Guinea pigs cannot stand loneliness, so they are usually kept in pairs. If there are two girls in captivity, the number of animals will not change, but a heterosexual couple will bring 2-3 babies every 3-4 months. If the mumps is very distributed in the abdomen and is nervous when courtship of the male, then this indicates that the birth is close. To create a favorable environment for the appearance of babies, the male should be jailed, having previously provided him with a soft toy so that he does not get bored.
Preparation of the cage for keeping animals
Optimum comfort so that newborn guinea pigs grow well can be achieved if simple rules are followed:
- The cage is always cleaned, and general cleaning is carried out at least once every five days.
- The place of residence of the animal should be spacious, not have a greenhouse effect.
- Litter should be replaced; hay or sawdust is recommended.
- The cage should not be in direct sunlight.
- Old feeders must be replaced to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.
- Install additional drinkers with clean water.
- Food should be fresh and balanced.
During the period of birth, it is better not to arrange drafts in the room so that the babies do not freeze, because their hair is wet, as their mother carefully licks them.
The birth of guinea pigs
If the animal was properly cared for, there were no injuries, then the birth of a prolific rodent occurs easily and without human intervention. The pig begins to build a nest, and crouching, gives birth to babies in the fetal membrane. Newborn guinea pigs go head first. The mother gnaws the bubble, eats it and carefully licks her baby. During childbirth, do not bother animals, because guinea pigs are not very good mothers, and they like to eat and sleep more. Therefore, for the female to accept the cubs, it is better to leave them alone. If the baby was born alone, then it can be weighing up to 140 g, while pigs from multiple pregnancy are smaller, they can weigh from 45 g.
What do tiny guinea pigs look like?
Depending on the breed of the animal, the newborn guinea pig looks like a small copy of an adult animal. Unlike the helpless naked and blind babies in mice and rats, tiny guinea pigs begin to run around the cage several hours after birth. Baby from the first day of life has the following characteristics:
- The eyes are open and see well.
- The kid hears well and is afraid of loud sounds.
- The coat of the animal is fully formed and softer and smoother compared to adults.
- There are already permanent teeth in the mouth.
- There are sharp claws on the legs.
- The animal easily gets up on its feet and runs fast.
The peculiarity of newborn guinea pigs is the lack of habitual helplessness, as in babies of other species. But they can’t do without a mother completely. For full development, the animal must be near the mother during the first month of life.
What does a newborn guinea pig eat?
From the number of individuals in the litter, the nutrition of newborns may vary slightly. A large baby, who was born alone, eats fat mother’s milk and solid food, which is located in the trough. Before a person who does not have a veterinary education, the question arises: "How to feed newborn guinea pigs?". The baby's nutrition in the first weeks is as follows:
- Feeding breast milk. Every 3 hours, the baby sucks milk, which is excreted in the mother within a month after giving birth.
- Cereals and nuts make up the main diet.
- Fresh hay and green cabbage are served as a treat.
- For normal growth, the baby absorbs the excrement of the mother, so it is better not to clean the cage.
Weakened babies weighing less than 40 g are usually not viable, but they can survive with human help. To do this, you need to feed them with pipette boiled cow's milk or fat cream, keep warm, and regularly massage the tummy, stimulating a trip to the toilet.
Newborn Care
A mother who has adopted her cubs does not need additional help from a person. Kids are very fragile and it is better not to disturb them in the first two weeks, so as not to damage internal organs. Newborn guinea pigs are very shy, so it is better not to make harsh sounds and movements indoors. Well-developed and active babies independently run around the cage and learn to use a drinker. Weak and inactive cubs usually die. Signs of non-viable guinea pigs that should not be rescued:
- The fruit is very small.
- The coat is poorly developed.
- Claws are soft and white.
- The baby lies on its side, can not raise its head, and roll over.
If a weakened calf does not respond to a stroking massage and begins to get colder, then it is better to remove it from the cage. A mother usually deals with healthy babies and will not notice the loss. Maternal care and newborn guinea pigs that are in the cage without undue human intervention are the key to the successful growth of non-fearful and healthy animals.
Growing up and socializing young rodents
With sufficient intake of balanced food, babies gain weight very quickly, increasing by 4-8 g every day. After two weeks, the calf’s weight more than doubles. In two months, their weight reaches 400 g. As soon as the kids are strong enough, the owner should pick them up and play with them, otherwise the animals will grow shy and will not perceive people. The process of socialization usually occurs in several stages:
- A little guinea pig should be given a treat with hands. At the time of eating delicious food, the animal sniffs a person’s hand and gets used to its smell.
- Regularly stick your hand into the cage, accustom to the smell of a person. Stroking the baby, scratching the sides.
- A bold and gullible guinea pig can come into hand, do not make sudden movements or grab it tightly.
- After strengthening the relationship, the guinea pig can be taken out of the cage and play with it. If the animal begins to purr, slightly shaking its body, then this means that it is scared, and it is better to return it to its place. A frightened animal can bite or scratch a person, which can later turn into a bad habit.
When the kids turn one month old, they should determine their gender and remove the males from the mother.
When and how to pick up babies?
As mentioned earlier, at first it is better not to pick up babies, as their bodies are too fragile, and excessive pressure on the internal organs can lead to developmental pathologies or even death. The optimal age when you can take newborn guinea pigs in your arms is not specified, because the development of individuals is individual. Experts recommend picking them up no earlier than two weeks from the moment of birth. Gently stroking the rodent on the back, move your fingers under the belly and front legs of the animal. It is strictly forbidden to take the baby from the back. The animal is very small and will easily pass onto the arm and fit freely there. Stroking and playing with the pig, you should also calmly and gently put it in a cage. Confidence and affection in relations with this shy animal can develop into a good and mutual friendship.