It does not matter if it is your first time or tenth, knowing the sex of a guinea pig is a fundamental aspect for any owner, be it because one intends to introduce a new guinea to the family, is forming a mixed group, or is thinking of breeding. No doubt guinea pigs are as cute as they are, absolutely low maintenance pets, i’m afraid it’s often not that easy to tell the differences between the boys and girls and such issues are usually very common among new pet owners. Here in this guide, we will discuss the major ways of determining the sex of your guinea pig so that you have all that is required to handle your pet well.
Guinea Pig Anatomy Guide
Sex identification is a very intro and technical procedure but in this regard, some basic knowledge of guinea pigs should be present. Guinea pigs or cavies has a body which is rather straightforward, but it does have essential organs which classify it into male or female.
Important Anatomy points out:
In comparison, guinea pigs can have their sex determined externally because both males and females have a pair of external genitalia that can be inspected.
Frame or generally body is broad and stout with short legs and a near bulbous head.
Superficial Phenotype Differences The external genital organs of the guinea pig are the most reliable indicators of sex. It is always advisable to hold the guinea pig still when performing such assessment. Here are parameters one can use in classification:
Male Guinea Pigs
Recognition of the Genitalia:
Testicles: In male guinea pigs, testicles are found just above the root of the tail and they normally appear as bulb like structures. They can actually be felt even when not seen.
Penis: This is located a little above the testicles and most of the time, protrudes vaguely outwards. In older guinea pigs, it may be very pronounced.
Shape and Localisation:
The genital area of the male guinea pig is usually Y or V shaped due to the male’s testicles and the penis. The male genitalia, especially the scrotal sac, is quite easily noticeable from below.
Behavioural Indicators:
More dominance behaviours are exhibited by the males, coupled with a stronger odour especially if not neutered. This is supplementary information, but it is not very dependable as physical examination.
Female Guinea Pigs
Recognition of the Genitalia:
Vulva: In female guinea pigs, the genitalia is largely slit in configuration and more or less placed horizontally below the anus. This mouth which is opening is not as noticeable as that of a male.
No Testicles: Considering the fact that female guinea pigs do not come with any testicles, we can assume that the genital area will be less bulky and flatter.
Shape and Location:
The female genital region usually has a rectangular opening that points towards the inside of the body cavity which is usually less prominent. The features that stand out in the males are absent.
Behaviour Indicators:
Territorial behaviour is prominent in day old males than in females, whose scent marks are typically not as powerful. This, however, is not an absolute way of ascertaining the sex of the individual.
Age and Developmental Stages
When a guinea pig is still too young, making a sexing decision can be difficult. And here’s how sex identification shifts and changes over time:
Young guinea pigs
Neonates (Newborns): At this age, it is almost impossible to define the sex of guinea pigs. As the children grow older the differences become even more evident.
Juveniles: With the maturation of guinea pigs during young period, their sex organs become more noticeable. By this age of about 4-6 weeks, the gender should be fairly easy to tell.
Adult guinea pigs
Sexual Maturity: When guinea pigs that have reached their sexual maturity ( which occurs at the age of 2-3 months) little gap exist between the two sexes, quite a number of visual distinctions are present. The genitalia of the adult guinea pigs will by now be well developed and therefore the sexing will be a whole lot easier to do.
Practical Tips for Getting to Trust the Sex of a Guinea Pig
When it comes to determining the true sex of your guinea pig, follow these practical tips:
Handling the Guinea Pig:
Make sure that the guinea pig is in a quiet state before examining. You can place your guinea pig on its back or gently elevate the back part of their body to effectively expose their genital area.
Inspection Techniques:
There is a proper way to explore the genital area and that is using the gentle touch of your fingers. In this process, some stress would certainly need to be avoided and therefore time should be taken.
Lighting:
The proper use of light is important simply because it influences the overall view. The area should be bright enough or close to light when trying to inspect the guinea pig’s genitalia.
Seeking Veterinary Help:
Most probably, you may not have the ability to observe the sex difference on a guinea pig and therefore recommend medical advice. Through this, there shall be sex confirmation and information answering your queries.
Common Misconceptions
There are various special divisions between sex and gender of guinea pig reasons why assumptions by people lack solid base and in some cases are entirely wrong. Some of such common views include:
Myth: “Male guinea pigs are always larger than females.”
Although males are possibly large, size is not a reliable cue as to whether one is male or female. Size variations depend on many factors amongst them heredity and appetite.
Myth: “Behaviour is enough to tell you the sex”
Sex is not something that can be reliably determined from behavioural traits alone. Even if there might be some behavioural variations, these are not consistent enough to be relied upon as a main approach.
Myth: “All guinea pigs with certain markings are of one sex.”
Short, such physical characteristics as shapes and patterns do not indicate gender. So females as well as males may have the same or bear patterns that are of no gender association.
Conclusion
The determination of gender of guinea pigs normally entails an investigation of the external reproductive organs of the guinea pig, male guinea pigs are more protuberant than the female ones There are a number of anatomical insertions in sexing of guinea pigs, understanding of the techniques to hold the guinea pig, and awareness of the most common misconceptions, and sexing a guinea is simple and straightforward. This information will, in turn, assist in deciding how to take care of these pets, how freely to let them socialise and health-wise, and whether or not to breed them.
