[envisionary333]

My guinea pig gave birth today. I'm sorry to say that it was an intentional pregnancy. Several months back, before I had found this site, I decided to breed my two store-bought pigs. I did not realize that guinea pigs were available for adoption at the time, and I felt that pet store pigs weren't socialized and usually skittish. I wanted the experience of raising pups that would be socialized and well cared for from birth. I intended to keep all of the babies, male or female, one or eight, no matter what happened. I have a whole room devoted to my guinea pigs with a 55-square-foot cage, and I bring them vegetables on a silver platter every morning and evening. I feed them Oxbow hay and pellets and bring them every toy I can find. I took my pregnant girl to a highly qualified vet a couple weeks ago and they said she was in optimum health. They did an x-ray and I saw three baby piggies, of good size and almost ready to emerge. I felt confident that I had done the best I could for these precious little ones.
Today, I came downstairs to find one beautiful baby pig crawling beside his mother. I looked closer and saw that there were two more, but they weren't moving. I knew something was wrong. I didn't want to believe it, but to my horror, two of the babies were born dead. I can't begin to tell you how much heartache this has caused. If only I had been there as they were born, maybe I could have saved them... They were full size and I could see the color of their fur, but I will never know if they were boys or girls. They will never have names, never squeal with joy, never taste fresh hay, never be held and cuddled.
Please don't tell me I shouldn't have bred my guinea pigs. I wish I hadn't, and I hope my story can be a lesson to everyone who reads it. Even if you do everything right, everything in your power to make sure they are healthy, it is not all in your control. I am going to do everything I possibly can to make sure that my one remaining baby survives to live a long and happy life, but I will NEVER breed again. Ever.