HelloHow old should guinea-pigs...

Question
Hello

How old should guinea-pigs be when they are bred?

Can a male live with two or three sows for breeding?

Could you reccomend a good bedding?

How long do they live?

Thanks

Answer
Hello,

Good questions.  I am glad you are concerned about your animals' welfare.

1.  Female guinea pigs should be at least 4 months old before they are bred, but not older than 1 year old if they have never been bred before.  Male pigs can breed as soon as they sexually mature.

2.  A male can certainly live with two or three sows for breeding purposes.  However, when the delivery time gets close, all the animals should be separated to their own cages -- females to prevent sympathy births and males to prevent immediate rebreeding (which isn't very healthy for the females).

3.  A good bedding is any sort of fairly fine pine chips.  DO NOT USE CEDAR CHIPS, under any circumstances -- guinea pigs are allergic and could die from the fumes.

4.  Guinea pigs live an average of 5 or 6 years.

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.  Good luck!

Lorena