do guinea pigs miss their babies do guinea pigs miss their babies

Within twenty-four hours they can start to eat grass, produce, hay, and pellet feed just like adults. The average guinea pig litter is 2 to 4 pups. Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. There are several major ideas about why would a guinea pig eat the babies: When they are small and weak, its much easier to keep baby guinea pigs away from male guinea pigs. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. 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. Additionally, when her babies are born she may eat them in order to prevent them from taking up the little space she has. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. All rights reserved. In general, the color of Abyssinian guinea pigs is associated with congenital eye defects and digestive problems. Donnelly, T. M. and Brown, C. J., Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry, Veterinary Clinics Exotic Animal Practice, 2004. Calcium is very important for baby piggies as they are growing and developing. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. When baby guinea pigs grow up the males are called boars and the females are called sows. The next thing you need to take care of is that make sure that their cages are heavy, comfortable, and not escapable. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. The gestation period is about 59 to 72 days or about two months. This is a question that many guinea pig owners have. Change the water daily. (Find Out Now), Filial Cannibalism (and 7 Reasons Why Some Animal Moms Dine On Their Babies). Bellinger, S. A. et al, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Behavioral Brain Research, 2015. This is why you should do everything in your power to make your female piggy feel at ease. The good news is that its unlikely for your pregnant pet to eat her offspring. 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. Unlike many other animals in the animal kingdom, guinea pigs are not self-sufficient. Watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. By giving them enough time with their mother, you reduce the risk that she will reject them. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. It is important to make sure that the pups begin nursing within the first few hours of birth. (Fun Facts). This little interaction will enable him warm to the introduction of a new cage mate better. They will nurse every two hours for the first three weeks. Weve already covered the reproductive cycle of guinea pigs and pregnancy and how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, so you can learn much more about these topics in our articles. She is also teaching them how to interact with other guinea pigs. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Kill Their Young? Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. Besides, always separate baby guinea pigs from male guinea pigs. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, Why do animals sometimes kill their babies? Although they are capable of eating almost immediately, baby guineas do still need to nurse and they will seek milk about every two hours. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. 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. Guinea pig pregnancy seems short to us, but in fact it lasts a remarkably long time for their size. (Find Out Now), Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? (Find Out Now), 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know), Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? This often happens when owners of female guinea pigs discover an unplanned pregnancy and arent able to care for all the babies. Give herenough food as she needs nourishment, so never have her food bowl empty. Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. Im guessing you probably have a lot of questions about guinea pig pregnancies. Your guinea pig wont eat its babies if you touch them. My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. The mother may eat her babies if one or more of her litter dies, or she is under a lot of stress. However, they will continue to feed on their mothers milk as well. A mix of alfalfa and timothy hay could keep the mother full and prevent this from happening. From the moment they are born they are unusually mature and capable of looking after themselves. Watch this video to learn more about guinea pig. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! Yes, female guinea pigs do nurse their young for a few weeks after birth. Although they spring out with open eyes and fully furred, piggie pups are still small and fragile at first. New babies are born with teeth, claws, and fur. 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. They will begin to wriggle and move about as soon as theyve been licked clean by their mom. If you are unsure if the guinea pig is missing its baby, you may not be able to know if it is ill and needs to see a veterinarian. When we discovered that our guinea pig was pregnant we had so many questions about newborn baby guinea pigs and what to expect once they were born. Well, your guess is as good as mine guinea pigs sure miss their owners when theyre absent for so long. Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . Also, after delivery, the mother guinea pig can eat babies accidentally, while eating the placenta. (Find Out Now)Continue, Choosing the right materials to use a as a cage liner for your guinea pigs cage can seem daunting especially when youre a new pet parent. Even if guinea pigs cannot express emotions the way other pets like dogs or cats do, it doesnt mean they dont miss their owners when left alone for long. