Breeding????

Question
Hi, I have two female pigs in one cage and two male pigs in another cage, i also have a spare cage. I want to breed one of my females with a male before she gets too old. I was wondering the best way to go about this? separate the two from their cage mates for a length of time or what?

Thanks for your help!!

Answer
Hi Kim.  I would use your spare cage.  I would take the one male and one female and put them in that cage (I normally introduce the female to the new cage first, but I'm not sure it really matters).  Guinea pigs' estrous cycle is about every 15-17 days, so twice a month.  I would leave them together about a month to make sure he has had sufficient time to breed her, or until you notice significant weight gain in your sow.  As soon as you konw she is pregnant I would put her back in with her original cage mate, because you want to stress her as little as possible, esp. as the time nears for her to deliver.  She'll be fine with her cagemate having the babies, the cagemate might even help clean them up!  The males sometimes help too, however, they know their role in life and will re-breed a new mom with in 24 hours of her having babies.  This is very stressful on the new mom.  I hope this helps and good luck breeding your guinea pigs!
Any further questions don't hesitate to ask!
Anngela