Lost

Question
Hi!!  If my quinea pig lost her babies would she still have them but they would just be dead?  I don't know if she is pregnant still though.  One day she is big another day she is skinny and so on and so fourth.  Do you think she is still pregnant?  Have you ever had baby guinea pigs?  What do they look like?  If she ever has them what do I need to do?  Will I know when she is having them?  Do they usaully have them at night or in the day.  If you can, can you send me a picture of a just born guinea pig?  I just want baby guinea pigs.  I really do think she has lost them but I am not for sure.  She and the male is the first guinea pigs I ever had.  What does there stomach usaully look like when they are pregnant?  I hope you can answer all of these.  Can you type down the questions in the reply and then answer please.  Thank-you for your time and support.

                Best Wishes,
                          Sariah

Answer
Sariah --

Let me say, first, that if you are in any doubt about your guinea pig being pregnant, I would recommend that you take her to a vet or an experienced breeder and have her checked.  Both of these two can help you tell for sure.

Second, its not really typical for a guinea pig to miscarry.  They will occasionally have stillborns, but not usually a miscarriage (although it has been known to happen.)

I can't tell if she's still pregnant or not, since I can't see her.  Again, if you are in any doubt, a vet or a reputable breeder should be able to help you out.

You may be surprised to know that baby guinea pigs look just like adult guinea pigs, just smaller.  I don't keep pictures, but yes, I've had quite a few.  They will be born with full hair and their eyes open.  They are also able to eat and drink on their own, as well (although mother's milk is still best).

You can't necessarily just look at the stomach to determine if they are pregnant.  As I've told you before, palpating is the best method.  Remember, you need to feel the rear stomach-area for two hard, egg-shaped lumps.  Guinea pigs won't look pregnant until they are quite a bit along (remember, it often takes 2 1/2 months to carry a litter to full term).  Then, they will pop out overnight, it seems.  The sow will get unmistakeably large in the rear.  

If she does have them, there's not a whole lot you can, or should do.  Just leave her alone and let her do her thing.  In fact, if she seems to be having trouble, the best thing to do would be to take her, cage and all, to a respectable small-animal vet.

I hope all this is helpful.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.  Good luck!

Lorena