GUINEA PIG MANAGEMENT MANUAL - Benson Institute

The guinea pigs are not as dependent on milk from their mother as other species are. Then the
litters are numerous, the guinea pigs grow less because they receive less milk. This is why good
food should be proportioned to the reproducers and if it is possible in some cases add grains or
supplementary food to their diet.
The mother guinea pigs produce a good amount of milk during the first two weeks after giving
birth. After this period, they almost stop producing milk. This is due partly to the fact that the
mothers are pregnant after birth. For this reason, it is recommended to separate the guinea pigs
form their mothers 14 days after birth.
The nursing guinea pigs need a protected area to live in usually for the winter. It needs to be at a
temperature no lower than 12° C.
Identification of the guinea pigs is important because of the selection and removal of the future
reproducers. Earrings can be used or a description of some of the animal’s particular hair
features. The earrings can be made with a metal plate and later be put on the guinea pig’s ear,
perforating the skin until it is securely on the ear.
The guinea pigs can double their weight from the time of birth to the weaning period, which is
why they should be given proper amounts of healthy food. When they are not given enough
food, the guinea pigs do not have an adequate weight.
WEANING
Weaning is the separation of the guinea pigs from their mother, which is done after the lactation
period or about 10 to 14 days. It is not recommended to do after this time because the guinea
pigs are premature (they can have a period after 16 days) and there is a risk that the females
leave the reproducing area pregnant.
At the start of the weaning period, the sex should be determined and the animal should be
characterized in order to identify it easily. The sex of the guinea pig is determined holding the
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