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| Breeding |
| Pregnant sow one week
before delivering three pups. The guinea pig is able to breed
year-round, with birth peaks usually coming in the spring, as many as
five litters can be produced per year. The gestation period lasts from
59â72 days, with an average of 63â68 days. Because of the long gestation
period and the large size of the pups, pregnant females may become large
and aubergine-shaped, although the change in size and shape varies.
Newborn pups are well-developed with hair, teeth, claws, and partial
eyesight, they are immediately mobile, and begin eating solid food
immediately, though they continue to suckle. Litters yield 1â6 pups,
with an average of three. the largest recorded litter size is 17. In smaller litters, difficulties may occur during labour due to over-sized pups. Large litters result in higher incidences of stillbirth, but because the pups are delivered at an advanced stage of development, lack of access to the mother's milk has little effect on the mortality rate of newborns. Cohabitating females assist in mothering duties if lactating. |
| Male and female guinea
pigs do not differ in external appearance apart from general size. The
position of the anus is very close to the genitals in both sexes. Female
genitals are distinguished by a Y-shaped configuration formed from a
vulvar flap; while the male genitals may look similar with the penis and
anus forming a like shape, the penis will protrude if pressure is
applied to the surrounding hair. The male's testes may also be visible
externally from scrotal swelling. Guinea pig pup at eight hours old Males reach sexual maturity at 3â5 weeks females can be fertile as early as four weeks and can carry litters before they are adults. Females that have never given birth commonly develop irreversible fusing of the pubic symphysis, a joint in the pelvis, after six months of age. If they become pregnant after this has happened, the birth canal will not widen sufficiently this may lead to dystocia and death as they attempt to give birth. Females can become pregnant 6â48 hours after giving birth, but it is not healthy for a female to be thus constantly pregnant. Toxemia of pregnancy is common and kills many pregnant females. Signs of toxemia include anorexia, lack of energy, excessive salivation, a sweet or fruity breath odor due to ketones, and seizures in advanced cases. Pregnancy toxemia appears to be most common in hot climates. Other serious complications of pregnancy can include a prolapsed uterus, hypocalcaemia, and mastitis |