Guinea Pigs

 

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