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Post by KarenPlanetGuinea on Jul 18, 2009 10:20:24 GMT
No. Never syringe feed baby guinea pigs, it can be done but the risk of aspiration into the lungs is very great so why risk it?
Runts of litters here have done very well, our smallest surviving one was 37g and has grown into a 'normal' healthy guinea pig. Often, it seems, the larger pups die in the womb.
In large litters take out the larger pups periodically and see if mum will feed the smaller ones, often though she won't, this may be because the milk flow isn't 'right' at that time, i.e if she has just been feeding for a while then its likely that she's 'empty', often this is mistaken for rejection and panic sets in.
As long as the pup gets some milk its not long before they start eating solids of some kind.
Stale bread moistened in a 50/50% mix of evaporated milk and water is good, sometimes mum will eat it, sometimes the pups. Be sure to change it frequently/remove it if left.
If a pup needs handfeeding put the 'food' (bread and milk/milk on its own) on a spoon.
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