After what age should a Guinea pig not be bred?

Question

I have a beautiful sow that is about a year old and a breeder has ask if she can breed her with one of her boys and I am not sure how it would work out for her because she is almost a year and has never had a litter.

Answer 1

She shouldn't be bred at all, really. Why do you want to breed? Think about it. Breeding isn't a game... it's not a matter of just putting a male and female animal together. Mess with the wrong genes and breed the wrong animals and you could end up with some very sick babies. Do you know the mom and dad's genetic/health history at least three generations back? Pet store animals should never be bred, you know nothing about their health background. It doesn't matter if they seem healthy now or the vet gave them a clean bill of health... it's what's in their genes. There are more than enough small animals in shelters and rescues without more poorly bred ones being added to the overpopulation. There's a lot more to breeding responsibly than you might think. Please read and make a responsible decision:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/aboutbreed...

"Guinea pig sows are at risk of pregnancy complications because the babies are born large and ready to run. Breeding after 8 months of age can be fatal for a guinea pig who has not had a previous litter due to dystocia. The symphysis (a joint of tough fibrous cartilage which firmly joins the 2 pubic bones) can stiffen upon reaching adulthood and she may not be able to deliver her pups unaided. Sows with dystocia usually need a caesarian section. The survival rate is very poor. "

From: http://www.guinealynx.info/breeding.html

Answer 2

I would say around two to three years, the pregnancy might cause too much stress

Answer 3

10 months. their bones fuse about that time, then which would be vital for them to have a c section if they needed to give birth. yeah, definitely a bad idea. ha

Answer 4

Its not stress that is the problem, it is the fusing of the pubic bones in Guinea Pigs that happens after about one year of age in a sow.

The first litter should therefore be born before the age of one year (at the latest)

Good Luck!

Answer 5

I agree with Darksong. You should never breed. There is a 20% chance the sow will die. She could use a friend though. You should look for a rescue or shelter where you can adopt.

Answer 6

Guinea pigs should not be bred for their first litter after eight months of age. You would be risking almost certain death.

Don't do it.

Answer 7

No breeding after eight months, her pelvic bones have already fused together, long story short you try it and you'll wind up with dead babies and a dead momma. Breeding guinea's in general is very dangerous never mind at her age and situation.