I'm confused

[melissa2007]

I'm confused. I have one female guinea pig and wanted to put it with a friends male and we have a few people very willing to have a pup but I've been told on the internet (the rescue forum) that my one year old female guinea pig is too old to breed for the first time but my local 'petsathome' vet practice say it's ok up to 3 years old. So I'm trying on here for a 3rd opinion.

[ava&lilly]

I'm not 100% sure, but a book i have says you should breed them before they are 1.

[melissa2007]

Well, that'll do for me as that ties neatly in with what they said on the other forum. Thanks for that.

[-Emma-]

DONT BREED ! There are many unwanted cavies in shelters !! Why would you want to breed when you could save a more needy cavie and give it a forever loving home ?
Why dont the people that want the pups rescue one ?
I repeat you should NOT breed !!

[guineapigluver1]

Yes, I would NOT breed if I were you!

[ava&lilly]

no problem, your welcome

[babybunny]

I am not sure why you are posting here for breeding advice. This is a Pro Rescue forum. There are hundreds of guinea pigs in need of homes, with no need to produce more piggies. Not only that, you would be putting your sow's life in danger.

Please think about adopting if you are wanting a second pig. It will not only save a life, but save two in your case.

[guineapigluver1]

Exactly babybunny!

[melissa2007]

Why are you shouting capitals at me when I've decided not to breed?
I could understand it if the shouting had appeared before my 'not to breed' post but shouting after it makes me wonder if you simply want to have a shout and arrived online too late so did it anyway.
Big thanks to the 1st poster who was polite and succeeded in reassuring me not to breed but no thanks to the late posters who shouted because they like doing it!!!

[MuldersMom]

Hi! Try not to take offense to the folks that are a little on edge about their "cause". Several are very committed. We all know they are right but jumping on a newbie isn't the way to go. Lots of people don't have tact. So overlook if you will because there are a lot of great, knowledgeable folks on here that are ready to help you without being ugly. Hope you enjoy the site.

[Astrantia]

I have to agree with the 'non-breeding'. I myself am going to rescue 2 piggies instead of buying 2 from a pet shop, as there are so many piggies in rescue places needing a good home.

[daftscotslass]

Originally Posted by MuldersMom

Hi! Try not to take offense to the folks that are a little on edge about their "cause". Several are very committed. We all know they are right but jumping on a newbie isn't the way to go. Lots of people don't have tact. So overlook if you will because there are a lot of great, knowledgeable folks on here that are ready to help you without being ugly. Hope you enjoy the site.

Lots of people should also read what this site's about before posting and just why so many people are so passionate about rescue over breeding.

[Maisiepaisie]

Originally Posted by melissa2007

my local 'petsathome' vet practice say it's ok up to 3 years old. So I'm trying on here for a 3rd opinion.

Unbelievable that a vet said that? Anyone with a basic knowledge of guinea pigs should know that they cannot be bred after 8 months as the hip bones fuse together. Breeding after this age could cause a painful death for the sow. Whoever told you it was ok should be sacked.

[muffin]

If a sow has been bred before 8 months old she still has around a 25% chance of birth complications and even death as a result of the pregnancy. Like MaisiePaisie said it is vitally important not to breed after 8 months old because by then the hip bones have fused together. Before that there is a gap in between the bones, which allows them to be stretched apart and allow the babies to be passed though. After they have fused they cannot part, and the babies would become stuck, causing severe pain and most likely death to the sow. Caesarean is not something to be considered. It's unlikely a vet could save the mother. It would also be a slow death if you couldn't get to a vet quickly or if the guinea gave birth in the night and you were asleep hours before you found her. Either way, the stress and pain of not being able to give birth and a trip to the vet only to be euthanised make leave no argument to breed after 8 months. I'm providing this info so you can tell anyone who tries to convince you otherwise. There are some people who see their guineas as breeding stock, some who care passionately about them, and some who just don't know any better and pass on bad advice without researching or checking it.

The vet has no excuse for giving such terrible advice. Nowhere in any care book does it say that. He/she is either confused or guessing.

Perhaps people could have given advice as a basis for their objections instead of just saying don't breed and not giving a reason. If melissa2007 had been offended and left she wouldn't have learned the reasons why she shouldn't breed or in detail.

I don't mean to step on the moderators' toes in saying that, but they might not see this thread.

Out of curiosity melissa, which forum was it? I'm always keen to learn about another UK forum, especially a rescue one

[Percy's Mom]

Originally Posted by melissa2007

Why are you shouting capitals at me when I've decided not to breed? I could understand it if the shouting had appeared before my 'not to breed' post...

True, there was no need to shout, but where is this "not to breed" post? Maybe you posted on the other forum you're on that you've decided not to breed your sow? Either way, good decision to act in her best interest. I hope you stay around and research the rest of the valuable information you can find here.