Guinea pigs are great pets to keep. They are small and prove to be inexpensive in terms of caring for them. However, since it is a very social animal and thrives in areas where other guinea pigs reside, the chances of it getting pregnant are also high.

Most people don’t really know how to tell if their guinea pig is pregnant. There are a few obvious signs and some not so obvious signs. By nature, guinea pigs tend to come into season every 17 days. This lasts for about 2 days. The signs of whether she is pregnant may not become obvious at first; unless of course you know your guinea pigs as well as you know yourself. In that case, you might be able to identify when she is pregnant.

For starters, it is important to remember that pregnancy in guinea pigs lasts for ten weeks. If your guinea pig starts gaining weight in an orderly fashion that is a definite indication that she is pregnant. When you suspect that she is pregnant start weighing her every week. If her weight keeps increasing steadily and surely, chances are she is pregnant. If she is pregnant, then she will start appearing pear shaped after some time. No real changes will appear during the first four weeks. It is during the last two weeks that the weight gain will be the most. This is mostly because the babies will comprise of more than half the body weight of the mother.

If she is pregnant, your guinea pig will eat and drink more than usual. Like with humans, this is an obvious and clear indication that she may be pregnant.

Besides weighing the guinea pig, feel her side and see if you can make out the babies. It is advisable to place a cushion on your lap and lay her down gently. She might object to you feeling her like that, but if indeed you feel babies, then she will deliver within the next couple of weeks. The babies can be clearly felt two weeks before the mother is due to give birth.

If you still haven’t figured out that your sow is pregnant and she gets to a point where she moves more slowly than usual, she is pregnant. If even after taking measures to see if the guinea pig is pregnant you are still unsatisfied, visit your local veterinarian. A veterinarian will be able to take proper tests and determine whether your guinea pig is pregnant or not. The vet will be able to determine how far along your pet is and also will review her for any complications.

After finding out if your guinea pig is pregnant, it is important to take certain measures to ensure that she has a safe and smooth pregnancy. The sooner you can figure out the pregnancy the better. This will allow you to consider the best options for care.

Jonathan Pitts

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