Male guinea pigs can impregnate a female at as young as 3 weeks old and a female guinea pig can become pregnant at as young as 4 weeks old, so don’t be doubtful if your guinea pig is pregnant due to age.
However, do not assume that your guinea pig is pregnant based on just how much she is eating or drinking. All animals, for example, tend to eat more when it’s cold, when they’re having a growth spurt, and when they’re suffering from certain illnesses. [2] X Research source Rodent and rabbit medicine. Laber-Laird & Flecknell. Publisher: Pergamon
A good idea is to weigh your female guinea pig regularly (perhaps weekly) and to record the weight. This way you can keep track of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be indicative of a pregnancy. However, if your sow is not yet mature and is less than 6-8 months of age, she will still be growing and thus weight gain may not be indicative of pregnancy.
To feel for fetuses, place the sow on a towel on a firm surface. This will keep your guinea pig from slipping. With your non-dominant hand hold her steady around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. Use your dominant hand to feel her belly. Begin by making a “C” shape with your thumb and first finger, and then sliding the thumb over the top of her tummy and the forefinger underneath her belly. Gently press inwards and see if you feel any lumps or bumps inside her tummy. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. If several fetuses are present, you will feel several bumps spaced across her tummy, each of a similar size. However, be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the abdomen. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. Bumps can also indicate ovarian cysts or tumors. If you feel something and you’re not certain what it is, then consult your veterinarian.
If you need to transport your guinea pig, never pick her up by her stomach as it can harm the unborn guinea pigs and the mother herself. You’ll need to encourage her into a transport cage through treats or her favourite vegetables/fruit.
You vet may also be able to hear the piglets’ heartbeats in the sow’s abdomen. [6] X Research source
An ultrasound scan can visualize exactly what the bumps are and confirm a pregnancy. The ultrasound exam involves involves clipping a small square of fur and applying gel to the exposed skin. Then, the ultrasound probe is placed on skin and emits a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to human ears. The probe records the echoes as the sound waves bounce back in order to determine the size, shape, and consistency of internal tissues and organs. This information is then translated into an image. In other words, you will be provided with a visual of your guinea pig’s abdomen and the doctor can then confirm or disconfirm a pregnancy. Ultrasounds are non-invasive and do not require sedation.
Try to find a vet who specializes in rodents and other small animals, rather than just a generic vet.
Male guinea pigs will continue to mount pregnant sows, which can cause stress or pain to your pregnant sow late in the pregnancy (after the 50-day mark). She could also become pregnancy just two hours after she gives birth.
Feed your guinea pig alfalfa hay instead of timothy hay so that she gets more protein and calcium. Your pregnant sow will also need more vitamin C after 4 weeks, about twice as much, so incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C into her diet. In addition, you may want to increase your guinea pig’s fiber intake. Increased fiber intake can prevent hair thinning, which is common in the last stage of pregnancy.
If at any point her weight begins to fall or if she begins to show signs of illness, consult a vet immediately.
Avoid making changes to a pregnant sow’s cage, like removing toys or putting the cage in a totally new location. This could increase her stress and affect her eating and drinking habits. [10] X Research source Reduce her exposure to loud noises or bright lights, including direct sunlight. Reduce handling to a minimum and don’t handle her within two weeks of the birth. Note that the gestation period is usually 66 - 72 days. [11] X Research source Richardson, Diseases of the Domestic Guinea Pig
