preg of GPs

Question
how do I tell if shes pregnant and what will birth be like. how to care for pups


Answer
Hi Gia,

There's really only one way to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, she'll get fat when she's about 6 weeks pregnant.(very fat - she'll end up looking like a pear before delivery).  A guinea pig is pregnant for a long time, about 68 to 72 days average.
To care for a pregnant sow, you need to double the amount of vitamin C she's getting, give her lots of fresh greens, and keep everything very clean, including her water.  Don't pick her up any more than you have to when she gets big in the tummy.  When you do pick her up, make sure her tummy and bottom are very well supported. Don't forget to remove the male before the female gives birth.  She'll get pregnant again right after she delivers.  Also take any male babies out by the time they reach 4 weeks of age.


Guinea pigs give birth to "fully baked" young.  They have hair and teeth at birth.  Their eyes are open and within an hour or two they can walk and run around the cage.  Mom will take care of them, you don't have to do anything special.  You will want to handle them so they will be used to people.  You can handle them the day after she gives birth.  Guinea pig mom's aren't aggressive and don't mind if you handle the pups.  They do mind being separated from the pups, so you might want to bring mom along if you are playing with the pups.

You can also try your library for the book "Your Guinea Pig, a Kids Guide to Raising and Showing" by Wanda L. Curran.  It is a great resource for anyone who wants to know about guinea pigs, from birth to pregnancy, and at home health care.

If there is anything else I can help with just let me know.

Annie