How much does a guinea pig weigh and how big does it grow
The structure of the body of decorative cavia differs from wild counterparts in width and roundness of forms. The normal weight of a guinea pig varies by gender and breed. Males are larger than females, by about 20-25%.
The influence on the limits to which guinea pigs grow is exerted by genetics, the conditions in which the animal grew up and is kept. Monitoring the dynamics of parameters and comparing with the norm helps to monitor the health of the pet.
Contents
Growing up periods
Conventionally, the life of a pig can be divided into 4 stages. The norms for weight and size may differ for different breeds, and for the dynamics of development they are common for all representatives of the species.
Life stages:
- childhood – 0-3 months;
- youth – 3 months – 1,5 years;
- maturity – 1,5 – 5,5 years;
- old age from 6 years.
The period of childhood is characterized by intensive growth. The average weight of a newborn cavia is 50-140 g. The parameters are influenced by the age of the mother, the conditions of detention during pregnancy, and the number of cubs in the litter. Usually, those animals that were born first from the litter are larger.
How much a certain pig should weigh at 2 weeks can be determined by doubling its weight on the first day.
By the fifth week, the growth of the guinea pig reaches 19 centimeters. The age is well suited for acquiring a pet. By this time, the animals are completely ready for weaning from their mother.
Girls reach puberty by about 30 days of age, boys by 70. Animals show interest in individuals of the opposite sex and are physically able to reproduce. The body of rodents is still not fully formed, so mating at such an early age is not recommended.
In adolescence, the animal begins to show interest in the opposite sex. At 3 months, the difference in size between rodents of different sexes becomes clearly pronounced. Weight can exceed the performance of a newborn piglet by 10 times.
The formation of the body ends by the 6th month. The animal is ready to perform the reproductive function. The growth rate is decreasing.
The rodent becomes an adult from 15 months. Until these years, cavia grow and gain mass. An adult guinea pig must weigh at least 700 g.
On average, the life expectancy of a pig is 6-8 years. From the age of 4, age-related changes begin in the body. By the age of 6, a guinea pig may begin to lose weight. Reproductive function is disturbed, there are problems with the absorption of nutrients. Aging affects appearance, coat and mobility.
How big does a guinea pig grow?
The table below shows the approximate size of a healthy cavia, according to age. Comparing the parameters of a pet with normal indicators, one should take into account the specifics of its breed and individual characteristics.
Average table of growth rates
| Age | body length |
| about weeks | 8-9,5 see |
| 2 week | 10-12 see |
| 3 week | 14-15 see |
| 5 weeks | 16-20 see |
| 7 weeks | 21-23 see |
| 1 year | 24-25 see |
| 15 months | 27-35 see |
The record holders in size are the Kui breed rodents. These guinea pigs grow to sizes 1,5-2 times larger than average: body length up to 50 cm, weight about 4 kg.
The growth of an adult stops at 1,5 years of age. By this age, the guinea pig of most breeds weighs less than 2 kg. Females gain 700-1200 g, and males 1000 – 1800 g. Body length does not exceed 35 cm.
Monthly guinea pig weight chart
| Age | Body weight (grams) |
| about weeks | 50-120 |
| 0,5 month | 90-180 |
| 1 месяц | 145-240 |
| 1,5 month | 200-300 |
| 2 month | 350-400 |
| 3 month | 500-700 |
| 6 months | 650-800 |
| 1 year | 800-1000 |
| 15 months | 900-1500 |
The weight of an adult guinea pig is stable. Sharp jumps in parameters are an alarming sign and require consultation with a veterinarian. Regular weighing and monitoring of growth dynamics can help identify pet health problems in time.
Guinea pigs grow up to 15 months, after this age, a significant weight gain may be a sign of obesity. The problem usually occurs against the background of a sedentary lifestyle and an imbalance in the diet.
Sudden weight loss can be caused by a lack of nutrients in the diet. The symptom is characteristic of a number of diseases. For some of them, weight loss is the only external sign. A thorough inspection is required to determine the cause.
Monitoring the weight of a guinea pig
Experienced breeders control the weight of the young to make sure that the development of the rodent is in accordance with the norms.
Information about the parameters of the pet is also useful when the guinea pig becomes an adult. Weighing should preferably be done weekly.
In order to find out the weight of a guinea pig, special devices are not needed. Floor scales for people are not accurate enough, it is better and more convenient to use a kitchen scale. Animals calmly tolerate the procedure.
The device will show accurate readings when the pet is motionless. During weighing, one should distract the kavia with treats or caresses.
Convenient weighing algorithm:
- Plant the pig in a container of a suitable size.
- Place the bowl with the pet on a kitchen scale, record the weight.
- Remove the animal and note the mass of the empty container.
- Subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
In order not to forget the exact indicators, you can start a special notebook – a diary. Measurement results should be entered together with dates. Data in case of illness will be useful to the veterinarian, so it is advisable to take a notebook to the appointment.
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Weight and size of guinea pigs
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