how-to-tell-if-a-guinea-pig-is-pregnant

Do you have a guinea pig and want to start breeding it? Or do you notice that she has different behaviors and seems like she’s carrying a baby or two? You might already be seeing or looking for bumps to see if they’re carrying babies!

While pregnancy on guinea pigs can be telling, sometimes it’s difficult to see if your guinea pig is pregnant or not! But not to worry, there are signs of how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, and not just by their size. I did the research so read on as I show you how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant!

 

Five Signs on How to Tell If a Guinea Pig Is Pregnant

It’s important to know if a guinea pig is pregnant, whether you’re planning to breed your pet or not! That way, you’ll be able to care for them properly and give them the proper necessities for a healthy delivery.

However, how will you know if they’re already bearing their own babies? Here are the top five signs to help you know:

 

1. Notice Their Behavior

Knowing if a guinea pig is pregnant is a bit difficult because of their fur and body shape. Their behavior can help you out with that, though. Observe the way they act, as they start trying to mount cage mates. They may grunt or lift their rear ends as well, looking like they want to be mounted.

Furthermore, guinea pigs may be more hostile or unfriendly if expecting. This usually lasts for two weeks or so. If there is a massive change in their behavior, then start checking their bellies!

 

2. Are There Any Appetite Changes?

Just like pregnant women, guinea pigs will have an increase in appetite when bearing sows. Observe your pet’s eating habits and see if they eat more than usual, especially as the pregnancy advances. They are able to eat triple the amount of food than usual if pregnant.

Furthermore, a pregnant guinea pig would tend to drink more water than usual. See if your pet has a change of diet and appetite. But don’t depend solely on this sign, as hungry and thirsty guinea pigs can also mean that they’re going through a growth spurt or suffering from something.

 

3. Try Feeling Her Stomach

You’ll be able to feel the fetuses by running your hands lightly along your pet’s sides. Don’t turn her upside down or apply too much pressure, though. Hold her by her shoulders while she’s on your lap or towel, sliding your hands over the belly gently.

If you do feel and notice the lumps around the area, then chances are that she is pregnant. You can feel one or several bumps, indicating how many babies are inside. But it isn’t the surefire sign that she’s pregnant, as the bumps may indicate something else, too.

 

4. Visit the Veterinarian

If it’s still difficult to tell despite using all these signs, then a visit to the vet is best. They’ll do a physical examination and/or an ultrasound for confirmation, seeing what the bumps are and confirming the pregnancy.

Make sure that you book an appointment with a reputable vet and that you handle your guinea pig with care during traveling. Get the advice you need from the vet after finding the results, whether your pet is pregnant or not.

 

5. Weight and Shape Changes

One of the clear signs that your guinea pig is pregnant is if she starts to take on the shape of a pear. You’ll also see that the sides of her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts. The abdomen becomes bulky and look plump, though this can also mean other things.

With a bigger body carrying one to six baby guinea pigs, their weight will change as well. If you suspect that they are pregnant, then weigh your pet weekly, seeing if they’re gaining weight steadily despite keeping the similar diet.

 

Tips on Caring for a Pregnant Guinea Pig

Now that you’re familiar with how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, what can you do to care for them properly? Again, it’s imperative to care for them properly for her and her sow to be healthy! These are the three essential tips to follow for better guidance:

 

1. Give Her the Ideal Environment

Avoid stressing your guinea pig out while pregnant. If needed, remove all male and female guinea pigs to avoid aggression. Also, ensure that the housing is well-cleaned and in room temperature. Create a comfortable area with soft bedding and a small shoebox for them to hide in.

 

2. Feed Her Properly

Because a pregnant guinea pig will start to eat more, then it’s time to feed them even more than usual. Offer her the nutritious foods, such as fresh vegetables, clean water, and extruded pelleted feed. You can also opt to give them supplements like calcium and vitamin C, as recommended by the vet.

 

3. Monitor Her Pregnancy and Prepare For Birth

Follow-up vet visits are essential to monitor her and her babies’ health. Monitor her weight and dietary changes until birth. And while you do this, prepare for the birth itself from creating a good birthing space and preparing all supplies needed to care for the newborn piglets.

Want to learn more about how to care for a pregnant guinea pig? Here’s a helpful video showing you more information on how to do so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3_QQ2Zvs94

 

Wrapping It Up

Learning all about your guinea pig is crucial, so you know how to care for them better! Through these helpful signs on how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, you won’t have a problem with caring for your guinea pig in the next few steps. It’s straightforward to tell, with or without a bump.

Hopefully, this article on pregnant guinea pigs gave you an idea on breeding and caring for guinea pigs. So don’t wait any longer and start taking note of these tips for a happier guinea pig today!

 

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