Need info on feeding week old babies

[bonniepaso]

We bought a pair of guinea pigs from a local pet store for my husband's 3rd grade class. One ended up being pregnant and she gave birth last week. The babies are now one week old and the mother was found dead.

I know they can be weaned at 2-3 weeks, but they are a week short of that. What can I do to help them survive? Any feeding information for them?

Thanks!

[Foggycreek]

Three weeks is when you wean.

However, your babies should already be eating solid foods. Do they eat pellets, hay, and vegetables/greens? Was the mother eating before she passed away? Are the babies with the father? If so, they will learn from him how to eat and drink from the water bottle.

I would weigh them daily (see Weigh Weekly from Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig ) for awhile to make sure they are gaining weight and not losing. If they aren't gaining, then handfeeding may be needed. There is information on feeding pups (baby guinea pigs are called pups) here-- Feeding Pups .

You'll need to determine their sexes so you can separate boys from girls at three weeks (and no longer!). Here are some tips for finding out their sexes-- Sexing Pups .

Pet store guinea pigs are often missexed. They often have mites as well. You can find information on mites at Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig as well.

I'm sorry you lost the mom, and good luck with the babies.

[bonniepaso]

Thanks for the help!

Yes, they are eating solid foods.

No, they aren't with the father because we moved him to another cage when she was going to give birth.

Is it possible to put the father back with the babies at this point? His cage has been next to the mom and babies' cage the whole time.

[sus4rabbitsnpigs]

Yes, put Dad in with babies. He usually makes a good nanny and they will follow his lead on eating.

You may need to warm the babies' bottoms to help them poop. The mom usually does this for them.

Get a kitchen scale to weigh them if you don't have one already.