Attention to the diet of a pregnant sow is important. It’s vital that the sow is given additional vitamin C. Like humans, guinea pigs will suffer from 'scurvy' if not given vitamin C. Guinea pigs don't have the enzyme needed to make their own Vitamin C and when pregnant, a female guinea pig will need three times as much vitamin C as she would do normally.

You can add vitamin C to the water at the rate of 200mg per litre. However, vitamin C degrades quickly in water and supplementing a pregnant guinea pig with specific foods rich in Vitamin C is advisable. Suitable foods, in the order of highest concentration of vitamin C, are dandelion greens (wash them first), kale, brussel sprouts, parsley, broccoli leaves, cauliflower, strawberries, broccoli florets, oranges or cabbage. Note that oranges and cabbage have only a quarter of the vitamin C content of dandelion greens and brussel sprouts. A cup of dandelion greens or brussel sprouts will provide about 200 mg of vitamin C.

Pregnancies usually proceed without difficulty and the birthing process is well managed by Mother Nature. The new piggies will be running about gaily very soon after birth. It’s normal for mum to eat the afterbirth so don’t be concerned if you see her performing this revolting, but essential, task.

Guinea pig sows don’t make nests for their young but newborn guinea pigs are born quite independent. They are haired, have teeth and open eyes and can start eating solid food within a few hours of birth.