When can baby guinea pigs leave their mother?
It’s important for guinea pig mothers to nurse their youngsters until they’re a minimum of 2 weeks old. Weaning at three weeks is actually optimal for growing young guinea pigs. Do not separate the pups from their mothers until they’re fully weaned.
Can a 4 week old guinea pig get pregnant?
Females can reach sexual maturity as early as approximately 4-6 weeks of age and males as early as approximately 8-9 weeks of age so the different sexes should be separated before they are able to reproduce with each other.
When can baby guinea pigs go to new homes?
At six weeks old baby guineas pigs are fully weaned, and have stopped nursing from their mother. They’ve learned all the skills they need for independence, and they’re ready to leave the nest. Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes.
Can two sister guinea pigs live together?
In the wild guinea pigs live in groups of 10 or more. They are social creatures, and need the company of their own kind. As pets they are usually kept in pairs or trios of the same sex. Two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are siblings.
How long does it take guinea pigs to bond with each other?
Have patience, take your time, always do this on neutral territory, and don’t give up too soon. Bonding may happen in one afternoon or it may take months. What you don’t want to do is plop the new guinea pig into your existing guinea pig’s cage. Never try to introduce guinea pigs in one of their cages.
Can a brother and sister guinea pig mate?
Separating Everyone Not only can male siblings mate with their siblings, the males can even do so with their mothers. Prevent breeding from occurring by putting guinea pigs in separate “male” and “female” designated enclosures. Always keep an eye on guinea pigs living together to make sure they’re getting along well.
Is it bad to inbred guinea pigs?
Pigs dont have to be inbred to have serious serious problems. Just something as simple as breeding two guinea pigs of conflicting breeds , which happens more than you know, can cause serious defects.
Can newborn guinea pigs survive without their mother?
Yes, baby guinea pigs can survive without their mother. However, you are the pup’s only chance at survival if they are rejected by their mother.
Can the father guinea pig be with the babies?
Some species of male rodents are well known to kill and even eat their own newborn pups. In a pet situation, the male may be in the same guinea pig cage as the female and her newborns, and there is no way for the mother to move the pups away from the father.
What do baby guinea pigs look like when they’re first born?
Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. They are able to see, hear and move around once they are born.
What kind of milk do baby guinea pigs drink?
Use full-fat goat’s milk, or prepare a milk mixture of half water and half evaporated milk. Soak brown bread in the milk, and offer this to the baby GP on a teaspoon – they’ll suck the milk out. This isn’t as nutritious as a guinea pig mother’s milk, but it’s the second best thing.
Do baby guinea pigs need alfalfa hay?
At certain times of life, alfalfa hay is an appropriate feed for guinea pigs. Pregnant and nursing guinea pigs, and babies under the age of 6 months, need extra calcium and protein in their diets, so feeding alfalfa is fine for them.
Do baby guinea pigs drink milk?
Guinea pig mothers feed their babies only a few times per day and then leave them alone to their own devices. Guinea pigs are born being able to walk, see and hear, and most of them will start nibbling on solids within a few days, as well as drink milk from their mum.
How often do baby guinea pigs drink milk?
You should begin with feeding 3-5ml every 1-2 hours. If they adjust to it you can increase the quantity to 7-10ml/feeding. If the above guidelines are followed, then your guinea pig will be nurtured well. The maximum amount of time required is 2-3 weeks.
Do baby guinea pigs drink water?
The first and most important thing to know is that guinea pigs drink water only unless we’re talking about a baby guinea pig that relies on its mother’s milk for sustenance. Furthermore, we also discuss the importance of using water containers and the need to keep them clean.
How many times a day do baby guinea pigs eat?
About 1/8 cup of pellets once a day—supplemented by hay and fresh vegetables as described below—will be enough. Timothy hay: Provide an unlimited quantity of fresh timothy hay every day. Guinea pigs need continuous access to hay to aid their digestion and limit the growth of their teeth.
What can I feed baby guinea pigs?
Start introducing them to timothy and oaten hay, chaff, pellets as well as small amounts of green vegetables and water in a shallow dish from when they are born. A mother guinea pig generally feeds her babies for about 3-6 weeks, gradually decreasing the frequency of feedings until they lose interest.
Do baby guinea pigs need special food?
Pups generally eat the same thing as adult guinea pigs, so you do not need to feed a specialized baby diet. Timothy hay and fresh fruits (oranges, melons) are high in vitamin C and are nutritious foods that you can feed your pups.
What can I feed my 3 month old guinea pig?
The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given each day. Hay should be offered free-choice throughout the day.