Separation after birth

Question
Thank you for getting back to me. I'm sorry things are not good for you.  I hope you don't mind but I do have a follow-up question -- At what age can any of the babies be taken from their mother to be rehomed? They are 4 weeks old and eat/drink on their own but my still nurse on occasion. Thank you!
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Our Guinea Pig gave birth to 3 healthy babies on 5/21/06.  Although unsure of the sexes of the babies, I believe we have one male.  At what age should the male pigs be separated from the female pigs (including the mother)?  I do not want anymore unexpected pregnancies nor do I want to separate them too soon.  Thank you so much!



Answer -
Hi Jacqueline,

Sorry for taking a few days to get back to you - I have been ill and my mother is in hospital, so things have been a bit hectic here!

Boys must be separated from females at 3 weeks of age. If you are unsure of the sex, check www.cavyspirit.com/sexing.htm or ask your vet to help you out.

Best Wishes,

- Laura

Answer
Hi Jacqueline,

They *could* be rehomed from 5 weeks old, but it's usually a good idea to keep hold of them until they are at least 8 or 10 weeks old just to make sure they are happy and healthy.

Pups are usually pretty independant from just a couple of weeks old, but the longer they stay with their mother (the girls, that is) the better for them.

Remember to thoroughly check the people they will be going to, and to rehome them in pairs. For the boy, let the new owner know that you'd like him to have another boy pig as a friend, since pigs don't usually reach full happiness and fulfillment with life if they are alone. Just a thought.

Best Wishes,

- Laura