piggie experts, kindly pop in over here please?

[MrsBottesini]

what do we think about breeding - best left to the experts or possible?

What are your plans for the babies? That would be my question. I had some great litters and no problems when I did this a few times as a child/teenager but I had enough room to run big groups and also a big network (if that doesn't sound too wanky) of other people who wanted guinea pigs and took the excess numbers. I've also heard since that once a boar has dtd he is more aggressive and boarish although I haven't experienced this. What's your motivation if you don't mind me asking? (disclaimer - I am no expert)

I just wouldn't as there are so many unwanted and abandoned pigs out there. I'd be very upset if my piglets ended up like that.

What fernie said.

The rescues are full of unwanted piggies :(

Having seen all the piggies in my local rescue today absolutely no way, hundreds she has all mistreated, neglected, abandoned.

There is more than enough in the world already and if they weren't so easy to get hold of babies in pet shops and the like maybe more people would rescue.

motivation is to have a bigger piglet family. We do also have friends and family who would take any excess numbers, although we could happily accomodate a much larger pig family. My brother is in farming and has a suitable boar, our girlpigs are about the right age if we were going to consider it. Just musing really, as it has been discussed a few times at home.

Must check out a rescue centre if there is one locally. How do we find out? (ours came from bro's friend)

Where do you live? There are guinea rescues in many counties... Try the guinea pig forum or guinea lynx on line. Others may able to recommend rescues locally to them.

I always had girls but never contemplated breeding them, i would not have been happy not knowing the fate of the piglets. Plus my daughter worked at the local animal rescue and it was a salutory and disressing lesson in learning about how humans treat animals :(

Are you talking guinea pigs or larger pigs? Either way I'd have potential buyers lined up before you go for it. There are kune kune owners near us who have really struggled to sell their litters, so you need to know you can house them at your own place if they don't sell...

I would strongly suggest if you are wanting more guinea pigs, have the space and accommodation and the financial resources to care for them all (including what could be hefty vet bills if any become ill,) that you consider either taking more pigs from rescues or consider becoming a fosterer for pigs taken into rescues (which could include pregnant sows.)

As others have said, rescues are overflowing with guinea pigs that need homes. While I try to avoid going to pet shops that sell livestock, I had to make a run to P @ H for special food for DKitty when a mail order hadn't arrived. They were choc a bloc with young guinea pigs as well and their rescue section was likewise overflowing. Much of their stock seemed to be long haired pigs that looked similar. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the result of "accidents" or overstock from folks who breed (and my worry is that many of those who buy them will have no idea how much time and effort it will take to maintain the coats.) :(

It's not advised to use a boar from a bonded pair for breeding as it's highly unlikely they will be able to return to their companion as will be likely to fight. Even if not part of a bonded pair, it means they'll either have to remain solo (and that's not good) or be neutered to match with a female.

Actually, reading back, if you are talking about pigs as in those of the Suidae family, rather than Cavia Porcellus, it may be a different picture!

heheeee... have looked up our local rescue and there is a young male piggie who is neutered and wants to be homed with females as he's previously been bullied by males. From what most of you are saying, it would be the best way to extend our guineapig family without breeding. The centre is 18 miles away and in a very familiar area so no problems there. I've had gps since I was a teen so around 30 years worth. I don't claim to be any sort of expert but we're confident in handling and looking after them well. Plenty space and five-star accommodation, and ds1 in the process of making an absolutely amazing "run" 3mx4m so he can be in there playing with them. It would be lovely to have another piggy or two if matches could be found.
Many thanks for all the sensible advice :)

sorry - it's MrsB, namechanged

It's a really bad idea. www.cavyspirit.com/breeding.htm Basically, there are so many homeless pigs in shelters and rescues there is no point, and it is cruel to add to the overpopulation unnecessarily. Also, there is a 1 in 5 chance that something will go wrong and that you will lose sow, babies or both. If you want to add to your piggie family, just adopt a neutered sow/boar from a rescue. Please, please do not breed.