This week we are looking at a pet rodent the guinea pig, these are
the largest of all pet rodents and are considered to be a very good pet as they
seldom bite or scratch even when stressed or disturbed.
They vary widely in colour and can either have a smooth coat or
a ruff coat. When scared they will do what is often referred to as pop corning,
this means they jump excitedly it is a form of war dance to scare away
predators.
Why they are called guinea pigs isn’t
really known as they are not pigs, the "guinea" part is a mystery,
possibly a corruption of the region "Guyana" or referencing the price
they may have cost long ago. Who knows, not me that’s for sure.
Their scientific name, Cavia
porcellus, translates to "little pig" in Latin, which might be
due to the pig-like squealing or grunting noises they make.
They were first domesticated as early as 5000 BCE in South
America (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador) for food and religious ceremonies.
Just like humans, guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own
Vitamin C. It must be supplemented daily in their diet (through fresh
vegetables and special pellets) or they can develop scurvy.
They have four toes on their front feet and only three toes on
their back feet, for a total of 14 toes.
Baby guinea pigs are called pups. They are born remarkably
mature (a precocial species)—with fur, eyes open, and are able to run
and eat solid food within a few hours of birth.
They produce two types of droppings. They eat one type, called cecotropes
(soft, nutrient-rich pellets), directly from their anus. This necessary process
allows them to fully absorb essential vitamins and nutrients.
They are very social and thrive on companionship. They should
almost always be kept in pairs or small groups (often same-sex pairs or a
neutered male with females). Keeping a single guinea pig is considered harmful
to its welfare in some countries.
They are most active during dawn and dusk. They rarely sleep for
long periods, instead taking many short naps throughout the day and night to
stay alert.
They have a wide vocabulary of sounds, the most famous being the
excited, high-pitched noise they often make when they hear their owner or sense
food is coming. They also purr when content.
They have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years, which is quite
long for a small rodent
My boys had Guinea pigs and they’re adorable - gentle little creatures. We started with Penny and Harley and then Penny had three little ones. We gave two away and kept the one my boys named Harley Jr.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and Sam had two but when one died they gave the other one away
DeleteInteresting Jo-Anne. We used to have 2 next day there were 3.lol
ReplyDeleteNow that made me smile
DeleteThat's one pet I have never had. Sure are cute little guys!
ReplyDeleteMe either
DeleteSuch cute creatures, Jo-Anne. We never had guinea pigs growing up and neither did my kids, so I learned a lot here today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI never had them either
DeleteThey also sometimes do that bouncing and kicking about when they are excited and happy. The babies just born look like those in the photo! No lie! It is shocking how large they are (hence they usually only have one or two). They are running, eating and drinking as soon as mama cleans them off and they are dry...in about 30-45 minutes! Love guinea pigs!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about them being eating and drinking so soon after birth
DeleteWe had one a long while back. I was more comfortable with my dwarf hamsters, but he was fun.
ReplyDeleteNever seen a dwarf hamster
Delete