The pups should be weaned from the sow at 14 to 28 days when they should weigh from 150 to 200 grams.

They can be hand reared easily if necessary as they eat solid food in the few days following birth. However, normally a young guinea pig will suckle milk from its mother for around three to four weeks.

Separate your new guinea pigs from the mother at weaning time as it won’t take them long to learn about the birds and the bees. They will have no hesitation mating with their mother or with other guinea pigs in their enclosure.

Breeding cavies is great fun, and looking at the range of colours and coat patterns produced is exciting. Be sure, though, that you are not breeding without having due regard to the future of the young guinea pigs. Are you able to find them good homes?