LABOR

Question
Hi i was wondering what the signs oh labor are?my guinea pig has gotten alot bigger and she has been laying down alot and you can see movement and the pelvic bone is separated a little.and im not sure if the dad wants to hurt the babys because he keeps trying to get in her cage.
         
         thank you,
         
         jaycob

Answer
Generally speaking you we don't see the signs of labor because guinea pigs tend to hide those things until nobody is around. Once actual labor has started it moves quickly. All the babies are usually born within one hour of true labor starting.

If the boar is trying to get to her cage it's probably because she is getting ready to deliver in the next day or so. The sow's hormones change about 48 hours before delivery, giving then the scent of being in heat, which is why the boar is trying to reach her. They are excellent dads and will in to way hurt the babies. They will allow the babies to cuddle with them, run all over them and sometimes you'll see a baby sleeping on top of dad.

Because of dad's behavior I would be willing to be that babies are coming within the next 48 hours if not sooner.  You don't need to do anything, mom will take care of it. If you do not see the babies nursing right away don't be worried. The sow will not allow the babies to nurse until she has completely emptied out everything she needs to express. I've had babies that went for many hours before nursing and they did just fine.

Do NOT try to bottle feed newborns as long as mom is around. She will take care of them when she knows it's okay.  So just keep your camera ready and by all means send me pigtures when they arrive.