Such relaxation of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy occurs in humans, guinea pigs and bats (Thoms 1936, O'Connor et al. However, the week before a sow is about to deliver a litter, a slowly widening separation of the pelvis develops just in front of the external genitalia. How will I know if my guinea pig is pregnant? I didn't check them yesterday, so I don't know how long she's been ready. The larger the litter, the shorter the term of pregnancy and vice versa. Pups are born fully furred with teeth and open eyes. Two or more pigs presented in the birth canal at the same time. Pregnant sows should be supplemented with calcium and vitamin C for their growing pups. of the pelvis become fused and unable to separate. The duration of pregnancy for guinea pigs is unusually long when compared with that of other rodents. The period during which the female is receptive to the male and will allow breeding lasts about 8 hours. Breeding often reduces the lifespan of female guinea pigs and starting to breed after 8 months of age can be very dangerous for a female guinea pig. For guinea pigs giving birth, labor is visible if you observe the pig’s sides. Difficulties During Birth. Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. The pelvis of the female guinea pig fuses at approximately 6 months of age. Female guinea pigs intended for breeding must be first bred before 7 months of age. I'm not sure when my piggies (both pregnant) are due...I've had them 52 days now, so they are at LEAST that far along, but since I don't know exactly when they got pregnant before I got them I'm assuming the babies could come at any time now. If you have something NEW to talk about for a pig, please update your OLD thread for this pig. Pregnant sows should not be allowed to become obese. Guinea pigs are large for rodents; the common pet breeds weigh between 700 and 1,200 g (1.5 and 2.6 lb) when fully grown and measure between 20 and 25 cm (8 and 10 in) in length. Most guinea pigs give birth in the daytime hours. You will need to plan their mating carefully to fall between these windows, taking into account their nine week gestation period. Guinea pig births are generally fast affairs, with the first pup appearing within five minutes of labor commencing. There is no single cause for this condition, but stress and obesity are major predisposing factors. You can also add it to her water. If the first breeding is delayed beyond this time, serious (sometimes life-threatening) problems with delivery are encountered. © Mayne Veterinary Clinic Registered in England No. Signs of dystocia include straining and uterine bleeding. This was my biggest fear about guinea pigs giving birth, In my guide “Before And After Getting Your Puppy” I talk in a big section about all the solutions to avoid that. When a female guinea pig is pregnant, she will need more vitamins and minerals in her diet than before. In fact, just one guinea pig should have at least 7.5 square feet of space to explore. Before we can tend to the needs of our guinea pig, we need to ensure they are indeed pregnant. Introduce the breeding pair. Rotation of the womb. Very large piglets and a small pelvis. To be on the safe side make sure that the mating takes place at least eleven weeks before they have their first birthday. To see this yourself have a look at the genitals & you should see this just in front of them. Terms & Conditions. Fasting and stress must be avoided, especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Estrogens before birth and development of sex-related reproductive traits in the female guinea pig. Male guinea pigs should be about three to four … Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. When a Guinea Pig Sow is about (in the next 2 days) to give birth her pelvis will start to slowly widen, to over 2.5cms when she is in the hours before they are due. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. The cause of this is the normal stiffening of the symphysis (a joint of tough fibrous cartilage between the 2 pubic bones of the pelvis) when the female reaches adulthood. Have the health of both guinea pigs checked out by a vet before you mate them. Pelleted/muesli diets should not be overfed, as this can cause large babies which they may struggle to pass, although do not attempt to diet overweight guinea pigs at this time as this can lead to a fatal condition called pregnancy toxaemia. She will give out a cry just as she goes into labor, and it will take about five minutes to birth a pup. The circumstances bringing the guinea pig into our homes means we may not even be sure of how old our cavies are, if they have yet reached sexual maturity or if they have been in contact with a male. We WANT the pig's history withOUT having to poke back around on old threads. Privacy Policy As with real pigs, female guinea pigs are called sows and males are called boars. Registered Office: 81 Bergholt Rd, Colchester CO4 5AF. Bleeding from the uterus/vagina According to Guinness World Records, as of 2006, the … If the first breeding is delayed beyond this time, serious (sometimes life-threatening) problems with delivery are encountered. If you are going to mate two guinea pigs from two different homes then keep them apart for at least two weeks to ensure that there are no health issues and no mites. Failure of the cervix to relax and open. Some livestock breeds weigh 3 kilograms (6.6 lb) when full grown. Since baby guinea pigs are born fully furred and ready to go, the mother guinea pig is at increased risk of experiencing health problems during and after pregnancy. A guinea pigs pelvic bones will separate about a fingers width a day or so before she is going to give birth. In those cavies that are not bred before 7 months of age, … Before we talk about the stages of your guinea pig’s pregnancy, let’s make certain that your guinea pig is already pregnant. Your vet will evaluate