How to Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs can multiply rapidly, even at a young age. It is essential to determine a guinea pig's gender to eliminate the chance of an unwanted litter. Even very young sows may be carrying babies when purchased from a pet store. By learning to tell the sex of guinea pigs, you make an informed choice when bringing one into your home.
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Instructions
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1
Calm the guinea pig. Hold it close to your body, speaking in a soothing tone while stroking its fur.
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2
Hold the piggy gently but firmly. Place one hand under its rump. Put your other hand on its chest, under the front legs.
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3
Stand close to a mirror. Pull the guinea pig upward, its back against your chest, exposing its full underside.
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4
Use your rump-holding hand to spread the guinea pig's back legs and closely examine the genital area.
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5
Look for a Y-shaped opening. Females have a smooth area of skin in the crook of the "Y." Males have a penis head that looks like a small, round "button" of skin. In older males, testicles are often evident just under the "Y."
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Tap the genital area gently if you are still uncertain. In females, the "Y" will open more fully. In males, the penile shaft will slowly expose itself.
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Tips & Warnings
A boar's penis is usually tucked away under the skin. The shape of it is often visible if you look carefully.
If you are still in doubt, get a second opinion. Always know a guinea pig's gender before bringing it into your home.
