Symptoms of a pregnant guinea pig

One of the first signs of pregnancy in guinea pigs is a change in their usual behavior. Even before we notice the physical signs, we may observe that our guinea pig is a little grumpier and more hostile than usual. It may also refuse to be manipulated and be less active than usual.

You will also notice that your guinea pig eats more and drinks more water. She is increasing her food intake to nourish the baby guinea pigs growing inside her. As females progress in their pregnancy, she may eat three times the amount of food she ate when she was not pregnant. If you give your guinea pig a varied diet of pellets, fruits, and vegetables, it will prefer the vitamin C-rich varieties during pregnancy, as it needs more of this nutrient during this time. Another sign of pregnancy is increased drinking of water. You may notice that you need to refill the water bottle more often than usual.

Moreover, pregnant guinea pigs might exhibit nesting behavior, attempting to create a comfortable area for their upcoming offspring. This behavior is instinctual and indicates the guinea pig's preparation for the new arrivals. Additionally, some guinea pigs may become more vocal during this time, expressing discomfort or simply communicating their needs and changes in mood.

Aside from the behavioral changes already mentioned, guinea pigs also undergo a physical change. As with any pregnancy, the mother's body undergoes significant physical changes to allow for the development, birth, and subsequent rearing of the newborns. If we want to know if our guinea pig is pregnant, we can look for the following signs:

Weight gain: this is the first physical sign of pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, we will notice that our guinea pig's belly appears larger. At first, it can be difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight. However, if you weigh your guinea pig regularly, you will notice that it is steadily gaining weight and may even double its original weight by the end of the pregnancy.

Sometimes with pregnant guinea pigs, you can even feel the miniature piggies forming inside the mother. Remember that not all pregnant guinea pigs want to be touched. So if they run away, hide or growl when your hands enter the cage, you should take them away immediately. In the weeks leading up to birth, if we gently place our hands on their belly, we may notice small movements or small lumps. If you feel lumps but they do not move, you should take your guinea pig to the veterinarian to be checked for pregnancy. If your guinea pig is not pregnant and has lumps, this could mean a serious health problem. In any case, it's a good idea to have your veterinarian check it out.

Our guinea pig will eventually take on a distinct pear shape. This is because her body is preparing to give birth and her pelvis is widening. It should get at least an inch wide, maybe even wider.

The breasts will enlarge and lengthen in preparation for lactation. It's also important to ensure your guinea pig receives enough calcium during this period, as it supports both the mother's and the developing babies' health.

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Once we have resolved 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, 1 to 6 pups are usually born. 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.

Understanding the gestation period is crucial for proper care. During the latter stages of pregnancy, ensuring the mother has a quiet and stress-free environment is essential. Stress can impact the health of both the mother and her unborn pups, potentially leading to complications.

If you have a pair of guinea pigs, it is important to separate the male from the pregnant one before giving birth and, above all, afterwards, so that it does not disturb the mother and young 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 that moment they will have continuous estrus every 16-18 days.

It should be noted that separating the male also helps in reducing stress levels for the expecting mother, allowing her to focus solely on the needs of her pups. Additionally, having a separate space ensures that the male does not unintentionally harm the newborns, who are delicate and require a calm environment to thrive. Monitoring the interactions between the mother and her pups is also crucial to ensure they are nursing properly and growing as expected.

If you want to read similar articles to Symptoms of a pregnant guinea pig, we recommend you visit our Gestation category.