How Does Reproduction Takes Place in Guinea Pigs
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
by Peter Dranitsin
Petes Original Art Inc.
Breeding has become a major issue recently. Taking care of a pregnant guinea pig is no easy task that needs commitment to care due to its fragile state. Due to high cost of veterinary expenses, it is best to know the basic things about guinea pig pregnancy. The goal of which is to provide a safe pregnancy throughout the whole gestation period for the female guinea pig.
It is said that female guinea pig less than five months are of very high risk of dying if pregnancy occurs due to its undeveloped body systems. In addition to that, guinea pigs more than eight months old who hasn't bred for that span of time are also at risk.
Time Frame
Like most mammals, normal gestation period for a guinea pig averages from sixty-three to sixty-eight days. That is an estimation of more than three months in waiting for young-lings. Small litters usually take a longer time to develop as compared to larger ones. In average, the litter can have two to four young-lings. But as random as it gets, you can have as little as one or as much as eight . Always be prepared of the possible outcome. So don't look shocked to see only one cute piggy or be dazzled by all eight.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pregnancy to a guinea pig is no easy task. You may mistake a pregnant sow to be obese. It is usually on her last month that you would see that there is a noticeable bulge at the abdomen. You can usually feel a firm bulge but be careful not to exert much pressure to avoid injury to the mother and the babies. Some excited pet owners can even spend lots of money in imaging procedures just to see how many piggies are there in the womb.
Diet and Exercise
As expected, nutritional needs will increase as pregnancy progresses. So expect to refill her bowl of pellets or vegetables more often. The increase in dietary needs will aide in the growth of the litter and also provides sufficient milk in the future. This will also prevent potential diseases by improving immunity function of the body. Vitamin C requirement will also be doubled to at least twenty mg/day, thus the need for fruit juices or vitamin supplements added in the water.
Exercise is a main ingredient for a healthy pregnancy. Always remember to provide adequate space and play equipment so that your sow is on top shape at all times.
Stress
Stress avoidance is very necessary during pregnancy. Like most pregnant mammals, stressors can precipitate labor, thus, preterm delivery can happen. Stillbirths can also occur if there are physical stresses that could lead to the injury of the litter inside the womb, which are very common if the cage was improperly built . There is also a need to separate the male from the female in the last week of gestation because an hour after delivery, female guinea pigs can come to season again. Mating after delivery is a very dangerous subject for it can exhaust the mother and eventually kill her in the process. In instances you have multiple pregnant guinea pigs, it is best to separate them at all times. It is said that the delivery of a pregnant sow can trigger labor to the others even if the time period is not sufficient. With proper separation, you prevent preterm sows that have little chance of surviving due to its underdeveloped system.
Cedric James is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great tips on caring for your pregnant guinea pig please, visit are site at http://www.guineapigsguides.com
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