Newborn guinea pigs: description, care features and recommendations

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Guinea pigs cannot stand being alone, so they are usually kept in pairs. If there are two girls in captivity, then the number of animals will not change, but a heterosexual couple will bring 2-3 babies every 3-4 months. If the mumps is strongly heard in the abdomen and is nervous during the courtship of the male, then this indicates that the birth is already close. To create a favorable environment for the appearance of babies, the male should be removed, after providing him with a soft toy so that he does not get bored.

Preparing the cage for keeping animals

Optimal comfort for newborn guinea pigs to grow well can be achieved by following some simple rules:

1. The cage is always clean, general cleaning is carried out at least once every five days.
2. Placethe animal's residence should be spacious, not have a greenhouse effect.
3. Litter should be replaced, hay or sawdust recommended.
4. The cage should not be in direct sunlight.
5. Old feeders need to be replaced to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.
6. Install additional drinkers with clean water.
7. Food should be fresh and balanced.

During the birth period, it is better not to arrange drafts in the room so that the babies do not freeze, because their coat is wet, as the mother licks them thoroughly.

Birth of guinea pigs

If the animal was properly cared for, there were no injuries, then the birth of a fertile rodent occurs easily and without human intervention. The pig begins to build a nest, and crouching, gives birth to babies in the fetal membrane. Newborn guinea pigs come out head first. The mother gnaws the bubble, eats it and licks her baby thoroughly. During childbirth, you should not disturb the animals, because guinea pigs are not very good mothers, and love to eat and sleep more. Therefore, in order for the female to accept the cubs, it is better to leave them alone. If the baby was born alone, then it can weigh up to 140 g, while the pigs from multiple pregnancies are smaller, they can weigh from 45 g.

What do tiny guinea pigs look like?

Depending on the breed of the animal, a newborn guinea pig lookslike a smaller copy of an adult animal. Unlike the helpless naked and blind babies of mice and rats, tiny guinea pigs begin to run around the cage a few hours after birth. A baby from the first day of life has the following features:

1. Eyes are open and see well.
2. Baby hears well and is afraid of loud noises.
3. The coat of the animal is fully developed and is softer and smoother than in adults.
4. Mouth already has permanent teeth.
5. There are sharp claws on the paws.
6. The animal stands up easily and runs fast.

The peculiarity of newborn guinea pigs is the absence of habitual helplessness, as in babies of other species. But they still cannot do without a mother completely. For full development, the animal must be near the mother during the first month of life.

What does a newborn guinea pig eat?

The nutrition of newborns may vary slightly from the number of individuals in the litter. A large baby, who was born alone, eats full-fat mother's milk and solid food, which is in the feeder. Before a person who does not have a veterinary education, the question arises: "What to feed newborn guinea pigs?". The nutrition of the baby in the first weeks is as follows:

1. Feeding mother's milk. Every 3 hours, the baby sucks milk, which is secreted from the mother within a month after birth.
2. Cereal flakes and nuts are the maindiet.
3. Fresh hay and green cabbage are served as treats.
4. For normal growth, the baby absorbs the mother's excrement, so it is better not to remove the cage.

Weakened babies weighing less than 40 g are usually not viable, but with human help they can survive. To do this, you will need to pipette them with boiled cow's milk or heavy cream, keep them warm, and regularly massage the tummy, stimulating the trip to the toilet.

Baby care

A mother who adopted her cubs does not need additional help from a person. Babies are very fragile and for the first two weeks it is better not to disturb them so as not to damage the internal organs. Newborn guinea pigs are very shy, so it's best not to make sudden noises or movements indoors. Well-developed and active babies run around the cage on their own and learn to use a drinker. Weak and inactive cubs usually die. Signs of non-viable guinea pigs that should not be rescued:

• The fruit is very small.
• The coat is poorly developed.
• Claws are soft and white.
• The baby lies on its side, cannot raise its head, and will roll over.

If a weakened cub does not respond to stroking massage and starts to get cold, then it is better to remove it from the cage. The mother usually works with he althy babies and will not notice the loss. Maternal care and newborn guinea pigs in a cage without undue human intervention are the key to successful growth of not shy and he althy animals.

Growing up and socialization of young rodents

Babies, with sufficient intake of balanced food, gain weight very quickly, increasing by 4-8 g every day. Two weeks later, the weight of the cub more than doubles. At two months, their weight reaches 400 g. As soon as the babies are strong enough, the owner should pick them up and play with them, otherwise the animals will grow up shy and will not perceive people. The process of socialization usually occurs in several stages:

1. Your little guinea pig should be given treats from your hand. At the moment of eating delicious food, the animal sniffs the human hand and gets used to its smell.
2. Regularly stick your hand into the cage, accustom to the smell of a person. Stroking the baby, scratching the sides.
3. A brave and trusting guinea pig can get on your hand, do not make sudden movements or grab it tightly.
4. After strengthening the relationship, the guinea pig can be taken out of the cage and played with. If the animal begins to purr, slightly shaking its body, then this means that it is frightened, and it is better to return it to its place. A frightened animal can bite or scratch a person, which can later develop into a bad habit.

When the babies are one month old, their sex should be determined and the males should be removed from the mother.

When and how to pick up babies?

As mentioned earlier, it is better not to pick up babies at first, as their little bodies are too fragile, andexcessive pressure on the internal organs can lead to developmental pathologies or even death. The optimal age when you can take newborn guinea pigs in your arms is not specified, because the development of individuals is individual. Experts recommend picking them up no earlier than two weeks after birth. Gently stroking the rodent on the back, bring your fingers under the tummy and front paws of the animal. It is strictly forbidden to take the back of the baby. The animal is very small and can easily be transferred to the hand and fit freely there. After stroking and playing with the pig, you should also calmly and carefully put it in the cage. Confidence and affection in a relationship with this shy animal can develop into a kind and mutual friendship.