Q&A for How to Care for a Pregnant Guinea Pig

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My guinea pig is pregnant, and I'm worried she might be sick. How can I tell?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A good sign all is well is if the guinea pig continues to eat and produces normal pellets. When a guinea pig is sick, often the first noticeable sign is a lack of appetite, which in turn means less droppings. If a pregnant guinea pig loses her appetite, it could be a sign of pregnancy toxemia, and it's essential to seek urgent veterinary advice.

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Question

If I felt my pregnant guinea pig's belly and caused her a miscarriage, what would the signs be?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

As long as you were gentle and the guinea pig is used to you, then the risk of a miscarriage is low. If it did happen, she may hide herself away and then have a minor labor, with pushing and straining. Depending on the stage or pregnancy you may see guinea pig fetuses in the straw afterwards.

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I have been given an 8 week old guinea pig that is pregnant, and her half-sister. Is it OK to leave the non-pregnant girl with the pups?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, guinea pigs are sociable and most react well to the presence of babies. Obviously, be mindful of the fact that any male piglets could potentially father a litter from as young as three weeks old, so be sure to separate any males from the females.

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How do I care for a rejected baby guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It can be tough to keep a newborn alive that hasn't suckled from the mother. You can use evaporated milk, diluted 50:50 with water as a substitute milk, feeding every two hours for the first five days. Because guinea pigs are born relatively advanced, with their eyes open and able to move around, they do start eating solids earlier than other mammals. Soak some pellets in water and put some in fresh every day, and the youngster should start to wean themselves fairly early on.

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