Like all other mammals, guinea pigs reproduce after a period of heat. As with other animals, heat and reproduction have their particularities, and it is necessary to take them into account to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
If you want to know all about this and learn to identify when a guinea pig is in heat, then you can't miss this article from our place. Keep reading!
The guinea pig as a pet
Scientific name Cavia porcellus, the guinea pig, also called guinea pig, guinea pig, and guinea pig, among many other names, is a rodent originally from South America, although it is currently possible to find it on other continents.
Small in size, they barely reach 1 kilo in weight and their average lifespan is a maximum of 8 years. There is evidence of their domestication in the American territory dating back more than 2000 years, when they were raised for consumption. Today, it is considered one of the favorite pets, as its small size makes it a good company in modern apartments. It is a herbivorous animal that likes to eat fresh vegetables and various plants. For more information, see the article "Guinea pig care".
When do guinea pigs reach sexual maturity?
Sexual maturity in guinea pigs is gender dependent. The females reach it one month after being born, while themales are considered sexually mature when they are two months old In this way, we can verify that guinea pigs are very premature, which can start to reproduce quickly, something totally discouraged before five months of age in females.
To learn how to tell the difference between a male and a female, see the article "How to tell a male guinea pig from a female?".
When are male and female guinea pigs in heat?
Oestrus in guinea pigs is different for females and males, so below we detail its appearance and frequency by gender.
How often do female guinea pigs go into heat?
After reaching sexual maturity, the first oestrus appears. The female will go into heat once every 15 days and lasts between 24 and 48 hours, which means that is polyestrousIn this phase of the cycle, the female is receptive for a few hours, generally from 6 to 11, in which she accepts mating.
After pregnancy and parturition, females enter a state known as postpartum oestrus It occurs between 2 and 15 hours after having given birth, and the female returns to the oestrus phase. After giving birth, it is necessary to be very attentive and keep the male away, as he could mount the female again and she would be pregnant again.
Male guinea pig mating season
For his part, the male does not have a cycle when it comes to mating. He is polygamous, that is, he can mount all the females that are in heat, at any time of the year.
Do guinea pigs bleed when they are in heat?
This is a common question. Being mammals, we imagine that the cycle must be similar to the one that females of other species go through, and even women themselves. However, guinea pigs do not bleed during the oestrus phase, nor during any stage of gestation.
If you notice any type of bleeding in your guinea pig, go to the vet immediately to determine the causes of the bleeding, only then will you be able to attack the problem in time.
Behavior of guinea pigs during oestrus - Males and females
Now that you know how often guinea pigs come into heat, you need to know what the typical behavior of these animals is when they are in this period. Males and females change their character, here we tell you what happens to them.
Behavior of a female guinea pig in heat
During heat, females become more affectionate and cuddly, constantly seeking caresses and attention. Also, some try to mount their partners.
Although females reach maturity at 30 days of age, the ideal is for them to give birth before they are 7 months old, because their cartilage ossifies around this age, which can cause if you give birth after seven months suffer from dystocia, that is, a birthing problem that makes the offspring unable to come out, which would cause the death of the parent and unborn offspring.
Behavior of a male guinea pig in heat
For their part, the males do not have characteristics typical of the heat phase, as they are capable of mating at any time. However, it is possible to see a markedly aggressive behavior when they perceive that a female is in heat. If there is more than one male in the group, they will dispute the right to mount the females, as part of the courtship ritual.
Male males can mate throughout their lives, however, we do not advise keeping guinea pigs at home due to overpopulation and sheer numbers. number of guinea pigs abandoned in animal shelters.
After delivery and while rearing the babies, it is recommended to keep the male away. Although some adopt an indifferent attitude towards the young, others become aggressive and are capable of attacking them. Also, remember that the female can become pregnant again.
