Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I just rescued a female guinea pig. She is 12 weeks old (3 months) and I was told she is pregnant. If she is then she is early in... Is this too young for her to successfully give birth? Should I be worried? I know they can be too old but is she too young or should she deliver just fine? Thanks any help is appreciated!!!

12 weeks is about the time female guinea pigs should be bred, no sooner and no later than 6 months (for the first time) as their pelvic bone will fuse after 6 months. If they have one litter before this time the bone won't fuse and birthing isnt' such a problem.

So your sow is at the age of least risks, but care still must be taken to ensure successful birthing. Make sure she doesn't get too fat, isn't handled excessively or roughly during the last weeks of pregnancy etc. Make sure she has a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Cavies take on average 63-69 days to have their babies, but some can be as long as 72 days or as little as 53 days. The size of the litter often dictates how long gestation will be.

Finding out exactly when she was mated will give you a better estimate on when she will give birth.
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PHLdyPayne