Given the precocity and the ease with which guinea pigs reproduce, it is not uncommon for keepers to have doubts about whether or not their guinea pig has become pregnant. Therefore, in this article on our site we are going to explain how to know if a guinea pig is pregnant To do this, we will describe the fundamental changes that our guinea pig will go through if you are pregnant, as well as the most important characteristics of this period. If you want to know if your guinea pig is pregnant, read on!
Behavior of a pregnant guinea pig
If we adopt our guinea pig without knowing its previous life or we know that it has had contact with males, we are most certainly going to ask ourselves, as soon as we pick it up, how we can know if our guinea pig is pregnant. If we observe it carefully, from very early on, when physical changes are not yet possible, we can verify that our guinea pig is somewhat more surly and hostile In addition, she'll be more reluctant to be handled, she'll like it less when we fuck her, and she may be less active than usual. As for its behavior, we will not be able to identify many more changes but, on the contrary, the physical changes will be much more evident, as we will develop in the next section.
How do I know if my guinea pig is pregnant?
As in any pregnancy, the mother's body undergoes considerable changes in order to allow the development, birth and subsequent upbringing of newborns. If we want to know if our guinea pig is pregnant, we can look at the following signs:
- Increased thirst. From very soon it will be easy to realize that our guinea pig drinks more water. Therefore, we must always provide plenty of water and make sure it is clean.
- You will eat more. It is very important to increase your supply of vitamin C and adjust your diet to your new needs. Let's ask our vet for advice.
- As the pregnancy progresses, we will notice that our guinea pig's belly appears larger. At first it can be difficult to notice, especially if it is a chubby guinea pig (and they are animals with a tendency to put on weight).
- If we weigh her regularly we will verify that she constantly gains weight, being able to double her weight at the end of pregnancy.
- In the weeks prior to delivery, if we carefully rest our hands on the belly, we can notice small movements that are nothing more than the active pups inside the womb.
- Our guinea pig will eventually adopt a unmistakable pear shape.
- The breasts will enlarge and lengthen, preparing for breastfeeding.
- Shortly before giving birth, if we gently put our finger over the genitals, we will feel a bone or two. In the latter case, delivery is very close.
- Of course, our reference veterinarian and the ultrasound can answer questions and give us more information.
How long is a guinea pig pregnant?
Once we have solved how to know if our guinea pig is pregnant, if we discover that, in fact, it is, it is important that we know how long a guinea pig's pregnancy lasts. It can range between 56 and 74 days and during childbirth they usually give birth to 1 to 6 pups. These are born already able to feed themselves but must drink breast milk during the first month.
On the other hand, it is also important to know that from approximately 10 months, the pelvic bones of guinea pigs consolidate, maintaining a rigid structure that will prevent vaginal deliveries. That is why we cannot let females over a year old interbreed if we do not have proof that they have given birth before. For these cases and, in general, sterilization is recommended.
Do we have to separate the pregnant guinea pig from the male?
If you have a pair of guinea pigs, it is important to separate the male from the pregnant one before delivery and, above all, afterwards, to that it does not disturb the mother and calves and because a recently given birth female can become pregnant again immediately. This is so because, as soon as she gives birth, the female becomes fertile again and, therefore, the male will be able to mount her immediately. The guinea pig has had an energy loss during pregnancy and will continue to do so for the duration of lactation, which is why another pregnancy is not recommended without it recovering. For the same reason, after the month of breastfeeding, children must be separated from their mother and sisters. Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity very early, around 2-4 months. From then on they will have continuous heat every 16-18 days.
