Formulas for feeding guinea pig babies

Note: Some breeders recommend feeding babies from a spoon, lettting them lap up the drink that they need, rather than from an eye dropper or a needle-less syringe. This is because there is some coordination involved in being able to breathe while being force-fed, and it is easier for the babies to choke.

The thing to remember about feeding babies, is that you should only give them as much as they will take, don't force them to drink because it goes into their lungs and they could get pneunomia. Feeds will be required every 2 hours, from an eye dropper and they will probably only take 1/3 to 1/2 an eye dropper at a time. Formula should be tepid and not too hot.

Formula 1

Works okay, but the others are better, having a better balance in vitamins, etc.

Use evaporated milk 1 part, diluted in 3 parts boiled (cooled) water, or use a milk substitute from vet used for calfs or lambs.

Formula 2

Use a product called divelect (milk substitute from vets) is expensive but is better balanced for baby cavies.

Formula 3

Have milk at room temperature (use a low fat milk, not full cream and not skim milk). Put 2 drops of pentivite (baby vitamin drops from chemist) into 50 mls of milk and add a little clear honey for energy.

Try not to give them any extra feeds if mum seems to be coping. Don't worry if the babies look a little on the thin side at first - they all are, but will fatten out when they start to eat solid foods.