Breeding guinea-pigs

Question
We want to breed our female guinea-pig with our male guinea-pig, but I'm
worried about the fatality rate of the females. My female is under 1, but some
websites say their pelvises fuse at 8months-14months. Shes definitely under
11months but i'm not sure exactly how old she is. I saw a website that said 1
in 5 sows die while giving birth. Is it relatively safe to breed her? Also she
lives with a 7year old female, who is fairly large, will she squash the babies?
And while we put my younger female with the male, will my other female
miss her? Thanks ever so much.

Answer
Hi Sophie,

A female guinea pig needs to be aged 6 months or under the first time she is bred. What you've read is true; their pelvic bones fuse when they are older, meaning it is unlikely that they will deliver any living babies, and will be at risk themselves during labour. So if she is over 7 months old, unless she's had babies before, I don't think it's safe to breed her.

As with any animal, birth can be tricky, but if your girl is 6 months or younger the first time she is bred, and is happy and healthy, there shouldn't be any problems. The older female won't be a problem and she will in fact help your younger girl to raise the babies. They will share general care and bottom-cleaning duties between them. And they will be fine to spend a couple of days apart whilst the deed is done with the male.

If you have any other questions ... just ask!

Jenny.