Breeding your Guinea Pigs should only be undertaken if you have a long term plan for housing the offspring your Guinea's produce – extra hutches, friends or possible pet shops.

We have chosen to adopt a strong cross breeding policy with our animals which means we choose not to inbreed our animals as we know many breeders do to develop a prefect show animal. Nature should take its course in our opinion and we believe that inbreeding can create congenital problems for their offspring and never what nature intended.

A good breeding age is around 6 months and never over the age of 1 old for a first brood as sows pelvic bones fuse together at around 1 year old and therefore if not bred before this happens it can cause major difficulties for both mother and offspring resulting in worse case scenario death.

Once your pigs have done the do, which, you can never be sure has taken place the only way to know your sow is pregnant is that 2 or 3 weeks after she becomes a little firmer and even notice she may be drinking more water.

Gestation Period for Guinea Pig's is around 63 – 75 days.

Please remember to keep a close a eye on your pregnant sow and be sure to watch out for the following signs:-

Listlessness

Drooling at the mouth

Discharge from the vagina

If any of the above are observed please seek immediate Veterinary expertise

You will probably find that your sow will probably prefer to give birth in a quiet environment when you're not present. If you have the privilege to observe this wonderful event please be aware that guinea's may experience some birthing difficulties either themselves or their offspring. Please buy a good quality Guinea Pig Guide to read further into addressing these issues. We recommend the following titles:- The sex life of Guinea Pigs by Peter Gurney and Family Pet Guides – Guinea Pig produced by Collins – Peter Gurney.

Important note that when a sow has given birth it is important that you do not interfere with the afterbirth by mopping it up as this is vital nutrition to the mother to aid their lactation and general bonding with their young. The mother will clean off her young herself. Once again it is good practice to be observant around this time.