https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/guinea-pig/handling-rules-for-newborn-guinea-pigs
*Guinea pigs thrive on companionship and good care. The Guinea Pig Education Hub covers housing, daily routines, proper diets, and how to decode their unique squeaks and behavior. Start here for a guide to happy, healthy cavies.
Baby guinea pigs are incredibly delicate creatures, with ears and legs that seem larger than their tiny bodies.
From the moment they are born, gentle handling is possible and encouraged, as long as it does not interfere with the birthing process.
Unlike some animals, mother guinea pigs will not reject their babies due to human touch. Having been exposed to the sounds and presence of their human family while still in the womb, these babies are already familiar with their environment.
Early handling helps make them calm, social, and comfortable with people.
At birth, baby guinea pigs can be sexed, though it usually requires an experienced eye, such as a veterinarian’s.
Males can become sexually active as early as three weeks, while females need to stay with their mothers for at least 4 weeks.
Nursing begins within 24 hours, and solid food intake starts around day three, guided by the mother.
The mother guinea pig plays a vital role beyond feeding - she stimulates their bathroom habits and produces special softer stool for the babies to consume, ensuring proper digestive health.
During this nursing period, offering the mother and babies nutritious foods like alfalfa and timothy hay supports their growth.
With attentive care and regular interaction, baby guinea pigs quickly grow into well socialized, confident companions.
The early care and gentle handling of baby guinea pigs lay the foundation for their lifelong health, happiness, and trust in humans.
Chewy editorial team encourages all guinea pig owners to cherish these precious moments, knowing that thoughtful attention today creates loving companions for tomorrow.
