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Breeding guinea pigs can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether you are a seasoned breeder or a beginner looking to expand your furry family. Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are small, docile animals that are known for their friendly nature and low maintenance requirements. They make great pets and are often sought after by those looking for a smaller pet that is easy to care for. However, successfully breeding guinea pigs involves some essential knowledge and considerations to ensure the health and well-being of both the parents and their offspring. In this guide, we will take you through the necessary steps on how to breed a guinea pig, beginning from selecting the right breeding pair to caring for the pregnant sow and newborn pups. Whether your intention is to raise guinea pigs as pets or enter the world of guinea pig shows and exhibitions, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to get started on your guinea pig breeding journey.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
There are 19 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 11,419 times.
Guinea pigs include many species; Most of them live about two to three years. Guinea pigs are nocturnal animals, which means they usually sleep all day. However, guinea pigs are active at dusk, meaning they are most active when the sun is about to set. To ensure that your guinea pig is happy and healthy, you need to feed them properly, get them enough play/exercise, and clean the cage regularly. [1] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
Steps
Buy a guinea pig
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- The price of guinea pig is quite cheap. You will have to spend a lot more money on toys, cages, and medical expenses.
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- Be careful if the hair around the guinea pig’s tail is wet; This is a sign of “wet tail” disease – a bacterial disease that spreads very quickly through contact with other guinea pigs. The guinea pig’s coat should be dry and clean. Wet tail disease can be treated with antibiotic cream, but when choosing a guinea pig to keep, you should try to find a really healthy one. [4] XResearch Sources
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Preparing to make a new home for the guinea pig
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- The IKEA Detpf cage is also a great choice. Another option is a “cat litter tray with wire mesh” style guinea pig cage that offers good natural ventilation.
- Make sure not to expose the cage to direct sunlight, as the guinea pig can overheat as the strong light will be amplified as it passes through the aquarium glass. Unless buying second hand, aquariums can be quite expensive.
- You can also buy wire mesh cages, which have very good ventilation, you just need to buy large enough cages.
- Many people like to make their own cages, which is both fun and affordable. The cheapest and most popular option is to use a trash can to make a cage, attaching a net to the lid of the trash can.
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- There are three species of guinea pigs (Campbell’s Russian dwarf, Winter White Dwarf, and Roborovski) that can live alone or in pairs if properly acquainted. Do not pair different species of guinea pig. Mating pairs of guinea pigs should not be kept together for long periods of time, as they can fight and cause injury. [10] XResearch Source
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- Wood shavings such as pine and cedar are not good for guinea pigs because they can cause many health problems. These woods can cause respiratory illnesses and may contain some toxic essential oils. However, the deciduous poplar lining does not contain toxic essential oils and is absolutely safe for guinea pigs.
- Never line a guinea pig’s cage with cotton yarn. Cotton is very dangerous to guinea pigs because they are not digestible, and the cotton fibers can wrap around guinea pigs’ legs, cutting off blood circulation and possibly killing them. [11] XResearch Source
Provide food and water
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- If you want to change your guinea pig’s diet, wait a few weeks after you buy it, then start offering a new food and gradually increase the amount over 10 days. Guinea pigs have a hoarding nature, so they will hide food in hidden places. They will be very stressed if you take away those foods. If you’re concerned about the quality of the food your guinea pig is hiding, replace it with new food where it’s stored.
- Choose terracotta or metal bowls for your guinea pig’s food. Food bowls made of these materials are best, simply because guinea pigs will gnaw on plastic bowls. [13] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source
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Help guinea pigs adapt
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- To train your guinea pig, place your hand in the cage. Let your guinea pig smell and probe your hand. If the mouse nibbles lightly but is not aggressive, gently pull your hand back, but then immediately hold out your hand for it to continue exploring. This will help the guinea pig know that the hand is not something to bite and not to be afraid of. Then you put the delicious food in your hand; Mixed nuts are perfect for this as it is a supplement to pellets and block feeds. Guinea pigs love this food. Your guinea pig will get used to climbing in and out of your palm and will learn that hands are the place to climb in. Gradually move the food to the upper part of the hand, as your guinea pig will become more and more comfortable with this.
- If you see progress, try to get your guinea pig to climb onto your hand and reward it right away. Your mouse will see your hand as a lovely object. This time, let it climb into your palm and slowly lift your hand off the floor. It may be scared at first, but hearing you talk in a low voice and reward your favorite food will make your guinea pig feel more at ease. You need to sit while training, as guinea pigs can jump out of your hands and get injured if they fall from a distance of 15-20 cm from the floor. [20] XResearch Source
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Let the guinea pig exercise
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- Wheels for guinea pigs need to be specially designed. If the wheel has a gap in it, it will hurt the guinea pig.
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- Make sure your guinea pig can’t reach dangerous objects (like wires that rats can gnaw on) and that the room has no room for it to escape.
House cleaning for guinea pigs
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- You can also use a vinegar solution to clean your guinea pig’s home. [26] XResearch Sources
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Things you need
- Guinea
- Cage
- Toys for guinea pigs
- Hot water and vinegar solution to wash the cage
- Food and delicacies for guinea pigs
- Food bowl (metal bowl is best)
- Water
- Drinking water bottle for guinea pigs
- Cage lining material
- Tunnel
- Tent/house for guinea pigs
- Bed for guinea pig
- Toilet paper roll core (for mice to gnaw and play inside)
- guinea pig cage mat (optional)
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
There are 19 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 11,419 times.
Guinea pigs include many species; Most of them live about two to three years. Guinea pigs are nocturnal animals, which means they usually sleep all day. However, guinea pigs are active at dusk, meaning they are most active when the sun is about to set. To ensure that your guinea pig is happy and healthy, you need to feed them properly, get them enough play/exercise, and clean the cage regularly. [1] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
In conclusion, breeding guinea pigs can be a rewarding and educational experience when done responsibly. Proper research, preparation, and care are essential to ensure the health and well-being of both the parent guinea pigs and their offspring. It is crucial to consider various factors such as genetics, age, and compatibility before proceeding with breeding. Additionally, understanding the breeding process, including gestation periods and the care required during birth, is vital to promote a successful and stress-free breeding experience. Remember to always prioritize the welfare of the animals above all else and be prepared to provide the necessary time, resources, and support for the new guinea pig litters.
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