Breeding cavies
Breeding is an important and rewarding part of having a cavy stud, but it also a big responsibility. You want to keep your animals as safe and healthy as possible. Pregnancy can be fraught with danger, but with good care practices you can minimise the risks.
Feeding during pregnancy is important, plenty of fresh grass and greens, hay, not too much grain, regular feeding (small feeds 2-3 times daily), fresh grass after delivery also helps bring on milk
While your sow is pregnant make sure she has plenty of exercise, food and water.
Keeping an eye on your sows health is vital. Is she bright, eating well, drinking, moving around? These things need to be checked on each day.
If your sow appears to be unwell see to her immediately. Signs of danger can be; loosing fluid or blood, difficulty breathing or sweet smelling breath. Cavies can get Toxemia which is usually fatal. If your cavy isn't having her babies but is showing signs of being in labour she can be in trouble! Best to take her to a Vet for an assessment. Occasionally cavies do need Caesarans, but it's not very common.
Cavies can quite often have birthing issues. Most of the time stillborn babies were alive and have died from lack of resuscitation after birth. If you find babies from your sow not moving the usually can be revived.
To revive a baby cavy the first thing you need to do remove the membrane (sac) start at the face first as it will need to be able to breath. Once the sack is off, pick the baby up and blow into it's mouth and gently rock the baby in your hand. If you get no response, it is most likely too late. If you do get a response put the baby back with it's mother to be licked clean. If the mother doesn't clean it, you will need to do it yourself. Wrap a towel around the babies body (excluding the head) and gently rub it dry.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
© Jasmine Howlett 2013
Cavameer Cavies