Guinea Pig Breeding & Reproduction 101: Vet-Approved Guide – Nirantara

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A female guinea pig is called a sow, whereas a male guinea pig is called a boar. Like most species of rodents, guinea pigs are very prolific and housing women and men collectively will just about positively lead to breeding. Nonetheless, the hazards associated to breeding these animals (notably for the female) makes it powerful to justify breeding these animals with out the appropriate expertise.

On this text, we’ll give attention to the basics about guinea pig copy.

The Best Age to Breed Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs grow to be sexually mature at a youthful age ¹. Females are sexually mature by as youthful as 4-8 weeks, whereas males are sexually mature by 8 to 12 weeks of age. Although guinea pigs are in a position to mate at 8 weeks, it doesn’t indicate they should.

Females are usually bred sooner than they attain 8 months of age. As a sow reaches maturity, she undergoes a normal stiffening of the pubic symphysis (a joint of highly effective fibrous cartilage between the 2 pubic bones of the pelvis). Breeding a female guinea pig for the first time after she reaches 8 months of age is dangerous as a result of a stiffened pubic symphysis with out a previous being pregnant will attainable lead to a sow who may not have the flexibility to ship their youthful normally.

Male guinea pigs are polyamorous, to permit them to impregnate a number of sow as a result of the sows come into heat. To avoid this, it’s greatest to take care of women and men separated. For mixed intercourse colonies of guinea pigs, it’s usually the males which could be neutered, nonetheless, guinea pigs typically (regardless of their intercourse) don’t take care of anesthesia properly and subsequently, the only technique of avoiding undesirable litters is to take care of women and men separated.

Guinea Pigs Heat and Gestation Cycle

Female guinea pigs go into heat every 16 days starting from sexual maturity, which lasts about 12 hours ². The set off for a heat cycle is in the intervening time unknown and a sexually mature female may start biking at any degree. Nonetheless, it’s postulated that they generally tend to cycle additional readily spherical springtime.

There isn’t any proof that the male guinea pig goes into heat, though their habits can change dramatically after they discover a female has confirmed indicators of being in heat.

Be careful when having various unfixed guinea pigs within the equivalent cage. If an unfixed male is conscious of a sow is in heat, they’ll wrestle totally different males as part of courtship to seek out out who will impregnate the female. Top-of-the-line methods to avoid this aggressive habits is to decide on a female and a male and put them collectively in a separate cage until your sow is pregnant.

So, how do guinea pigs mate? A female will go into heat, and the chosen male will cuddle, groom, and vocalize with the female guinea. As quickly as a bond has been formed, the male will mount the female and impregnate her. Females are generally receptive at night, and subsequently, these amorous actions can go unnoticed. After worthwhile pairing and impregnation, you’ll have the ability to anticipate your female guinea pig to stay pregnant for 59 to 72 days.

Whereas it’s unclear whether or not or not females and males shall be separated via the being pregnant, watching your pregnant sow for indicators of distress is an efficient suggestion. Nonetheless, retaining all males away from the sow and her infants is best as quickly as your pregnant sow has given begin.

Indicators a Sow Is Pregnant

There are few indicators of a sow being pregnant, though it’s an important probability a being pregnant was worthwhile if she had gone into heat and was paired with a sexually mature male. Noticeable indicators embody weight purchase and a much bigger abdomen. Nonetheless, bodily indicators of being pregnant acquired’t current until about 2 to 3 weeks.

If an unaltered feminine and male spent some time collectively in a cage, there’s an important probability that your female is pregnant. Do you have to suspect your guinea pig is pregnant, taking her to see a vet immediately is an efficient suggestion. Being pregnant is perhaps misdiagnosed at dwelling with cysts.

Your vet can inform in case your female guinea pig is pregnant and might advise you on what to do subsequent and any points to focus on.

Being pregnant Points

The commonest being pregnant complication in guinea pigs is being pregnant toxemia (pregnancy ketosis). Being pregnant ketosis is horrifying on account of it occurs near the previous few days of being pregnant.

Immediately search veterinary care for many who suspect that your female guinea pig is experiencing being pregnant ketosis.

Top-of-the-line methods to avoid these complications is to ensure you’ve paired a healthful sow and boar for a deliberate being pregnant. Sustaining a nutritious weight loss program for the sow and decreasing as loads stress as potential all via her being pregnant, alongside veterinary care are moreover key in avoiding being pregnant points.

Do you have to suspect your sow has any downside or change in habits all via her being pregnant, take her to see a vet immediately.

Simple strategies to Take care of a Pregnant Guinea Pig

Pregnant guinea pigs have all of the equivalent requirements as non-pregnant guinea pigs, apart from they’ll need additional of each factor whereas they look after his or her fetuses. Since guinea pigs are social animals who actually really feel most cozy in groups, it’s a great suggestion to haven’t lower than one totally different cage mate with them (ideally one different female). Nonetheless, if having one different female as a cage-mate, a male is another choice, though you’ll must pay extra consideration in case fights or aggression breaks out.

By the last 2 weeks of your guinea pig’s pregnancy, you’ll want to separate her from her cage mates so she is going to have the ability to put collectively for labor undisturbed. Over the previous 2 weeks, you possibly can want to check on her by the night to ensure each factor is okay. Identify your vet when you suspect she’ll be giving begin. Usually, it’s best if she delivers her infants on the pet hospital.

How Many Infants Can Sows Have on Widespread?

Pregnant guinea pigs can have up to eight pups, though first-timers are liable to have three to 4. It’s best to not put the daddy or any male inside the cage with new youngster pups and female guinea mothers, as a result of it’s very easy to vary into pregnant as soon as extra hours after provide.

Simple strategies to Take care of New youngster Guinea Pigs

Newborn guinea pigs are considered precocial. Which implies that they’re extraordinarily unbiased at begin. They’re born with hair, are able to see, and should run. They will nurse from their mother nonetheless can nibble on solids once they’re as youthful as 2 days earlier. They have to be allowed to nurse from their mother for a interval of about 3 weeks. They’re usually weaned as soon as they weigh spherical 6 pounces (170 grams).

You may start coping with pups starting about 2 weeks of age. Nonetheless, the sow ought to perception you; in every other case, she may abandon her newbies. Keep in mind, sexual maturation age reaches as early as 8 weeks, so it’s best to get your feminine and male guinea pigs separated as they mature to avoid inbreeding and undesirable litters.

Closing Phrases

Breeding guinea pigs takes time, endurance, in-depth info, and planning to ensure each factor goes simply. Do you have to’re planning to breed your guinea pigs, protect phrase of how earlier your guinea pigs are. Do you have to try to breed them for the first time too early or too late after sexual maturity, the opportunity of points will improve.

Guinea pigs are social animals who need cage mates and socialization all via their 8 years of life. It’s best to not breed guinea pigs for many who’re unwilling to satisfy their day by day needs and create optimistic routines, for risk of bringing them to a shelter.

In any case, guinea pigs are cute at any age and thrive in packs.

Featured Image Credit score rating: Joline Greim,Shutterstock