Why do mother Guinea pigs hurt their children?

It's important to understand that mother Guinea pigs generally do not hurt their children. They are typically very loving and attentive mothers.

However, there are a few situations where a mother Guinea pig might seem to be hurting her babies:

* Stress: If a mother Guinea pig is stressed, she might accidentally injure her pups. This could be due to overcrowding, unfamiliar surroundings, or a lack of food and water.

* Lack of nesting materials: Guinea pigs need a safe and comfortable nest to give birth and raise their young. If the nesting materials are inadequate, the mother might become anxious and accidentally harm her pups.

* Premature birth: If the babies are born prematurely, they might be weak and unable to survive. The mother might not be able to care for them properly, leading to injury or death.

* Disease: Both the mother and the pups can get sick, which can lead to the mother neglecting or even accidentally harming her young.

It's important to note that these situations are relatively rare. Most Guinea pig mothers are excellent caregivers, and they will do everything they can to protect their babies.

If you see a mother Guinea pig behaving strangely or showing signs of aggression towards her pups, it's crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately. They can help assess the situation and provide the best care for both the mother and her babies.