Breeding your Guinea Pig

 

Starting to breed your guinea pig should not be taken lightly.
Really think about why you want to breed and decide if it is worth the risk of possibly losing either the mother and/or babies through complications, or ending up with baby guinea pigs you can't rehome to good responsible owners.

 

Do a lot of research read books, surf the internet and really gain as much knowledge as you possibly can. Breeders are a good source of information as they have had hands on experience.

 

Problems that can arise

 

Toxaemia

 

Prevention of this killer is often the vital factor , always ensure pregnant sows have loads of vitamin C and calcium. The later can be given using bread and milk if they will take it. However if after all this you sow goes off her food, becomes listless and drools you must immediately get her to a vet.
 
Stuck Baby

 

If a baby gets stuck during the birth process, and the mother repeatedly strains, then you can give her a 'helping hand' by greasing your finger well, with petroleum jelly or even washing up liquid, and VERY GENTLY sliding your finger in and pulling on any extruding part of the youngster. If you don't succeed at once, then get to a vet as soon as possible.
 
Over Age pregnancy

 

This is a very risky situation and always one for the vet because a caesarean

may be the only means of saving the sows life !!.
 
Mastitis

 

This is often just a blocked milk duct which should be bathed in warm salty water and any 'old milk' eased out. However if it gets infected then the anti biotic Baytril will be needed.
 
Not Enough Room in The Womb

 

This is a relatively new one to me, the baby is born with feet facing the wrong way or curl back. Some breeders would destroy the animal but using tiny splints and massage DOES WORK.
 
Prolapsed Womb

 

This has now happened to 2 of my sows and is caused by a difficult birth, basically the womb comes out, it need veterinary attention where they can put it back and place two LOOSE stitches to ensure it doesn't come out again, but that there waste products can !!, this should be left in for quite a while, around three weeks, in the meantime the sow will need buscopan to stop contractions and antibiotics to prevent infection and a lot of love.

Source Cavyland