If you have a heterosexual pair of guinea pigs in your living area, learn to recognize a female's pregnancy. This is necessary in order to timely move the expectant mother to a separate equipped cage and prepare everything necessary for the moment the offspring appears. This pet is usually 10 weeks pregnant and it is important to know the signs of each physiological stage. The owner of the guinea pig needs to carefully study the biological characteristics of this species.
It is necessary
- - scales;
- - a separate equipped nesting house;
- - information about the anatomy and physiology of the guinea pig;
- - veterinarian consultation.
Instructions
Step 1
3 week. Only a very attentive and experienced livestock breeder can determine the pregnancy of a guinea pig at such an early stage. Try the following manipulations:
• place the female on a hard surface with the front legs, firmly grasping her belly with both hands;
• your thumbs should support the animal's back;
• Press very gently on the abdomen of the guinea pig and begin to palpate from the ribs to the pelvis.
Usually, after the 20th day of gestation, a coin-sized fruit egg can be palpated in a guinea pig. Keep in mind that these pets rarely carry more than 1-4 cubs.
Step 2
4 week. Weigh your pet. From this gestational age, a healthy guinea pig begins to gain weight rapidly. Be careful - if at a certain stage it drops sharply, this may indicate pathological processes in the animal's body. After an independent attempt to distinguish a mumps pregnancy (especially if you suspect a positive result!), Be sure to visit an experienced veterinarian.
Step 3
7 week. Keep a close eye on the pregnant guinea pig. By this time, small piglets in the womb often move, and you can feel and even see them move. At this time, it is almost impossible not to notice that the animal is waiting for an addition - its belly swells up greatly, especially during multiple pregnancies.
Step 4
9 week. Be sure to weigh the sea fruit) can reach up to 50% of their mother's weight. You can also evaluate the expansion of the symphysis (syphysis) - the place where the pelvic bones meet. To do this, it is enough to put your finger in front of the genitals of the animal and compare its anatomy with the appearance of other females. According to veterinarians, the symphysis expands by about two fingers the day before giving birth.
Step 5
Finally, by the 10th week of pregnancy, your pet will be sedentary and lazy; she should have an excellent appetite at this time. Place the male in a separate cage; disinfect the nesting house; put a fresh hay bed in it and get ready for the little guinea pigs.