I have a female guinea-pig who had a litter of three healthy young. She was a good mother, but when she had a second litter of three this year, she was entirely different. She would try to stay as far away from them as possible and resist suckling. Only after they were weaned and removed to another hutch did she become normal again. Can she have another litter? (Gareth Vernon - Idaho)
Fortunately for you, guinea-pig babies are born at an advanced stage. When the babies are born, the mother will produce milk in her breasts. Sometimes, however, the milk will not be released and will make her become sore. This is due to hormones. Usually persistent suckling will bring this to an end but sometimes the mother is in pain and will become more and more irritable, driving her babies away. If they manage to suckle, this stimulates the missing hormone which will allow the milk through.
From your letter, it would seem that this was the case. I certainly would recommend that your pet can have another litter next year since this is not a behavioral problem. However, I would advise against any female pet giving birth to a litter every year.
Disclaimer: This service is meant to provide advice only and is not meant to replace an appointment with a registered veterinarian. Users should always seek a second opinion. Unfortunately we are only able to answer several questions per week so not everyone gets a published answer. And, unfortunately we can't answer by email.
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I have a female guinea-pig who had a litter of three healthy young. She was a good mother, but when she had a second litter of three this year, she was entirely different. She would try to stay as far away from them as possible and resist suckling. Only after they were weaned and removed to another hutch did she become normal again. Can she have another litter? (Gareth Vernon - Idaho)
