Average weight for 6 week old?

[missljay]

Just weighed Muffin (she's in the photo thread lol) and noticed she's only 272g at 6.5 weeks. Is this a normal weight? Can't help thinking it's a tad low x

 

[Wiebke]

Just weighed Muffin (she's in the photo thread lol) and noticed she's only 272g at 6.5 weeks. Is this a normal weight? Can't help thinking it's a tad low x

The weight is on the lower side, but you have to take into account that the survivable birth weight can vary from 40g-140g - that is more than triple between the lowest and the highest possible weight!

A small baby will not simply catch up after birth; in fact the weight difference is likely to get bigger as the piggies grow. The good news is that this doesn't impact on health, quality and length of life unless there is a genetic problem.

My Meleri was just about 300g at 5 weeks and could squeeze through a C&C grid on the night of her arrival; she is now a healthy, confident teenager well within the acceptable weigh range. My Morwenna was a pup in the 40-50g range and is still going well at 4 years of age even though she is the smallest of the Triplet sisters - but it is the largest of the three that has died first...

As long as your baby is happy and healthy in itself and still growing, you need not worry. It will realise its own genetically determined optimal weight in its own time over the next year before it reaches adulthood. Always aim for good health over perfect weight!

The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight

 

[missljay]

The weight is on the lower side, but you have to take into account that the survivable birth weight can vary from 40g-140g - that is more than triple between the lowest and the highest possible weight!

A small baby will not simply catch up after birth; in fact the weight difference is likely to get bigger as the piggies grow. The good news is that this doesn't impact on health, quality and length of life unless there is a genetic problem.

My Meleri was just about 300g at 5 weeks and could squeeze through a C&C grid on the night of her arrival; she is now a healthy, confident teenager well within the acceptable weigh range. My Morwenna was a pup in the 40-50g range and is still going well at 4 years of age even though she is the smallest of the Triplet sisters - but it is the largest of the three that has died first...

As long as your baby is happy and healthy in itself and still growing, you need not worry. It will realise its own genetically determined optimal weight in its own time over the next year before it reaches adulthood. Always aim for good health over perfect weight!

The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight

Thanks for your reassurance! I think it's because she's so small compared to my older girl - she's almost 1300g

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for your reassurance! I think it's because she's so small compared to my older girl - she's almost 1300g

Tiny body doesn't necessarily mean tiny personality! Just give her time to grow into herself and be as healthy and happy as she can be!

 

[missljay]

Great thanks! At what age would you consider attempting to bond her with my older sow? They're next door neighbours ATM and can see each other through (when the little one doesn't leg it)

 

[Hetja]

Great thanks! At what age would you consider attempting to bond her with my older sow? They're next door neighbours ATM and can see each other through (when the little one doesn't leg it)

Now. I’ve Never waited with bonding. My youngest guinea pig came at the age of around two and a half week and a weight of 148g. We bonded her (and two other baby piggies we got at the same time) immediately to our other piggies. We haven’t had any problems.

 

[missljay]

I'll try first thing tomorrow then. Wasn't sure whether to wait with her being so nervous. Thanks!

 

[Wiebke]

Great thanks! At what age would you consider attempting to bond her with my older sow? They're next door neighbours ATM and can see each other through (when the little one doesn't leg it)

ASAP - as soon as have you have got several hours' time! Babies are desperate for company and guidance of elder piggies!

Here is our detailed bonding guide that covers the whole process: Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[missljay]

Great I'll read through now. Never had a baby piggie before so thanks for all your advice x

 

[missljay]

Update - I'm considering bonding a success. Both are asleep under the older sows blanket quite happily in the bonding pen. Thanks again for all your advice x