Average lifespan: 5-6 years (maximum 8-10 years)
Body weight: depending on breed, males = 900-1200g, females = 700-900g
Sexual maturity reached at: male = 3-4 months, females = 2-3 months
Puberty is at 4-5 weeks old, so separate the boys from the girls at around 3 weeks old
Male guinea pig: boar
Female guinea pig: sow
Juvenile guinea pig: piglets
The sow should be first bred before 6 months of age (before the pelvis fuses) to reduce the risk of birthing difficulties
Breeding is possible all year round, and even as soon as 2-10 hours after giving birth
Length of pregnancy: 59-72 days (average 68 days)
Litter size: 1-13 (usually 2-4)
Birth weight: 70-100g. These are precocious young, born with open eyes and teeth
Weaning is at 21 days old (180g)