Saturday, May 9, 2009

Is is normal for a guinea pig's first litter to be only one?

My guinea pig gave birth last night and there is only one baby. It's pretty big though and it's perfectly fine, as is the mother.
Answers:
You are very fortunate that your mama piggie came through the birth well. Sometimes, if there is only one pup, it can grow too big to pass, thus requiring vet intervention.
I wouldn't say its normal or abnormal. I just happens that way sometimes. Very similar to how triplets might happen for humans--sometimes it just happens.
I'll bet the pup is adorable. Please remember that if the pup is male, you *must* separate him from the mama pig by 21 days or she could be bred again. If the pup is a female, it can stay with mama pig indefinetely. Also, if you have not already removed the boar from the mother, please do so or she is probably already pregnant again. They can conceive again in as little as 4 hours after birth. Back to back pregnancies are very hard on sows.
Have fun with the new baby. They are so cute!
One baby is completely normal but you should take her in to the vet for a check up anyway. And maybe you should read the following article before you think about letting your sow get pregnant again.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/breeding.htm...
It is not common for a first time mother to have one pup - but it isn't uncommon either. It is actually quite risky with just one pup because single pups are bigger than normal - making the birth more difficult. Since the birth has happened now I'm sure both will be fine from now on!
Good luck with the bub!

No comments:

Post a Comment