The serious risks of guinea pig pregnancy — how to recognize them, and why prevention and prompt vet care matter so much. Guinea pig pregnancy carries genuine, sometimes life-threatening complications — more than many small pets. The main ones are pregnancy toxemia (ketosis), dystocia (difficult birth), hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), mastitis (a post-birth mammary infection),…
Quick, clear answers to the most common questions about guinea pig pregnancy. Guinea pig pregnancy raises a lot of questions — how long it lasts, how to tell, what to feed, and what to expect at birth. In brief: pregnancy lasts about 59 to 72 days, the signs include weight gain and an enlarged belly,…
What to feed a pregnant (and nursing) sow — and why her needs are the opposite of a normal adult’s in some ways. A pregnant guinea pig (a sow) needs more — more food, more calories, and especially more vitamin C and calcium — because she’s growing pups and preparing to produce milk. The cornerstones…
Getting ready for the birth and arrival of pups — for a safe, smooth experience for mom and babies. Preparing for guinea pig babies (called pups) comes down to a few key steps: get a vet involved to confirm the pregnancy and assess risks, boost the mother’s nutrition (unlimited food, extra vitamin C and calcium),…
How to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant — the signs to look for, and why a vet visit is essential. The main signs that a guinea pig (a female is called a sow) is pregnant are gradual weight gain, an enlarged, pear-shaped abdomen, an increased appetite and thirst, behavioral changes (resting more, less…