Pregnant Guinea Pig ..

Question
QUESTION: Hey.

I Was Just Wondering It Is Safe To Breed A Guinea Pig ?
As I Have A Boar And A Sow And They Are Together !
But I Have Read Up About Loads Of INfo On Breeding But So Many Tell Me Different Things And Im Sick Of It ...
So As You Are More Experienced I Was Just Wondering If You Had An Answer ...

Many Thanks..


ANSWER: Hi Raith

I would always say not to breed purely because of the number of homeless pigs out there and the stress it places on the female's body. However, of course its a natural process.

There are 2 things you need to look out for. Firstly, never breed a female for the first time after 9 months of age as her pelvic bones have by then fused together making delivery impossible. Secondly, never breed brothers/sisters, father/daughters etc as this leads to genetic defects.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Me Again !
Yes She Is 5 Months Old Also I Forgot To Say On The Over Question Is It Okay To Put Two Sows In With One Boar ?
And How Can You Be Sure She Is Pregnant ?
Oh And When They Are Mating Can You Clean Them Out ?
Many Thanks..

ANSWER: Hi

I dont know of a specific reason why you shouldnt put 2 girls with one boy although on occasions this could cause the sows to fight/jealousy so most people pair the pigs in the first instance.

The best indications of pregnancy is weight gain so keep a careful record of the weight.

You need to clean them out when mating just as other times for hygiene reasons.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Me Again !
Sorry !
I Always Forget A Question What It Is Can You Have To Pregnant Guinea Pigs Together At The Birth And Can They Stay Together When Both Have Had Their Babies ?

Answer
Hi

No need to be sorry, thats what I'm here for.

Again, there's no set reason why 2 pregnant females shouldnt stay together throughout, but again, some pigs may be jealous.

Its trial and error, try it and see how it goes, it depends on each pig's temperament.

Andy