If you own a pregnant female guinea pig, it can be challenging to understand what to do once they have reproduced. There are many things to consider, such as their environment, nutritional habits, and perhaps most importantly, their mothers. Keeping baby guinea pigs close to their mothers is an essential step in the process as these furry little critters will thrive in their own mothers’ care. However, many female guinea owners have wonder, can the father guinea pig be with the babies? Is it safe for the babies?
No, it is not a good idea to leave your male guinea with its newborn cubs. It is best to separate them as soon as you realize the mother guinea is pregnant. Some father guineas have had a history of killing or eating their baby cubs upon birth. There has also been a concern of male guineas immediately impregnating the mother, which could be extremely dangerous for her. Father guineas should steer clear of their baby cubs by all accounts, at least for a while.
Father guineas should steer clear of their baby cubs by all accounts, at least for a while.
Further Reading: “Should I Get My Guinea Pig A Friend?“
Table of Contents
How To Introduce A Baby Guinea Pig To Its Dad?
When it comes to introducing your baby guinea to their father, there are many steps you need to take to ensure this is done as safely as possible. These furry creatures are generally gentle, social creatures that will get along with just about any other guinea. However, it is best to follow these steps when introducing your baby guinea to their father for the first time.
- Before meeting its dad, you must take your baby guinea to the vet for a full checkup. This process ensures that the baby pup or sow does not have any diseases or issues that could move over to the older, more fragile father. Clarify with your vet whether extra precautions need to be taken upon meeting.
- Secondly, it is essential to keep both the baby guinea and their father in separate cages upon introduction. This step will allow for them to get used to one another’s smell without running the risk of the father potentially harming the young guinea. This may happen if the older guinea is territorial or aggressive in any way.
- Lastly, be sure to ease both guineas into it gradually. The older guineas will need time to adjust, so it is essential you monitor every interaction for at least a few weeks and progressively allow them to interact as they will need time to adjust to new smells and a new body.
It is also important to note that female baby guineas, or sows, can get pregnant as soon as five weeks of age. Therefore, it is not unlikely for a father guinea to get the mother pregnant again and the sow. This could be dangerous for the smaller figure of a sow, so keep a close eye while introducing your female baby guinea to their father. Male baby guineas, or pups, should not have much to worry about in terms of the father. However, keep a close eye on the father potentially bullying its pup as some male guinea species could be aggressive.
Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chinchilla Food?“
Can Father And Son Guinea Pigs Leave Together?
Yes, father and son guinea pigs will get along quite well in most cases. This is especially true if there are no females present. Though again, it is likely best to do this as moderately as possible. Because naturally, rodents of the same sex tend sometimes to act aggressively. However, this leading to fights between a father and son guinea should not be an issue. Be sure you are always monitoring your father and son guinea pigs to ensure their safety.
It is also wise to keep them in separate enclosures at first, as they will need time to develop each other’s smells and aromas. Once they have gotten used to each other, then you may let them genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
Further Reading: “Do Guinea Pigs Have Feelings?“
Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies?
Though many rodents are known to eat their offspring soon after birth, the same cannot be said valid for guinea pigs. So long as they do not have a shortage of food or get too hungry. Since guinea pigs are born in a more advanced state, they typically understand their baby guinea’s size and will not eat them if they are on a good diet. However, it is essential to note that guinea pigs have eaten their offspring before, so it is not an entirely unheard event.
Be sure if you are to let your guinea pigs interact and be monitored and already on a sound and filling diet. Though these creatures are small and can easily be overfed, they can eat much more food than many realize. So be sure always to keep them on a good diet, and your parent guinea pigs should not have an issue with eating their furry babies.
Though many rodents are known to eat their offspring soon after birth, the same cannot be said valid for guinea pigs. So long as they do not have a shortage of food or get too hungry. Since guinea pigs are born in a more advanced state, they typically understand their baby guinea’s size and will not eat them if they are on a good diet. However, it is essential to note that guinea pigs have eaten their offspring before, so it is not an entirely unheard event.
Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Maple Leaves?“
Will male Guinea Pig Hurt The Babies?
If male guinea pigs are introduced to their offspring right away, they may likely hurt or even kill their babies. Though they are born in a more advanced state and probably know better, some male guinea species are very territorial. When introduced to something or someone knew without being eased into it, they can act out aggressively and begin to lash out. Therefore, it is crucial you gradually ease your baby guinea into meeting their father, which could mean the difference between life and death for the furry babies. Keeping them in separate enclosures is essential in this process.
More Reading: “Are Guinea Pigs Afraid Of The Dark?“
How Long Guinea Pigs Babies Stay With Mom?
When you take care of a baby guinea, there is nothing better than a mother’s touch. Like most rodents, baby guinea pigs must stay with their mothers after birth. This is the best way for the babies to get acclimated and fed in their brand-new lives.
Male guinea pigs often exhibit mature behavior around three weeks of age. Though it may seem bizarre, this means they can get their mothers pregnant that soon if not monitored. You must separate the male baby and mother into separate enclosures around three weeks of age.
On the other hand, female baby guineas should be kept with their mothers for at least four weeks. This will give the sow the best chance at survival and nourishment. Make sure you keep the male baby and female baby guinea pig in separate enclosures. The male could also get the baby female pregnant if not monitored.
Female baby guineas should be kept with their mothers for at least four weeks. This will give the sow the best chance at survival and nourishment. Make sure you keep the male baby and female baby guinea pig in separate enclosures. The male could also get the baby female pregnant if not monitored.
More Reading: “Why Is My Guinea Pig Biting Me?“
Final Thoughts
In any case, it is probably best you keep father guinea pigs away from their babies, at least for some time. It may seem bizarre to keep fathers away from their pups or sows. However, it is only in the best interest of the baby guineas. These creatures are lovable, social, and gentle in the right setting. So long as they are adequately cared for and nourished the right way. Father guineas can sometimes tend to get mothers or female baby guinea pigs pregnant, which could be dangerous. So always monitor them and keep them separated upon meeting and interacting until they are older and comfortable.
If baby guineas are kept in separate enclosures and introduced gradually to their fathers, they should be safe. However, the consequences of not following these steps could be significant, so use your best judgment when the situation occurs.
