Male and Female interaction.

Question
Hello,
I recieved two little thought-so boys from the petstore a few months ago.
Yesterday I found out one of them was a girl, and is pregnent! (Noticed big round sides and nipples on tummy.)
Although I have 6years of experience with guinea pigs, I have never had more than one at a time...

Question 1:
The boy seemed to lick the females bottom a lot.. is that normal?

Question 2:
I went out and bought a new cage for the male, seeing as I didn't want the female (RICO.. newly named Ricola..) to be injured.. now it seems the male (Linus) is suffering from great depression.. but when I let them play with each other.. she seems to want to be alone.
Will he be okay being separated? Could I consider neutering him so I can put them together after the birth?

Question 3:
Umm.. about the pregnancy..
I am really worried seeing that she is only about three months old that she will die during the birth. I have felt the babies moving which I hear is a good sign, but is there anything I can do to help?

Question 4:
I gave her extra watery fruits/veggies which she seems to be eating fine but she doesnt seem to be drinking a lot like she should.. she seems to just sit in her igloo all day, occasionally come out for her food.. do you think she will be okay? Toximia maybe?


Sorry this was such a long message but I'm a bit nervous about this whole pregnancy thing...

Thanks so much!
-Sabrina

Answer
Hello Sabrina,

To answer your first question, that is perfectly normal.  I have had guinea pigs for some time now and that always seems to happen.  To answer your second question, Linus should be fine, Ricola both needs and wants her rest and privacy.  I don't think that Ricola should die during the birth.  The recommended breeding age for guinea pigs is 3-7 months.  If anything, she may have complications getting the babies out but I doubt it.  Continue to give her the extra fruits and veggies and I would try to move her water bottle closer to her.  At such a young age I take it that she is pretty small and so being pregnant, it may be putting a lot of pressure on her causing her to not want to move.  if you feel the babies moving that is a really good sign as it shows that the babies are alive and healthy.  I doubt she will have toxemia unless she has been overweight before the pregnancy.  If she continues not to drink, take her into the vet so that you can get antibiotics to prevent dehydration.

Thanks for your question.