How old do you have to be to breed a guinea pig?
Breeding guinea pigs is usually straightforward, but the results aren’t quick. The sow (female) and boar (male) need to be together for at least 17 days, and the gestation period is then around nine weeks. There is also quite a small window for safely breeding your female guinea pig. Before 6 months old they will be too young.
How long does it take a guinea pig to have a baby?
A sow is pregnant for 59–72 days (about two months) and typically has three piglets (although 17 has been recorded). Unlike other rodents, guinea pig babies are born precocial. This means they have teeth, fur, squeak, and run around just like the adults when they are born.
What should I do to keep my guinea pigs from breeding?
Keep in mind that you will also have to separate males and females to keep them from breeding. The cage space will require proper bedding and hay, so consider purchasing extra and keeping a reserve for when you clean the guinea pigs’ area. Also consider purchasing more accessories such as toys or hiding holes for your guinea pigs to enjoy.
When to remove males from female guinea pigs?
Therefore to prevent inbreeding males should be removed from the females at 3 weeks. A sow may be mated at anywhere from 4-7 months for the first time. It is important that the sow is under 7 months for a first pregnancy to prevent the conditions symphysis and dystocia .
How old do guinea pigs have to be to breed?
Breeding and Reproduction of Guinea Pigs. Male guinea pigs (boars) mature sexually and can mate as young as 3 months of age. Female guinea pigs (sows) mature sexually as young as 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring.
How can I Stop my guinea pig from breeding?
The safest, easiest, and least expensive way to prevent breeding is to house male and female guinea pigs separately. If you do decide to have your guinea pig spayed or neutered, seek out a veterinarian who has successfully done a large number of these surgeries.
When does a female guinea pig have her first period?
Female guinea pigs (sows) mature sexually as young as 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring.
How many babies does a male guinea pig have?
Hopefully, approximately nine weeks after your male and female guinea pigs meet, a litter will be born. Anywhere from 1 – 8 babies strong, the usual number is more like 3 or 4. And they will be born running!
