Guineas and milk

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charlie23

Ok since joining her i have learnt gps are lactose intolerant but when my sow was pregnant i used some info i found on cavy pregnancy here it is.
The babies will be wet for a couple of hours. Once they are completely dry you can handle them. The mother will not reject a baby because of human contact, especially if she has become use to human contact herself. So you can handle the babies the first day of their lives. Enjoy this time, they will not stay tiny for very long. The babies will suckle for three to four weeks, at which time the mother will wean them away from her milk. For a large litter, you could add a milk sop, this is simply bread soaked in cow's milk and provided at room temperature. Do not leave it in more than an hour or so, the milk will sour and may harm the babies. Don't be surprised to see mom eating the milk sop, it provides her with needed energy and nutrients too. They will start eating the same foods as mom very early, some will attempt to eat pellets or veggies the first day. Remember, they are born "precocious" meaning fully furred, eyes open and all teeth and nails functional. They look like miniature adults!

The baby is doing fine so dont think its done him any harm but what do you all think .
 
I have always handled and sexed my mini-pigs from day one. I did that with Junior within hours of his birth. The sow will not reject the babies, unlike rabbits and mice.

I think it does babies good to be handled early and often. It gives them confidence. Well, young Junior isn't lacking anything in that department! He is a cheeky little boy.

I have to say that whenever I have rescued a pregnant sow and she has littered, that I have never supplemented her feed with anything other than usual food. I have given her plently of fresh grass, veg and fruit and drinking water. But I guess extra Vitamin C would be a good one.

Other members might have done different and it will be interesting to know what comments come through.
 
My friend Zoe who is on here and has skinnys gives them Goats milk and bread, they seem to enjoy it...
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Guinea Pigs are suppose to be lactose intorent but tell that to my Kanika, she loves her yoggie, only a small amount once a week as a treat.

Emma x
 
i always feed my sows milk and bred once popped.It gives them protein after giving birth.I wouldnt feed it to any ol pig though only mums and bubs
 
I don't feed it to my own guinea pigs, but I know people who do after births etc.
 
Guinea Pigs are NOT lactose intolerant rolleyes

However I would always give them Goats milk rather than cows milk as it is the closest, most readily available thing to cavy milk - just a little lower in protein.


Guinea pig milk is 3.9% fat, 8.1% protein, 3% lactose 0.82% ash and 15.8% solids.

Goat's milk is 3.5% fat, 3.1% protein, 4.6% lactose, 0.79% ash and 12% solids.

In a study, milk samples were collected daily from English guinea pigs for 21 days - Analyses included protein, fat, lactose, ash, calories, and specific gravity. All components except lactose increased in concentration gradually from the beginning to end of lactation, basically meaing thereis a higher amount of Lactose in the milk when the babies start feeding, than when they stop - and obviously in the end there is no Lactose in their diet at all. Doesn't make them lactose intolerent - just means they need it when they're born, but as they get older they don't !

It is part of a newborn guinea Pigs diet - and they need it ! Kind of how the first part of a milk produced by human mothers is higher in colostrum.
 
When Snowflake had her babies I was told to offer goat's milk if they looked like they weren't getting enough of mum's milk. I would've offered it to them if they'd needed it, it's better to offer something than nothing.
 
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