Can I handle newborn guinea pigs?

Can I handle newborn guinea pigs?

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.

Can newborn guinea pigs survive without their mother?

Newborn guinea pigs, called pups, are fully furred with eyes open and able to stand shortly after birth. Even so, they cannot fend for themselves and should be nursed for at least 5 days. Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give the pups the best chance at survival.

How long does it take for a baby guinea pig to get used to you?

It can take a guinea pig anywhere from three days to as much as three weeks or more to get used to their new owner. What is this? While that can sound like a long time, try not to get too discouraged if your guinea pig takes that long or even longer before getting used to you.

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.

When should baby guinea pigs be separated?

3-4 weeks
Male and female baby guinea pigs should be separated from each other at 3-4 weeks of age to prevent any early pregnancies. Guinea pigs can then be sterilised from 16 weeks.

How do you keep baby guinea pigs alive?

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.

What do newborn guinea pigs eat?

Baby Guinea Pig Diet The first week of life is critical. Every few hours for the first few days, you should hand-feed the baby guinea pig: mesh pellets or supplement powder, and if you have grown guinea pigs, also add a fecal pellet or two to the mix (there are good bacteria necessary for digestive health in there).

What do newborn guinea pigs need?

How often should I handle my baby guinea pig?

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.

How do you raise a baby guinea pig?

Your baby guinea pigs will start to nibble solid food from only a few days old. You can start introducing them to timothy and oaten hay, pellets, as well as small amounts of green vegetables and water in a shallow dish from when they are born, but this does not mean they are ready to be weaned.

How do you train a baby guinea pig?

5 Cute Tricks You Can Teach Your Guinea Pig

  1. Come When Called. This is one of the easiest tricks to teach your Guinea pig.
  2. Turn in Circles. To teach your Guinea pig to turn circles, hold a treat out in front of him.
  3. Stand Up.
  4. Jump Through Hoops.
  5. Go Home.

Is it easier to bond baby guinea pigs?

It is easiest to introduce and socialise guinea pigs when they are younger. To be able to get along happily together, guinea pig herds need to establish dominance. It is best to try pair a dominant guinea pig with a submissive one. Consider their personalities.

How long does it take for guinea pigs to bond?

Bonding may happen in one afternoon or it may take months. What you don’t want to do is plop the new guinea pig into your existing guinea pig’s cage. Never try to introduce guinea pigs in one of their cages.

What do baby guinea pigs need?