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Guinea pigs

 
pollinator
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Thanks Tom. Yes, I've been thinking that a colony type arrangement would work well too. The books all say they need company but, having mostly had rabbits until now, I assumed the male would need to be kept separate. However, from what I've heard, the males are ok with babies and since the gestation is quite long, 68 days, there would be time for a litter to be weaned and removed and for the mother to still have a break from lactation before the next litter was born. Now I'm planning a decent sized, moveable cage with interesting but easily cleaned spaces so they have a comfortable, safe and interesting environment. I bought two females and a male. One of the females was pregnant and has since given birth. We had guinea pigs as kids but I had forgotten how mobile the babies are immediately after birth.
Just yesterday I spoke with a friend who has eaten guinea pig. He reckons it's like a cross between pork and rabbit. He said you leave the skin on and pluck the fir off while they are still warm. Come to think of it, I didn't ask how he killed them. Any experience here?
 
pollinator
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check out my thread on guinea pigs as meat animals
 
out to pasture
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Here's the link to Kadence's thread - guinea pigs as meat animals
 
Sue Rine
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Thank you so much. Really helpful.
 
She still doesn't approve of my superhero lifestyle. Or this shameless plug:
A rocket mass heater is the most sustainable way to heat a conventional home
http://woodheat.net
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