Cannibalistic behaviour to newborn babies is seen in many animal species. In most cases, it is usually as a reaction to an environmental stimuli or problem with the newborn, rather than a true cannibalistic tendency; as most animals actually have very strong natural maternal instincts to protect their young. Guinea pigs are no different. In general cannibalism towards newborns is rare in guinea pigs. When it does occur there is usually a triggering factor or reason that can be identified.

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What can cause a guinea pig to eat their babies?

Many different factors can influence this behaviour, but some more common reasons are:

The pup was stillborn 

In this case the mother may have a natural instinct to eat the pup to remove it from the nest and prevent predators being attracted to the area as they would have been in the wild. This would be the same if the pup died for another reason after birth.

Insufficient nutrition 

If the mother is not given enough foodstuff, or foodstuff of high enough quality, then she will not be able to produce enough milk to feed all of her litter and herself. In this case she may resort to eating the pups that she cannot feed if they are weaker than the rest of the litter and in very extreme cases given the herbivorous nature of guinea pigs, as a source of food for herself.

Stress 

If the mother is in an environment that is causing stress then this can result in cannibalistic behaviour as a response to the stress. Examples of environments which may cause stress to a guinea pig include: a loud environment; an environment where they cannot hide and are exposed to people; a cramped environment; an environment lacking adequate food and water; and an environment that is too hot or cold or where the temperature is fluctuating.

How can you prevent a guinea pig from eating their babies?

The best way to prevent a guinea pig from eating their babies is to provide them with a high quality living environment which meets all of their physical and mental welfare needs.

As a minimum, this includes ensuring:

  • their cage/living space is of adequate size and cleaned regularly
  • they have high quality food available in sufficient quantities
  • they always have access to fresh clean water
  • their cage/living space is in a quiet environment away from high traffic areas of the house and in an environment with a constant temperature (not in direct sunlight or a location with a draft etc.)
  • they have a protected nesting area which is private and comfortable for them, this should be a space they are familiar with and comfortable in before they have the litter
  • they are left alone to bond with the litter and not interfered with postpartum unless there is a medical concern which requires veterinary attention

To find out more about the ideal living environment and nutrition for a guinea pig check out this article on how to keep your guinea pigs happy and healthy, which includes detailed tips on nutrition, housing and health.

Summary:

  • Cannibalism is seen in many species in the animal kingdom
  • Cannibalism is rare in guinea pigs and usually only happens as a result of external factors such as stress, an inappropriate environment or nutritional issues 
  • To prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies it is important to provide them with high quality living conditions and appropriate foodstuffs

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