When can you hold a newborn guinea pig?
They will be feeling a bit tender and very protective of their babies after the birth, so it’s best to leave them alone for a month afterwards too. Baby guinea pigs should not be held at all for at least one week after birth, and must always be handled very gently.
What happens if you hold a newborn guinea pig?
The mother guinea pig will not reject them because you are handling them. Just like the human baby being passed around after birth, they have been listening to your voices, movies, music for however many months they have been in your home in their mother’s womb.
Can I hold my guinea pig on the first day?
Don’t take your guinea pig out of their guinea pig cage when they first arrive at your home. It is often best to avoid handling them for a few days so they can adjust to their new surroundings.
Do guinea pigs eat their babies if you touch them?
NO. It is a myth that a guinea pig will eat its babies, or even reject them, if a human has handled them. It is even believed by some that if a guinea pig is used to you and your scent, handling the pups will put the mother at ease because she recognizes your scent on the pups.
How do you handle newborn guinea pigs?
Handling them too much too soon can disrupt the bond they need with their mother in order to nurse from her, and huddle against her for warmth. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. Approach them face-on, so they can see you coming.
How often should you handle baby guinea pigs?
Many guinea pigs love quality time with their owners, so handling your guinea pigs is great fun. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, then they’ll enjoy being hand-fed and petted, so it’s up to you how much you hold them – do so as often as you like.
Do you have to separate male guinea pigs from babies?
Male guinea pigs should be separated from their pups, at least for most of the time, simply because the little ones have to be with their mothers. Newborn guinea pigs can meet their fathers, but only if their mothers aren’t around. Don’t allow female pups to encounter their dads once they’re 21 days old, however.
What do newborn guinea pigs need?
To care for baby guinea pigs, get a roomy cage and make sure they can’t slip through the spaces between the bars. Feed the pups twice a day, provide a constant supply of fresh water, and handle them often so they can get comfortable with human interaction.
How big is a newborn guinea pig?
Care of Newborns Newborn guinea pigs weigh about 3.5 ounces (100 g). Even at such a small size, they have hair and are able to see and run. They will nurse from their mother but are able to nibble at solid food (such as moistened pellets) within 2 days.
What do you do with newborn guinea pigs?
When to get a baby guinea pig from the mother?
When to Get a Baby Guinea Pig. Let’s be clear, a newborn guinea pig should not leave its mother’s side for at least 3 weeks. In this crucial period after birth, the baby cavy needs to be nursed in a safe environment with the mother.
How long should you not handle a newborn guinea pig?
We would suggest you not to handle your newborn guinea pigs at least for one week as they are very delicate, and have weak bones. Your small mistake can injure your guinea pig heavily and can even risk their life. These newborn babies will get nursed by their mother as soon as her mother instinct kicks in.
How do you pick up a 1 week old guinea pig?
You can pick up your 1-week newborn guinea pig in the following manner: Keep your hand beneath the chest and another side beneath their rump so that you can cover the whole body. Hold their back legs against their body and pick them up very carefully. If your guinea pig tries to jump, don’t panic as it is their normal behavior.
How often should I Feed my baby guinea pigs?
Baby guinea pigs should be fed twice a day. Make sure you start feeding them at a time you will be available. These little creatures like to be on a schedule, especially for food. If you feed them a certain time, they start to expect to be fed around that time. In fact, if the schedule fluctuates too much, it could even cause stress to them.