STEP ONE - Sexing Guineapigs
Before you buy or adopt a guinea pig make sure you know the sex, double check yourself and if unsure ask an experienced small animal vet to do so. Guinea pigs are generally very easy to sex especially after 3 weeks of age.
Females have a 'Y' shape and males if you press down gently their penis protrudes. Make sure you are 100% sure of their sex before taking them on and also make sure where ever you get them from that there is no chance of them being pregnant.
For pictures and more information on sexing guinea pigs click onto the Cavy Spirit website.
If you do not double check the sex of guinea pigs, and you end up with a litter you must be prepared to care for them and have the babies sexed correctly. Males MUST be separated from their mother at 5 to 6 weeks of age, no later. Females can stay with their mother and males can be housed in pairs only.
Breeding:
Please never breed a guinea pig unless you can guarantee you can look after all the babies or find excellent homes for them. You must also know their bloodline and never interbreed. If unsure in any way leave it to the experts.
After about a year of age the female's pelvic bones fuse, making natural delivery near impossible. A c-section may be required putting the guinea pig and babies lives in danger.
If you come across a pregnant guinea pig or suspect a guinea pig is pregnant remove the male before she has the babies, if not he will mate again shortly after delivery and you will end up with more litters. Should a pregnant guinea pig give birth to any males' one baby male can be put with the father at 5 to 6 weeks of age (see pairing guinea pigs page).
Remember if you are getting guinea pigs for your child/ren please realize that some children will get bored of their pets/outgrow their pets etc and parents must assume fully responsibility and supervise their care should the child become disinterested.
