How to Choose a Guinea Pig for Breeding

Usually, guinea pigs have a way of choosing their own breeding partners without any human intervention. But if you can breed the best of the best, then that is the best way you can create and nurture healthy pigs. Take into account their coat patterns, body shape and rarity.

Things You'll Need

  • At least two guinea pigs
  • At least two guinea pig cages, pens or hutches
  • A lot of money
  • Your veterinarian
  • An expert on guinea pigs
  • Guinea pig books
  • Honesty
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Instructions

  1. Baby Cavies

    • 1

      Take all of your guinea pigs to the vet to be sure they are healthy enough for breeding and do not show any defects. The females (sows) should be four to six months old and weigh at least one pound (500 grams). The males (boars) should be at least eight months old.

    • 2

      Compare your guinea pigs honestly to photos and written breed standards of show guinea pigs set by your country's Cavy showing association. In America, this is the American Cavy Breeder's Association. You must take into account their body shape, coloration, number or toes, formation of the teeth, coat texture and their health.

    • 3

      Check over your guinea pig's sire and dam, if possible. If the sire and dam are owned by others, ask the owners about any health problems with the other babies from the sire and dam.

    • 4

      Reconsider breeding your guinea pigs if you cannot find the sire and dam. You might not be able to register, sell or show the babies.

    • 5

      Take your young guinea pig breeding candidates to a local guinea pig show and get comments from the judges and other guinea pig experts about whether these guinea pigs are good enough to breed.