How often do guinea pigs breed?
📅
👁 4303 views 💬 24 replies Q&A
A
Expert Answer
The guinea pig has a short gestation of about two months. After giving birth she is weak and needs at least three months before she can breed again.
Guinea pigs breed readily: their estrous cycle is about 15-16 days, lactation about 21 days, and each litter is roughly 1-6 pups.
However, frequent breeding is not recommended. It places real strain on the mother.
Frequent breeding also raises the risk of miscarriage and birth defects, so it is best not to breed guinea pigs too often. Space litters out for their health.