A CAVY IS BORN:

For such a small animal, the cavy has a long gestation period - approximately 68 - 72 days (or 10 weeks).

Fanciers wait in anticipation as their prized sow bred to a handsome boar - is nearing her birthing day.

Although I have witnessed quite a few birthings over the years, the entire process has never ceased to amaze me how mama goes through the entire process and does so with such diligence and care. It was with great pleasure that on October 11, 2004 - the beautiful Red Rock Fraction (black/white coronet) permitted me to photograph the birthing of her 3 babies (sired by Red Rock Gilbert).

Enjoy the photo shoot of her birthing - but WARNING ! this article does have graphic images !
Fraction seeks out a corner of the pen and goes into labour (contractions). This is the point where I ran my butt off upstairs to grab the camera !
Baby # 1 arrives ! a pretty chocolate and white coronet sow. She will be the smallest of the 3 born today. She is mostly chocolate (with minimal white).  Fraction dotes on the wee one and cleans her off quickly.
No. 1 Fraction - in labour !
Here comes baby # 2. Fraction after giving one last push, reaches back to pull out Baby # 2.  A very large black/white coronet boar.
Don't let all the blood fool you, Fraction has this situation all under control.  She will clean the baby off.  She will also eat the placenta that will give her nourishment to complete the labour.
No. 2 More contractions !
Fraction has now cleaned off two babies.  They are beautiful One chocolate & white sow and one black & white boar. What will be next ?
Fascinating photos. Here is baby # 3.  The top photo is Fraction delivering the baby, he is still in his sac ! that is is head that you are see. The second photo is mama cleaning him off.  The sac is now released from his head.
Two gorgeous wee ones and one more on the way !
Fraction has now finished giving birth to 3 gorgeous babies. It is time for her own time to clean up. This is a graphic photo, but realistic. A mother's work is never done ! After she cleans herself - she will return to her babies and take great care of them for 3 - 4 weeks, when they will be weaned.
All three babies, safe and sound.  Fraction did an excellent job. She did not require any intervention or help from her human mum. She birthed her 3 babies naturally, without any assistance, and in a timely manner (all 3 birthed and cleaned off within 20 minutes).
Clean up time !