor begins. She is more likely to eat her babies as she can confuse the placenta and the babies. Most guinea pigs cages are designed for adult guinea pigs with a one inch space between the bars. Although they are capable of eating almost immediately, baby guineas do still need to nurse and they will seek milk about every two hours. Its normal to be upset and sad. When your guinea pig is pregnant her Vitamin C requirements double to around 20mg per day. Sows sometimes give birth during the night. Your Baby Guinea Pig - What To Expect And How To Look After Them You can find a mentor by asking your local cavy club to put you in touch with suitable experienced breeders. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. How Do Guinea Pigs Reproduce? (Breeding, Complications & More) The two main reasons why Guinea pigs may eat their babies is a result of hunger, or insufficient feeding. Why Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? - Clever Pet Owners But, when a pet parent has makes an intentional choice to breed, its really not worth the risk in most cases. Also, they should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay and water all the time. The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. If The Male Doesn't Believe the Babies Are His. Prepare to separate the male and female baby guinea pigs by at least three weeks of age. Orphans should be fed by an eyedropper or pet nurse within the first 12 to 24 hours of life. How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? Guinea pigs are social animals and may begin to experience depression-like symptoms when alone for too long. To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. At six weeks old baby guineas pigs are fully weaned, and have stopped nursing from their mother. And baby guinea pigs are capable of joining in from a very young age. Hey there, I'm Angela. They might surprise you with how busy and outgoing they are too. First of all, dont be too hard on yourself. Now, lets begin at the beginning. 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. Other guinea pig owners would like to breed their piggies. This is especially true if pet parents have not given their pregnant sow enough food. Guinea pigs don't wheek in the wild. i am so excited!!! They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. Be quiet and move slowly around baby guinea pigs. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? The larger the litter, the smaller the pups (as a general rule), so ideally you wouldn't want too many pups born at once. Your guinea pig will be frustrated if their youngsters are upset or stressed. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. Want to know more? Even their own children. However, you shouldnt touch the babies right after they are born. Use the tips in this post to understand why piggies eat their babies and to prevent it from happening. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. New Plymouth Vet Group. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. Calcium is very important for baby piggies as they are growing and developing. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. One of the ways they do this is through "wheeking". Its often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. You cannot do any harm by touching your adult guinea pig or its babies. 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. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. (700 to 1,100 grams), according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). However, dont keep them in the same cage for long. Any guinea pig lover would approve. Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. Its unwise to create more. But, can guinea pigs eat them? While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. Bear in mind this doesnt necessarily mean she is dangerously thin. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. Guinea Pig Lifespan How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? How Many Babies Do Guinea Pigs Have? - Guinea Pig Hub This can happen if the guinea pig is not being fed enough timothy hay, pellets, vitamin C supplements, etc. In the next section weve assembled some of the most commonly asked questions our readers have about their baby guinea pigs. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. Many living creatures eat other members of their species when necessary for survival. Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. An adult female guinea pig will never harm or eat newborn babies. Female baby guinea pigs on the other hand have a y-shaped genital opening, set much closer to the anus. For instance, most rats eat their babies. Male guinea pigs have a donut-shaped opening. As mentioned already, increased stress will make it much more likely that your guinea pig will eat her offspring. Try brushing your pets coats regularly as this can create soothing and pleasant connecting experiences. Watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. Dont separate them from their mother too soon. Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. National Geographic. This often happens when owners of female guinea pigs discover an unplanned pregnancy and arent able to care for all the babies. Pet owners know that keeping a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. Guinea pigs are not capable of "missing". It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Whining is typically a noise made by the more passive guinea pig to communicate to a guinea pig that is more pushy or dominant. A great way to get help raising your first litter successfully, and in recognising potential problems quickly, is by enlisting the support of a mentor. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. Baby guinea pig care - The Guinea Pig Manual. Individuals will be starting to show their own distinct personalities too. Since males can get any female guinea pig pregnant once they reach maturity - including their mothers - they're weaned and taken from their mother at three weeks old. They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. Talk to him with a soft voice and pet his head. In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? This is why you should do everything in your power to make your female piggy feel at ease. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. To understand why a guinea pig mother killing and gobbling up her offspring is so rare and why its still a possibility (although it is a long shot), you need to know a little bit about the dynamics of. (n.d.). Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. When baby guinea pigs grow up the males are called boars and the females are called sows. Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. We found the following cage on Amazon that worked really well. Just simply focusing on your guinea pigs and trying to chat with them every day can go a long way. Sometimes adults will do this with each other too. This can be very misleading especially when it comes to motherhood as many animals eat their offspring in certain circumstances. This can be startling and upsetting. If you look after the guinea pig mother regularly, she will allow you to touch her baby guinea pigs. They are able to see, hear and move around once they are born. 9. They need it in unlimited amounts, as it helps them keep their teeth trimmed and ensures the proper functioning of their sensitive digestive system. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? Guinea pigs may miss their parents, but more research must confirm this. Provide Your Sow with a Stress-Free Environment, Remain Vigilant During the First Twenty Four Hours, Keep The Babies With Their Mom As Much As Possible, Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? Besides, always separate baby guinea pigs from male guinea pigs. Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? (Find Out Now), Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Its easy to achieve in the first two weeks by keeping the whole litter together with their mom, but next week its time to start thinking about separating them. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. After your guinea pig has given birth, shell clean up the evidence left behind to stop predators from tracking down their scent. Approach them face-on, so they can see you coming. Garner-Richardson, V., Guinea Pig Nutrition, The Veterinary Nurse, 2013. It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. Secondly, even an experienced guinea pig mom might resort to eating her young if she is severely malnourished. Since their gestation lasts just 59-73 days, a female guinea pig is capable in theory of bearing five or even six litters a year. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. If you carefully run a finger over the area, you should be able to feel the shaft of their penis under the skin. For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. Firstly, please provide them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied. This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. You can do a few things to help your guinea pig cope when youre not around. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. Place one hand under their tummy and one behind their bottom, and hold the little guy close to you. Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? (Fun Facts) - Own Your Pet (Fun Facts). Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. Home - Guinea Pigs - Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? [The Surprising Truth] Merck Veterinary Manual. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. If they are isolated, they may become lonely and sad. Although pet guinea pigs eating their pups is a very rare incident, it does happen sometimes. What Are Common Health Problems in Guinea Pigs? Wanna Give Your Piggies the 5 STAR Treatment? (What Owners Need To Know)Continue, If you notice drool on your guinea pigs face it can be a sign that somethings wrong. Once the baby guinea pigs turn 3 to 4 weeks, separate them from their mother, especially male guinea pigs. This is especially important in guinea pigs, as they are highly social animals. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. But do all animals miss their babies as much as we do? The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. Look quickly because guinea pigs are not happy being held this way. The advantage of choosing the Midwest Habitat Plus is that it offers up to 8 square feet of space, its very affordable, and you can transfer your male guinea pig to a different section early. 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. Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. When you pick them up secure one hand beneath the stomach and one under the bottom and hold close to your chest. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. The good news is that its unlikely for your pregnant pet to eat her offspring.