Guinea Pig breeding?

Question

I have a bore and sow guinea pig and I'm worried about my female guinea pig because she's around 1 year old, and I don't want her to get hurt during birth. Will she be ok? Please say good stuff, because I can't bear to lose her.

Answer 1

Don't put her near any boars at all at this age because the risk of her dying during birth is very high because her birth canal will have narrowed and her pelvis bones merged together.

Don't breed her because I'm sure you wouldn't want lots of little piggies that she couldn't look after running around so just make her last few months with you enjoyable.

Besides are you willing to lose the sow and the babies?

And if even a small number of weak babies survive will you still find home sfor them considring their disability?

Are you willing to give up all your free time to hand rear all of up to 6 pups that she cannot look after?

Sorry its such bad news, but its just the truth that she has such a little chance of giving birth sucessfully.

Answer 2

I'm glad you have not bred her. Please don't.

If you sincerely "can't bear to lose her", then don't chance allowing her to become pregnant. If she is over 8 months old, her risk of dying during birth is high.

Answer 3

Why on earth did you breed them? I'm afraid I don't have good news.

"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. "

There are enough guinea pigs in shelters and rescues as it is, please don't breed irresponsibly. Especially when you don't know what you're doing.

Edit: You sure made it sound like it. In that case... simply /don't/ breed them. It would put your female in extreme danger. Get your male guinea pig a male friend and your female guinea pig a female friend and call it a day. Guinea pigs are highly social and should have /same s*x/ friends.