Never intentionally breed your guinea pig - it is very risky! Knowing if she is expecting the little ones can be quite difficult. If you think your guinea pig may be pregnant, see your vet for a visit.
Steps
Step 1. Males
If the female has been in the same location as a male, they have almost certainly mated and it is very likely that she may be pregnant.
Step 2. Food
A pregnant guinea pig will start drinking and eating more. In any case, do not decree that your guinea pig is expecting the little ones based on this aspect alone: all animals eat more if it is cold, if they are in the growth phase or for some diseases.
Step 3. Weight
The guinea pig's weight will increase significantly if it is pregnant. Towards the end of her pregnancy, her weight will have doubled.
Step 4. Belly
By gently touching the lower abdomen of the guinea pig you should be able to feel the puppies in its belly. Over the course of pregnancy, the puppies will grow and have pronounced bumps. Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may even be able to see the silhouettes of the babies. Do not touch the guinea pig constantly and do not crush it for any reason: you could hurt it.
If you feel bumps on the female's abdomen, and they are more to the sides than the center, it is more likely that it is a cyst or tumor. In this case, consult your veterinarian immediately
Step 5. Veterinarian
If you think the guinea pig may be pregnant, consult your vet right away. You cannot be certain that the guinea pig is pregnant before a visit from a veterinarian who is experienced in exotic animals. The vet will be able to advise you on what to do if the guinea pig is waiting for the little ones.
Step 6. After
If your guinea pig is pregnant, it is very important that you take care of her in the right way, as the probability of death from pregnancy is extremely high in guinea pigs. Do your research and consult:
https://it.wikihow.com/Aiutare-un-Porcellino-d'India-in-Gravidanza
Advice
- Touch the guinea pig very gently: if you touch her belly too much or squeeze her, the puppies could die.
- Always lift it very gently.
- Guinea pigs are allergic to lactose. NEVER, under any circumstances, give dairy products to the guinea pig!
- Don't stress the guinea pig.
- Don't hunt down the guinea pig trying to catch it.
Warnings
- Pregnancy, especially after 8 months of age, is very difficult for guinea pigs. Caring for puppies is burdensome for them and pregnant rodents have a one in five chance of dying from complications during pregnancy or childbirth or from postpartum toxemia.
- There are more guinea pigs than people who want to take care of them, so don't let the guinea pig breed for the fun of it; if you want a new guinea pig, ask at animal shelters.
- Never intentionally breed your guinea pig unless you are an expert in caring for these animals, particularly if the female is over six months old or under three months old, or if she hasn't had any other litters before.
- Miscarriages and stillbirths are common and can have a traumatic effect on the mother.
