What should I do when my guinea pig starts delivering her babies?

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

Keep a close eye on her. If something seems wrong (e.g. excess blood, prolonged labour, baby not breathing) call an exotics vet or take her carefully to an emergency clinic.

Answer by  LouB (294)

It's best to let nature takes it course. If it takes more than 25 minutes, you should be concerned and consult a vet over the phone. If the babies look healthy, leave them be. Mom will care for them. If she does not remove the coating around them, carefully remove this so the babies can breath properly.

Answer by  craftheart (392)

It is best to leave your guinea pig alone during her birth. She knows exactly what to do, and will birth the babies and then clean them up. If one of the babies is not well, she will leave it to die. They have a sense about these things. There shouldn't even be any clean up for you.

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

Just watch! If they come too fast and mum cannot clean them, you may have to help open the sacs so they can breathe (clean hands and pierce with fingernail) - GENTLY! If there is a lot of blood or mum/babies seem ill/lethargic - get them to an exotics vet.

Answer by  lbauman1222 (130)

Absolutely most important thing is make sue she has a dark,private,quiet space. It may be tempting to want to intervene but this may stress her and cause harm. DO NOT TOUCH for 3-5 days.She will be very quiet so if she begins squealing loudly in distress use your hands to guide the baby out. Good luck!

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

Just watch. Labour should be quick/easy (15-40 minutes) with little blood. If the babies come too quickly and mum cannot clean them all fast enough you might have to help: gently remove the sac and rub CAREFULLY with a clean towel (watch the eyes). If something seems off (taking too much time/lots of blood) - call an EXOTICS vet ASAP.

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

Just watch: it usually takes 15-40 minutes. If you notice excessive bleeding/prolonged labour, call an exotics vet ASAP. If mum has trouble keeping up and seems to have abandoned a pup still in its sac you might have to remove the sac gently and rub it to stimulate breathing.

Answer by  darthjdavis (284)

Stand back, watch, and enjoy seeing the little ones come into the world. They carry for 9 weeks so the babies will have hair, eyes open, and start squealing right out of the womb.