Guinea Pig Breeders
Male guinea pigs are able to start breeding about the time they are five weeks old. Females are ready to become pregnant when they are approximately four weeks old. However, most breeders hold off until they are at least six weeks of age. It isn’t recommended to wait much longer than that. If you do, their pelvic bones may have fused together, and this is going to make the delivery extremely difficult.
The pregnancy will last approximately 68 days and the mother will have up to four babies at a time. Most pregnant guinea pigs are isolated to protect them from problems with others. There is also the problem of males eating the young if they are to remain in the same cage.
It is important for a guinea pig breeder to pay close attention to the overall health of all the animals. They don’t want to breed those that are sick or have serious defects. It is possible these problems can be carried on by the offspring and reduce the quality of the guinea pigs for sale. Pregnant guinea pigs require more food, more water, and mineral supplements. They may have to be prodded to continue exercising but it is necessary that they do so to prevent toxemia which can kill them and the unborn babies.
Breeders also have to carefully identify all of their guinea pigs and breed them accordingly. They have to be sure they aren’t breeding siblings and others with a genetic link. This can cause severe problems with the offspring in such instances. Guinea pigs make excellent household pets so breeders can make a good living if they take the time to do it properly. Too many guinea pig breeders are only in it for the money though and as a result their breeders die due to complications with their health and pregnancies.




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