How to Determine the Gender of a Guinea Pig: 8 Steps

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How to Determine the Gender of a Guinea Pig: 8 Steps
How to Determine the Gender of a Guinea Pig: 8 Steps

Video: How to Determine the Gender of a Guinea Pig: 8 Steps

Video: How to Determine the Gender of a Guinea Pig: 8 Steps
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Most guinea pig owners have difficulty distinguishing the animal's sex, especially in the case of puppies. Identifying a guinea pig's gender can help you avoid unwanted pregnancy if it is in the same environment as another guinea pig, and it also prevents a calf from fighting with its mother. Although you can consult your veterinarian to determine the animal's sex, you can also do it yourself.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Examining the Guinea Pig

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 1
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 1

Step 1. Do not examine guinea pigs less than three weeks old

Guinea pig puppies can be rejected by their mother if they are touched by humans, as their scent will stay in their fur. Guinea pig puppies can also become stressed when separated from their mother and this will make inspection of the genital organ more difficult.

Guinea pig puppies' bodies can quickly cool down, so they will be cold during the exam. If you really need to examine a puppy less than three weeks old, do it quickly and be careful

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 2
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 2

Step 2. Wear medical gloves

It may be a good idea to wear medical gloves when handling your guinea pig. Guinea pigs can be carriers of diseases that are harmful to both humans and other guinea pigs.

It is also particularly important to wear gloves if the animal has health problems such as scaly skin, skin sores, hair loss, respiratory illness or diarrhoea. Also, medical gloves will keep your scent from sticking to the pig if it is less than three weeks old

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 3
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 3

Step 3. Perform the inspection on a firm, stable surface

Guinea pigs generally don't like to be held in one place too long. Place a soft towel on a firm, low surface (for example, on a low table or even the floor) to keep the animal protected and comfortable during the examination.

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 4
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 4

Step 4. Hold the guinea pig gently but firmly

Guinea pigs are easily frightened and may try to escape. Avoid terrifying the animal. Hold it gently (but firmly) across your chest and shoulders. Lay the guinea pig on its back so that its stomach and genitals face you while the animal's back is supported by your hand. This will facilitate inspection of the guinea pig's genital organ.

Guinea pigs don't like to lie on their backs for a long time. Try to examine the animal as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can have someone hold the guinea pig during the inspection to expedite the process

Part 2 of 2: Determining the Sex of the Guinea Pig

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 5
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 5

Step 1. Check the distance between the anus and the genital organ

First, look at the guinea pig's anus, which is a vertical hole that is usually gray or brown in color. The anus is located just below the animal's genital organ.

After distinguishing between the animal's anus and genital organ, note the distance between them. Females have a shorter distance between the vulva and the anus. The vulva is usually just above the anus. In the case of males, there is a larger space between the penis and the anus, usually 5 to 8 cm

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 6
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 6

Step 2. Check the shape of the genital orifice

Inspect the guinea pig's genital orifice carefully. The genital region of females is usually a little swollen. Use your fingers to gently open the animal's genital orifice. If the genital organ has a โ€œYโ€ shape, the guinea pig is female.

  • The male guinea pig's genital orifice is shaped like a small round dot and the penis is superimposed on the surrounding skin.
  • The guinea pig has a bulge in the anus and genital organ areas. The bulge occurs due to the presence of the testicles, which are positioned just under the skin between the anus and the penis. Check for a ring-shaped bulge around the guinea pig's anus - the animal's testicles are in this location.
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 7
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 7

Step 3. Press just above the genital orifice to check for a penis

In some cases, seeing the penis can be difficult, especially if the guinea pig is older and heavier. To protrude the penis, use your finger to press the area just above the animal's genital orifice gently. This should make the penis appear.

You can also use your finger to gently press and rub the guinea pig's genital area. The presence of a bulge at the site will indicate the animal's penis. This is a clear sign that the guinea pig is male

Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 8
Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig Step 8

Step 4. Use the services of a certified veterinarian to confirm the sex of the guinea pig if you are unsure

No matter how carefully you examine the animal at home, it is very difficult to determine the sex of a guinea pig accurately. If you are not completely sure about the sex of the animal, it is recommended that you take it to the vet. Look for a trusted veterinarian, or one who has examined a guinea pig before, as even an experienced veterinarian can make a mistake when trying to determine the sex of a guinea pig.

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