7 Signs Your Guinea Pig Might Be Pregnant

Have you and your family got cute pet guinea pigs ? If you have a male and a female, then this would be the first step towards having a litter of pups. If they have been together for a while and you are starting to notice some changes, then your female (sow) might be pregnant. But how do you know? In this guide, you will learn 7 signs your guinea pig might be pregnant. Including the gestational period, the average size of a litter, and how to take care of your furry friend.

When Do Guinea Pigs Reach Sexual Maturity?

Both male and female guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at different times, usually around 2-4 months old. However, on the other hand, females can fall pregnant as early as 2 months old, while males can start mounting them as early as 3–4 weeks of age. This can potentially become a problem if the mother has given birth to males. The reason for this is that a female can fall pregnant again immediately after giving birth. To avoid this situation, it is best to remove all males from their mother because the pup males can impregnate her at approximately three weeks of age. Next up, 7 signs your guinea pig might be pregnant.

1. Increased Appetite

One sign your guinea pig might be pregnant is her increase in appetite. To nourish her growing pups, Mummy needs to increase her food intake. As her pregnancy progresses, she may eat three times more food. To make sure she meets all her nutritional needs, it is important to provide her with a high-quality diet. Be sure to give her plenty of hay, pellets, fruits, and vegetables. Furthermore, you may notice that she is drinking a lot more water than usual. Make sure that her water bottle is always full.

Pregnant guinea pigs require extra vitamin C. The following fruits are a great source of vitamin C, and guinea pigs love them. You can easily pick them up at the grocery store. Apples, blueberries, cherries, dragon fruit, honeydew melon, kiwi, mango, nectarine, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines, and watermelon.

The following vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin C: Bell peppers, turnips, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, asparagus, beets, bok choy, cabbage, celery, cilantro, green beans, okra , spinach, tomato, watercress, and zucchini.

2. Weight Gain

Another indication your guinea pig might be pregnant is weight gain. Put her on a small kitchen scale each week and write down her weight to see if she is gaining. Additionally, take a photo of Mummy to be each day to see how her body changes.

3. Behavior Changes

Just like humans, each guinea pig has its own personality. During pregnancy, some guinea pigs can become more affectionate and cuddly. However, some guinea pigs may not be as social and become irritable or sluggish.

4. Swollen Stomach

A swollen stomach is a sure sign that your guinea pig is pregnant. As her pregnancy progresses, her stomach will also begin to change shape and possibly resemble a tiny basketball. Additionally, if your guinea pig allows you to touch her, use your fingers to gently feel her sides and stomach. If you feel lumps or movement under your fingers, this is a sign the female is pregnant. Keep in mind that not all pregnant guinea pigs want to be touched. So, if she runs away and hides at your hands entering the cage, rather leave her alone. Additinally, you should still talk to her quietly; this will reassure her that everything is going to be okay.

5. Walking Awkwardly and Decreased Activity

If you notice that your guinea pig is walking awkwardly, this can be due to the change in her body weight. She may avoid popcorning and spend more time resting.

6. Nesting Behavior

Pregnant guinea pigs may start to build a nest out of hay or straw to create a comfortable place for their pups. It typically takes about 30 minutes for the sow to give birth. She will clean them, and they will start walking around.

7. Ask the Vet

Should you be unsure if your guinea pig is pregnant or have any concerns during her pregnancy, you should take her to the vet. The vet will do a physical exam and listen to your guinea pig’s stomach using a stethoscope. You may even be able to find out how far she is. That way, you can be prepared for when the pups arrive.

How Long is the Gestational Period?

The gestational period of a guinea pig is usually between 59 to 72 days. It’s difficult for an owner to pinpoint the exact number of days a guinea pig will be pregnant. But, knowing the gestational range for this pet is useful in making an estimate.

What is the Litter Size?

One can’t really tell how many guinea pigs a female will have. They typically have two to four pups per litter, however, they can have up to eight. Additionally, when a guinea pig has eight or more babies it’s almost certain that not all of them will survive.

How Do I Know My Guinea Pig Is Going Into Labor?

Sows usually give birth during the day. There are various indicators to show if she is going into labor. She may feel restless and make little cries. If she starts hiccupping and putting her head between her legs, then she is having contractions. As mentioned earlier, it can take up to 30 minutes for all the pups to be born.

Are Pups Helpless After Birth?

Guinea pigs are actually big when they are born. You will be surprised when you see your first litter of pups. They are born with open eyes and ears and covered in fur. Pups lose their milk teeth before they are born in the womb, and once born, they have a full set of visible teeth. They usually start to eat solid foods within 24 hours. While they will nurse milk from their mother, it is important to make sure that there are enough pellets, vegetables, hay, and fruit to go around for everyone.

Taking Care of Your Pregnant Guinea Pig

Make sure your guinea pig is comfortable, has a clean cage, and has plenty of food, water, and hay. If she becomes restless with other guinea pigs in the cage, you should remove the other guinea pigs. Put her in a quiet area in the same cage she has grown up in; a new cage can cause her stress. Furthermore, guinea pigs have excellent hearing, so avoid noisy areas.

When Can the Pups Leave Their Mother?

In addition to being able to eat solids for the first 24 hours, pups will continue to nurse from their mother for three weeks. This is crucial to ensure growth and the development of their immune systems. After three weeks, they can be separated from their mother and go to their new home.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Pascale Gueret.

Up Next:

• Symptoms of Pregnancy
• How To Trim Guinea Pig Nails
• Seven Weeks Pregnant

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