the pregnant sow by direct exam and by taking x-rays. The young are able to crawl within minutes, stand shortly after birth… Guinea pig gestation is approximately … It is not uncommon for their body weight to double during pregnancy. Some afflicted sows may show no signs, and then suddenly die. If a vaginal delivery of the young is not possible, a caesarean section will be necessary. If the first breeding is delayed beyond this time, serious (sometimes life-threatening) problems with delivery are encountered. However, if we suspect pregnancy, we can look out for the following signs: Guinea pigs are prone to scurvy because they cannot make their own vitamin C. So, you’ll need to add extra vitamin C foods into her diet. A female guinea pig who is first bred after 7 or 8 months of age could be at risk of dystocia (difficult birth) because the pelvic bones have fused together with too little separation because she was not bred earlier. Female guinea pigs intended for breeding must be first bred before 7 months of age. Click here to find out using our symptom guide. Breeding the females when they are between four and eight months of age, when the symphysis is most capable of stretching, preventing pregnancy altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs separately, or spaying and neutering your guinea pigs are the only ways to avoid dystocia in guinea pigs. The average number of days female guinea pigs stay pregnant is 65 days. An uncomplicated delivery usually requires about 1/2 hour, with an average of 5 minutes between delivery of each baby. Ginny's still feels together. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). 3. Question about separation of pubic bones prior to birth. If the first breeding is delayed beyond this time, serious (sometimes life-threatening) problems with delivery are encountered. If a pig is bred after her pelvis fuses, she will most likely not be able to deliver her babies on her own and will need a cesarean section. Anyway, I have been reading the the guinea pig's pubic bones will separate a centimeter or so a day or two before she gives birth. But I expected Hermione would be the first to give birth - she apears to have more pups and her belly is much larger than Ginny's! The time of delivery may be difficult to determine because of the relatively long gestation period and because pregnant sows do not build nests. Do NOT start multiple threads for the same guinea pig. The ADMINs will edit your thread title for you if necessary. They are unusually large and fully furred, and can walk about. The only fairly accurate method that helps to determine roughly when the sow is close to giving … Oh my goodness...I just checked my girls while cleaning their cage and Hermione's bones ARE now separated a centimeter or so! Newborn guinea pigs, also known as “pups” or “young”, are very well developed at birth (birth weight 50-100 grams or 1.75-3.5 ounces). Answer (1 of 16): Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine when a guinea pig is about to give birth. You should seek veterinary help immediately if you notice any of these signs. What special changes do I need to make if my guinea pig is pregnant? Pregnancy lasts an average of 63 days. I couldn't find where in the world the pelvic bones were, so i … After the first pup, your sow should deliver … This is called a “postpartum oestrus,” which means that they can be nursing a litter and pregnant at the same time! During delivery, the bones of the pelvis need to be able to widen to allow the pups to pass through. The young are born mature. This won’t happen for every guinea pig, but the later a first breeding occurs, the greater the risk. These include poor appetite, depression, weakness, reluctance to move, incoordination, difficulty breathing, coma and death. Each pup will have its own amniotic sac, and usually the mother removes it and eats it. A portion of the pregnant sow's pelvis must widen for successful delivery of her young. Do guinea pigs have any reproductive problems? The estrous … Others include advancing age, lack of exercise, fasting just before the onset of signs, and a large number of developing fetuses. Males should be removed well before birth happens to avoid back to back pregnancies. She may also have a show of blood, but if it re occurs please see your exotic Vet immediately and monitor your Guinea Pig … This separation fails to develop in females bred for the first time after 7 months of age, usually necessitating a caesarean section to deliver the young and save the sow’s life. Be sure to separate the male from the female before she gives birth. reception@maynevets.co.uk This may seem a little young but guinea pigs bred after 7 months of age for the first time can have significant health problems. How to mate your guinea pig. A portion of the pregnant sow’s pelvis must widen for … Dystocia: Female guinea pigs intended for breeding must be first bred before 7 months of age. 08003735. The female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy. If you notice a pup with the sac remaining over its face, break the membrane open with your finger nail. Sows who reach adulthood without a prior pregnancy may not … To see this yourself have a look at the genitals & you should see this just in front of them. Labor is typically a fast onset affair, and your guinea pig may squeak when it starts. Influences of estrogens on the differentiation of psychosexual traits in the female guinea pig were studied. Whilst guinea pigs should never be bred intentionally, coming home from the pet store with a guinea pig who is already pregnant is a common story. House pregnant sows indoors or at least in a sheltered shed or outhouse, especially in winter months. It is important to follow the following guidelines: Tel: 01206 851338 Not only are the signs not very obvious, but in addition the gestation period is long and a nest isn't built to house the