Just Delivered: Mom is rejecting her baby :(

[Barb1222]

My piggie just had babies last night. She had two, one survived, the other was stillborn. She is an older guinea, probably about 4 years old, I'm not sure. I was told (3 years ago) she was a boy. I got her from a shelter I volunteered from. I never questioned it...I couldn't tell myself back then.

Well, long story short, because I thought she was a he, she was placed with two boys. She's been with one for six months before got pregnant. My husband & I didn't really notice. Just though she was getting a bit fat I felt horrible.

Anyway, the one baby my husband had to help her deliver. The other came out on its own, stillborn. The problem is that mom won't care for her baby at all. When it comes to her, she pushes it away...its so sad so I am handfeeding it (according to guinealynx.com).

Should I keep the baby with momma anyway? They are separated right now. I'm afraid she might her it.

Also, how long should I be handfeeding it?

Thanks!

[jenniwat001]

So sad! You are really lucky that mum and one baby survived!

If mum is only pushing baby away I would keep them together, baby need the warmth and familiar smell of mum, even if mum wont have her near her, she may change in time. Watch them closely for signs of aggression.

Hand feed for about two weeks, that is about as long as mum would nurse for.

You could try putting a hot water bottle (with warm not boiling water) under fleece (if you use it) or wrapped in a towel to help baby stay warm.

Make sure baby has hay and solid food as well as plenty of fresh water.

As you are already aware of the feeding page on guinealynx I can't offer much more. Please keep us updated though.

[4piggers]

Well you may have to hand feed, but one of the boars may take them under their wing. They are very social, and take care of their own. Leave the baby in there and see how the others react.

And like the previous person said, they will need to be warm so but extra blankets and warm bottles in there if you have too.

[Barb1222]

Thanks for the advice! I put baby back in with mom and she was cleaning it and I believe she was letting it nurse! I'm going to keep an eye on them and weigh the baby nightly to make sure everything is ok. This is so great! I'm so happy!

[akstrohm]

I am glad the baby is nursing and seems to be healthy! You did separate the mom from the boars, right?

[Barb1222]

Originally Posted by akstrohm

You did separate the mom from the boars, right?

Hell yeah! The second we realized she was a she and that she was preggers, she was separated from them.

[lmarieaa]

I do not have any advice to give but, I really wish you the best of luck with your piggies!