Issy Preggy?

Question
I think my female is pregnant. shes bulgy on the sides and it seems shes a little wider "down" there. Last night, i think i felt one of the babies kick. Im not quite sure. She has been eating SO much. She's eating more that my boy Guinea. is that a sign that shes pregnant?
also, this is totally off topic but, I recently bought a new cage and it came with Rabbit food. Would it be safe to let my guinea's eat it? I wanted to make sure before i fed it to them.
thanks :)
sarah


Answer
Hi Sarah,

If your sow has been housed/sharing playtime or exercise time with a male pig, then I would say she has a very high chance of being pregnant. Especially if you felt movement, she is eating more and has put on weight around her lower abdomen. Contact your vet and have emergency numbers lined up - 25% of sows have pregnancy, labour and post-natal problems which can result in death of the sow or pups, so it is essential you have contacts to hand.

The rabbit food is definitely not okay to feed. Only ever feed guinea pig food as no other food is designed especially for the unique digestion and nutritonal needs of cavies. Aim for a plain pellet, as mixes with seeds, colored biscuits and other "fun" things in are pure junk and are very fattening and unhealthy.
Plain pellets are for more nutritional and safe. Oxbow Cavy Cuisine is the best pellet for piggies over 6-8 months; Oxbow Cavy Performance for pigs under 6-8 months and for pregnant and nursing sows.

Best Wishes,

- Laura
www.cavy-care.com