babies. Her first litter and all were healthy!Song : NOEL " Things That I Couldn't Say" For example, the mother guinea pig may experience a difficult birth and end up with a prolapsed uterus. Abortions and stillbirths are common with guinea pigs throughout their breeding lives. This separation of the pelvis does not develop in females that are bred for the first time after 7 months of age, creating an impossible and tragic situation. The single most important breeding consideration is that female guinea pigs should be first bred before 7 months of age. Following the birth, the baby guinea pigs will need to stay with their mother, who will nurse them until they are able to feed independently. In pregnant females, the underside of the pelvis bone (called the pubic symphysis) will start to separate a few days before birth, to allow room for the young to pass through. Pet breeds live an average of four to five years, but may live as long as eight. Guinea pig pups tend to be quite large when born and birthing problems can easily occur. 1966, Steinetz et al. Symptoms and Types. You will see the uterus protruding out of her vaginal area. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. Guinea pigs need lots of space. Even though newborn guinea pigs can eat solid food and drink water from a container, they should be allowed to nurse their mother for at least 2 weeks, at the 3 week mark males should be separated off. If the first breeding is delayed beyond this time, serious (sometimes life-threatening) problems with delivery are encountered. My Guinea Pig Nora just gave birth to 3 pups! Generally, guinea pigs give birth during daylight hours. Illness of the sow, for example acute mastitis. When a Guinea Pig Sow is about (in the next 2 days) to give birth her pelvis will start to slowly widen, to over 2.5cms when she is in the hours before they are due. Alfalfa hay should be supplemented throughout pregnancy, along with unlimited amounts of normal hay and they should always be fed a selection of fruit/veg daily. This can increase to 10.5 if you decide to adopt two guinea pigs instead of one however, the minimum still stays at 7.5 square feet. They also have teeth and open eyes at this time. Female guinea pigs can come back into heat 15 hours after giving birth. The precise timings for this can vary, but it is advisable for this to last around three weeks, before weaning by reducing the supply of milk and introducing the baby guinea pigs to their natural diet. Pregnant animals were injected intramuscularly with either 1, 2, or 3.3 micrograms estradiol benzoate (EB) or with 1 or 3 micrograms diethylstilbestrol … In the wild, an animal that is rejected by their mother is usually left with little chance of survival. Signs are most likely to be noted over 1-5 days during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy or the first week following birth. Female guinea pigs intended for breeding must be first bred before 7 months of age. Yes There Are Guinea Pigs Needing Homes, But Not Half As Much In Australia. Because treatment is often unsuccessful, prevention of pregnancy toxaemia is of paramount importance. Mummified pigs. It Is So Hard To Get A Cavy Here, There Just Arnt Any Around, Unless You Want To Go On A Breeders List For 6 Months, Which Is What I Had To Do. A portion of the pregnant sow’s pelvis must widen for … Hines M, Goy RW. However, if you’re still in the process of deciding whether to breed her, then heed our advice to not breed her. Pregnant Guinea Pigs and Proper Diet. There are many different opinions on how long until the birth of the little ones. A portion of the pregnant sow’s pelvis must widen for successful delivery of her young. Sows showing any of these signs must be seen immediately by your vet. Litter sizes range from 1-6 young, with an average of 3. Caesarean section births can be performed by a Veterinarian, but doing surgery on guinea pigs is always risky because of their inability to handle anesthetic well. If she is, then you need to know what to watch for. Sows can breed at the tender age of five weeks but this is too young. It is very important that both are free of mites as this can affect the pregnancy. 1983, Talmage 1947). Pregnant sows (females) exhibit a grossly enlarged abdomen during the latter stages of pregnancy. After selection … This separation reaches slightly more than 1 inch in the hours just before delivery. There is a high maternal mortality rate for guinea pigs (about 20%) as they are vulnerable to complications and illnesses such as toxemia. Some Sows eat less just before delivery, but are fine otherwise. Keep reading to uncover more facts to consider before buying a guinea pig now. The guinea pig’s heat cycle lasts 16 days. Failure of the womb to contract (uterine inertia). In fact it is one of the most difficult animals to accurately predict. Pregnancy toxaemia is a serious condition that usually occurs in overweight sows in their first or second pregnancy. Fusion with age A sow should weigh a minimum of 400gm, equivalent to about three months of age, before being mated and should preferably be a little older than this. The fundamental underlying problem appears to be inadequate blood flow to the pregnant uterus. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Dead pigs inside the womb. If this condition is not discovered in time, dystocia (difficult delivery) will likely take the life of both the female and her litter. Females will go into heat within thirty minutes of giving birth! Pregnant sows must also be supplied with fresh water at all times and fed a nutritious diet. Delivery of the young is not possible and a caesarean section must usually be performed to save the life of the sow and her babies. But after a year their pelvis may not cope with birth if it is their first time. Young guinea pigs should be … Planning For Pregnancy. 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