Female guinea pigs sows typically mature sexually at 2 months of age 55 to 70 days. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours.
Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. A female can give birth to up to 5 litters per year. When a guinea pig is about to give birth, any male guinea pigs near her will gather around and try to become the dominant male in order to both protect the female and mate with her. The female has a short postpartum estrus that will last for only about half a day and, without a dominant male, all of the males will try to mate with the new mother.
Newborn guinea pigs weigh about 3. Even at such a small size, they have hair and are able to see and run. They can diagnose a pregnancy in various ways depending on how long your guinea pig has been pregnant. Some vets can do ultrasound exams to visualise babies in the womb. In later gestation vets may be able to take an xray or gently palpate the babies. They may be able to feel or see the babies moving. There are vets who specialise in exotic animal medicine and surgery, including guinea pigs: your local vet can refer you to a guinea pig vet if necessary.
The guinea pig pregnancy duration is long — approximately 72 days the average is 65 days — the duration decreases with litter size i. The mean length of pregnancy for a litter of 1 guinea pig is 70 days; for a litter of 6 guinea pigs its 67 days. First litters tend to be smaller than subsequent litters. Guinea pig pups eat solid food from birth, but they also get nutrition from their mother. About days after giving birth, the mother begins lactating for her pups, but they don't rely on her for long.
After only two or three weeks since their birth, the pups are weaned and become independent. Be mindful of her behavior after birth, as guinea pigs won't hesitate to become pregnant again right away. Tom Ryan is a freelance writer, editor and English tutor. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English writing, and has also worked as an arts and entertainment reporter with "The Pitt News" and a public relations and advertising copywriter with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
The fundamental underlying problem appears to be inadequate blood flow to the pregnant uterus. Sows showing any of these signs must be seen immediately by your vet. Because treatment is often unsuccessful, prevention of pregnancy toxaemia is of paramount importance. Pregnant sows should not be allowed to become obese. Fasting and stress must be avoided, especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnant sows must also be supplied with fresh water at all times and fed a nutritious diet. How we are working. Are guinea pigs easy to breed? How will I know if my guinea pig is pregnant? How many babies to guinea pigs have? Do guinea pigs have any reproductive problems? What special changes do I need to make if my guinea pig is pregnant?
0コメント