[Gpdd] Health (Fertility of Newborn Boars)

[Gillian Hayward]

Hi Bob

3 week old boars cannot make sows pregnancy. Believe me. It seems to be a common misconception on this digest that they can. 

If my word isn't good enough perhaps a referral to Peter Guerney's material which says that boars do not become sexually mature until they are older might persuade you. It is cruel to separate the youngsters from their mother at such a young age. I leave mine together until they are at least 4 weeks old and some as long as 6 weeks if the sow is still lactating. I have never had a pregnancy from a boar that is less than 6 weeks old and they have plenty of chance being in a pen with their mother and my other sows. Yes they might display sexual behaviour but this does not mean that they are sexually mature enough to procreate. 

Quote from Peter Guerney's book "Guinea Pig, Family Pet Guides." ISBN #  0-00-413388-9
Peter Guerney writes, " Although most male guinea pigs do not reach puberty until between eight and ten weeks of age, they should always be removed from the family group by six weeks for there are some that reach puberty much earlier."

Hope this is helpful in deciding what to do. 

Gillian