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140328-sloth-bear-zoo-infanticide-chimps-bonobos-animals, Your Guinea Pigs Pregnancy: The Stages of Pregnancy. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. The babies shouldn't be separated from their mothers for at least a month. It can be hard to tell when your pregnant guinea pig is going to deliver her babies because unlike dogs and cats, they do not prepare a nest. They Talk to You A.K.A. Guinea pigs can eat their babies if they lack nutrition. If your sow has eaten her own babies, you may want to consider changing her living conditions. Many time, the pup gets killed accidentally and the mother eats it because she has a survival instinct. You can certainly handle a little, because it wont make their mother reject them. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. In this article, we will focus on some important aspects of caring for guinea pig babies. So, pet parents should be cautious and prepared when dealing with pregnant sows. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. CLICK HERE to check the price. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. The answer to this question is not entirely clear. Its understandable to feel that way. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs), Baytril For Guinea Pigs (Side Effects, Efficacy, Dosage & FAQs), Signs Your Guinea Pig Hates You (Top 7 & And How to Fix It). While carrying babies, the guinea pig mother needs extra energy. If your guinea pig consistently has enough extra food, the chances of her needing to eat her pups drop to near zero. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. Sometimes, male Guinea pigs will eat pups if they were fathered by another cavy. How Few Is Too Few? Keep in mind that guinea pigs are not the best choice to raise other female guinea pigs babies. 15 Best Pet Freshwater Fish For Beginners. If you keep a male guinea pig with the mother and babies, introduce them slowly, so there is no aggression between the two adults. Talk to him with a soft voice and pet his head. RELATED: CLICK HERE for 99 cute guinea pig names to help you choose. Having a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. Guinea pigs do not share a similar parent-child bond like that of their siblings with their parents. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. In this article weve answered some frequently asked questions about newborn baby guinea pigs like: Whether you have a surprise guinea pig pregnancy or a planned one, there are a few things you will want to prepare in advance to make sure you are ready when your newborn baby guinea pigs arrive. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. There are different ways you can give your guinea pigs attention, and one of them is a good, old-fashioned daily petting session. 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. Well chart the milestones of their first days and weeks, and find out what to expect if you discover your female guinea pig is expecting. 3 hours ago WebBaby Guinea Pig Diet The first week of life is critical. You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. But if you have a tiny little guinea pig with a noteworthy squeak, this name is pretty darn adorable. Briscoe, T.A., et al, Cardiovascular and renal disease in the adolescent guinea pig after chronic placental insufficiency, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2004. Signs of Guinea pig loneliness, depression, and boredom include hair chewing, hiding, refusing to be handled, and general irritability. Where can I find baby guinea pigs for sale? Equally, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their babies because they dont eat meat. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. Now, lets begin at the beginning. Sufficient nutrition, a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass, keeps female guinea pigs hydrated and can prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies. It is rare, but it does happen. But, can guinea pigs eat them? However, you shouldnt touch the babies right after they are born. We hope youve enjoyed this in depth article about cute baby guinea pigs!Guinea pig pups are quite unlike most other baby animals. While the baby boars can be separated in just three weeks once they are fully weaned, the baby sows can remain with the mother for up to 4 weeks from the time of birth. Now, if you have a dog or even a cat, you are sure it misses you when you have to go to work but do guinea pigs miss their owners? Guinea pigs mature quickly and will begin to nibble the hay, pellets and veggies fed to their mother within 24 hours. How long before you can handle baby guinea pigs? Most species clean their offspring with their tongue and so do your little friends. If you have an affectionate male guinea pig, you can introduce the babies when they are in the same cage. A fully grown guinea pig is between 20 and 25 cm long. Witkowska, A. et al, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig, Journal of Animal Health and Behavioural Science, 2017. Guinea pigs can recognize their owners and other people they know and trust. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies if You Touch Them? Theyve learned all the skills they need for independence, and theyre ready to leave the nest. More research must be conducted to determine whether or not guinea pigs truly miss their babies when they are apart. An indoor cage size of 18" x 24" (45 x 60 cm) should comfortably accommodate a guinea pig. It is also quite normal for baby guinea pigs to whine when approached by a much bigger and older guinea pig. Sometimes it happens accidentally. Following delivery, your guinea pig mama will be exhausted and hungry. (Find Out Now)Continue. Kind, K.L., Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, American Journal of Physiology, 2005. After three weeks, the baby guinea pig can be separated from its mother and placed with other guinea pigs or its owner. Its important to remember that guinea pigs are prey animals and they can get intimidated very easily. A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. What is always important is to provide your pet guinea pigs with the best living conditions for the survival of the mother and the babies. 