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So you think your guinea pig is pregnant. Whether it was unintentional or planned there's a lot you need to know.

Is my guinea pig pregnant?

The best way to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant is to visit a vet. A vet can perform an ultrasound to confirm if and how far along your guinea pig is. Some early signs of your guinea pig is pregnant are…

•She tends to eat and drink more than usual.

•She looks bloated / her stomach is noticeably larger.

•She has gained weight.

While you can feel for piglets to see if she is pregnant it is best not to hold a pregnant guinea pig.

What do I keep track of while my guinea pig is pregnant?

Make sure your piggy has a balanced diet. It is crucial to make sure she is getting enough nutrients.

•Grass and/or grass hay

•Green leafy vegetables

•Small amount of vitamin C rich foods e.g. citrus or kiwi fruit

•A small amount of high quality commercial pellet

•A small amount of lucerne hay - though this is not essential (as a supplement to provide increased calcium and protein)

Second is her weight. You need to make sure she is gaining the correct amount of weight. It can be harmful to both the mother and the babies if she is overweight or underweight.

Also make sure to remove any other males from the cage. This will reduce stress for the mother.

To continue to to reduce stress don't rearrange the cage often, reduce how much you handle her, and reduce her exposure to bright lights and loud noises.

What should I expect from the birth?

Guinea pig birth is hard on the mother. Guinea pigs don't make a nest when having babies. It's important to know that some guinea pigs can have natural birth while others need medical interference. It is best to consult your vet on which is best for your guinea pig. Nevertheless be sure to stay vigilant as her 59 - 72 gestation cycle comes to a close.

Now I have babies. What do I do?

Guinea pig babies are born with their eyes open and walking in a few hours. Babies can eat solid foods a few days post birth. Weaning can take a few weeks. Babies should be left with their mother until weaned. Newborns are sexed by their external genitalia. Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity very young.

•Females 4-6 weeks

•Males 8-9 weeks

It is best to separate males around three weeks. This will reduce the chance of the babies reproducing with each other. All adult males should not be present before, during, and after the birth. This prevents the chance of another, if the first was, unplanned pregnancy.

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*I do not own the pictures.