Guinea pig breeding will require a healthy female and male. Proper breeding will also require guinea pigs that are of appropriate age. Most breeding occurs easily when it comes to guinea pigs, as long as ample amounts of food are supplied and vitamin intake is increased.
Before breeding, make sure to have a healthy female and male guinea pigs to ensure healthy offspring. Visit a reputable breeder to ensure genetic integrity when purchasing a guinea pig. Inspect the animals and make sure that the coat is shiny, the posterior area is clean, and the eyes are free of discharge. Also, look to see that the breeder only has a couple of dozen guinea pigs in his or her possession. Breeders who have large litters are usually working with commercial breeders who usually have no regard to the reproductive health of their guinea pigs.
Select female guinea pigs that are less than six months of age when guinea pig breeding. Breeding a female guinea pig that is older than that will increase the chances of pregnancy complications occurring. Male guinea pigs should be about three to four months of age.
The guinea pigs will have to be housed correctly. Select a cage that is large enough to house the three to four pups that will be produced. Allow the guinea pigs to live together. If selling them, it is always a good idea to have a number of potential homes to streamline the adoption process.
Apply ample amounts of food during the guinea pig breeding process. Supplement their diet by supplying vitamin-rich foods like alfalfa, sprouts, and dark greens. Guinea pigs will feel more comfortable breeding knowing that there is enough food to fuel the reproduction and rearing process.
Guinea pig breeding is usually straightforward, and will only require human interaction once the pups are born. The female guinea pig fertile cycle lasts about 16 days, so a month’s time would be ample amount for breeding to occur. Female guinea pigs that are pregnant will show an evident bump in the lower stomach region.
Ensure the health of the female by adding 200 milligrams of vitamin C to every liter of water. Bump up the supply of leafy greens, as the female will forage more than usual. Make sure to remove food every couple of hours to reduce the chance of the pups coming into contact with rotting food.