The nesting area should be designed to contain the young rabbits in the early postpartum period, but be of sufficient size to permit suckling. This facilitates subsequent group housing programmes. Does should be assessed for continued suitability for breeding before mating. If required it should be possible to trace a rabbit back from the User establishment to the Breeding establishment. It is necessary that each rabbit be individually identifiable.
Guinea pigs have relatively long gestation periods and the young are well developed at birth.
The guinea pig may appear nervous but are tame and can be easily handled. As the guinea pig has a poorly developed capability for either jumping or climbing, this species may be held in a low walled open topped pen. Reproductive performance can be significantly impaired if good temperature control is not maintained. The optimal temperature range for housing breeding guinea pigs is 1 5-240C. Temperature regulation should prevent undue fluctuations to avoid causing unnecessary stress or clinical welfare problems. Relative humidity 6.3.