Mum killed 2 out of 3 kids

Question
Hi, my guinea pig gave birth this morning to 3 babies. When I looked into the hutch, I realised that 1 was alive but the other 2 were dead- 1 had a very big open wound with intestines spilling out and the other I could not find any wound but it looked, maybe squashed? What couldve caused this? Dad has since died 2 weeks before the babies came out. I bought her and dad from another owner and as far as I know, she gave birth before to 7 other very healthy babies in one litter. Thank you.

Answer
Poor sow. It is very rare that the mom will harm the babies. They were likely stillborn or born dead, and she was either vigourously trying to clean them off. They usually clean up the afterbirth so predators cannot smell it.

What did the Dad die of? Was it something that could spread to the others? 7 is a very large litter. I'm surprised the mom and the babies survived.

Please read these websites:

http://www.cavyspirit.com/breeding.htm
http://www.cavyspirit.com/responsiblebreeder.htm
http://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/breeding.html


By hutch, do you mean an outdoor one?

It is not ideal to house them outdoors: http://www.cavycages.com/location.htm

You need to sex the remaining baby and remove him at 3 weeks if he is a male. Breeding the sow again is very risky.

How is she doing otherwise? Are you feeding them alfalfa hay?