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. Guinea pigs have a good sense of hearing, so they will potentially even be able to hear you coming from down the hall. Do guinea pigs remember their parents? The same goes for males. Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. Giving birth is very stressful for the guinea pig mother and the babies. For instance, most rats eat their babies. Its important to know what signs to look out for so you can keep your piggies happy and healthy. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. Baby guinea pigs typically stay with their mother for about three weeks, but this can vary depending on the situation. Some guinea pigs even put up great resistance to this. Female baby guinea pigs on the other hand have a y-shaped genital opening, set much closer to the anus. The causes are different for each species. However, separate male guinea pig babies from their mothers when they turn about two months old. They use them to form social bonds and initiate mating, attract the attention of herd members over great distances, communicate sadness, and sound the alarm. This is because, in the wild, guinea pigs are usually found in herds, so you should try to create that level of interaction for your domesticated guinea pigs. But, when a pet parent has makes an intentional choice to breed, its really not worth the risk in most cases. mypetguineapig.com may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the page. This is one of the biggest reasons why a sow will engage in filial cannibalism. Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. 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. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. Once the pups arrive, monitor them closely to make sure nursing is established within 12 hours. 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. And within a few hours nursing should be established. One reason why a guinea pig mother might eat one of her pups is that she is extremely malnourished. Some guinea pig moms have their maternity care kicked in as they give birth while others take some time . So, if youve been wanting to know if guinea pigs usually miss their owners, we hope you have the answer now. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. Why would a pet guinea pig eat its own babies? But most people think of it as being around four weeks old, when they reach sexual maturity. Popcorning is an incredibly descriptive term to describe the frenzied bursts of energetic jumping, bumping and hopping about that guinea pigs engage in. If this is the case, you obviously dont need to take these steps. Guinea pigs are fragile animals at any age but especially during their early days of life. If the mother is experiencing starvation , she may eat her offspring as an ultimate last resort. Provide a pregnant guinea pig with extra food, water, and nutrients. (And yes, its one of the more gruesome animal interactions in the wild.). But, fruit should only be given as an occasional treat. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? See Also: Care Show details Their paws and head are comically outsized in proportion to their body, and they already have a full coat of fur. It's often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. However, new guinea pig owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment. The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. Guinea pigs weigh between 700 and 1200g. At the end of the day we removed the fleece bedding, washed it and replaced it with a fresh fleece liner. Simon or George More classic goodies. Handling them too much too soon can disrupt the bond they need with their mother in order to nurse from her, and huddle against her for warmth. However, dont keep them in the same cage for long. 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. Make sure your pig has a lot of food. They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. Guinea pig babies are born quickly. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. Guinea pigs can typically handle labor and delivery without intervention; however, guinea pigs can die during the birthing process. Baby guinea pigs are capable of digesting solid food very soon after birth (within hours). 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. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. 9. Garner-Richardson, V., Guinea Pig Nutrition, The Veterinary Nurse, 2013. This is where they learn how to bond and behave in a herd. These colorful, chore charts will help you keep track of when to feed your fuzz butts, clean their cages, and much more. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. (n.d.). Guinea pigs need fresh water daily. This is especially important in guinea pigs, as they are highly social animals. Regarding animal parents, there is no greater love than that of a mother for her young. Honestly, I dont feel like its worth the risk. This page is stuffed full of information about how to care for your baby guinea pig. Whereas there are over 13 Guinea Pig breeds, English, Abyssinian, and Peruvian Guinea Pigs are the most well-liked. If you bring home your baby guinea pig at seven weeks old, youll find all the information you need to raise them in our guide to guinea pigs as pets. Calcium can be found in alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets, timothy hay and oranges. He may also help to nurse the babies. This way they can easily confuse their predator and a group of guinea pigs doing this is known as a stampede.. The female pups can be weaned the following week at four weeks of age. Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. If the litter is too large, the mama . If you want some more information on guinea pig interactions, check out these posts: The Truth About Single Guinea Pigs (Is It Okay To Just Have One?) Hi there! Guinea pigs should be kept indoors. However, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. For example, guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, and their ears which look huge at the moment can already hear. Do everything you can to fulfill the wants and needs of the pregnant female, to make her feel safe and comfortable. Baby guinea pig care - The Guinea Pig Manual. This is especially true if pet parents have not given their pregnant sow enough food. She checked each one of them and licked them clean immediately following their birth. Let's hear it for the boys. So, I took some time to do some research on it for you. (And How? Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Eat Their Young? (What You Need To Know)Continue. It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. Guinea Pigs do best when living with at least one similar companion, and pets that live without another Guinea pig sometimes become lonely and depressed. Also, they should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay and water all the time. (Find Out Now), https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/i-think-my-guinea-pig-might-be-pregnant-what-should-i-do/, https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140328-sloth-bear-zoo-infanticide-chimps-bonobos-animals, https://lakeshorepethospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guinea_Pig_Pregnancy.pdf, Removing the male guinea pig(s) will also. But many experts recommend that pups be weaned as late as 6 weeks. While it might not be anything to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of sickness. Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? Guinea pigs can eat a lot of different types of fruit. If youre going to be away for an extended period, you may also want to consider finding a friend or family member to care for your guinea pig in your absence. Theyre filled with Vitamin C and other essential nutrients that guinea pigs need. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 1 out of 5 of the mothers dying during birth. There are, Read More 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs DroolContinue, What fruits can guinea pigs eat? Weaning age depends on several factors including the pups weight, the mothers milk supply, and the number of siblings. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. Although pet guinea pigs eating their pups is a very rare incident, it does happen sometimes. Do guinea pigs get attached to their babies? If one or two guinea pig pups seem to suddenly vanish from their cage, it doesnt necessarily mean theyve been eaten. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. Three weeks marks the earliest point at which pups may stop nursing from their mother. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. Rather, they belong to a rodent species called cavies. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. But, if one or more of her litter is stillborn, she may eat it. (What You Need To Know), Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines? Wed love to hear from you in the comments below. Thankfully, its only done when the mother feels she doesnt have any other option. Even then, they must be handled very gently. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. This was the most surprising thing to me! Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? Paying lots of brief visits to your litter with mother, and getting them used to gentle handling without worrying them are going to be a vital foundation of good socialization. Guinea Pig Lifespan How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? Can the male guinea pig stay with the mother and babies? My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. If your guinea pig is hanging out near you while . The guinea pig fathers dont play any role in taking care of the litter, and can do more harm than good (sorry piggie dads!). The sow eating her pups may be starving. 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. 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. After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. You can take some precautions to lower the risk of a guinea pig baby being eaten. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. When the pregnant guinea pig is about to give birth, the male guinea pig must be separated from her because, within 12 hours after giving birth, she can become pregnant again. Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. Guinea pig babies are called "pups" when they are born and are birthed into litters. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. An adult female guinea pig will never harm or eat newborn babies. Whats your experience with newborn baby guinea pigs? 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. They need it in unlimited amounts, as it helps them keep their teeth trimmed and ensures the proper functioning of their sensitive digestive system. Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? 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. However, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not this is true. So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. Berryman, J. C., Guineapig Vocalizations: Their Structure, Causation and Function, Ethology, 1976.