ABOUT GUINEA PIGS
 Once believed to be a rodent, the animal known as the guinea pig, or cavy, is now thought by many evolutionary biologists to belong to a separate order, as reported by the Associated Press in early 1996. Being neither a pig, nor from Guinea, it is uncertain from exactly where the guinea pig got its common name. Some theorize that the name "Guinea" is taken from the "Guiana" region of South America, which is home to an animal similar to the guinea pig, while others tell tales of British sailors who sold the animals (who made sounds similar to those of a frightened pig) for the price of one guinea.
Although the naming origins and scientific classification of guinea pigs may still be matters of debate, there is no question that they make excellent pets. Guineas pigs are extremely docile, low maintenance and unbelievably cute. Guinea pigs are also referred to as cavies (kay' vees) in the guinea pig world.
A guinea pig is not a pig at all it's a kind of rodent like a mouse, rat, beaver, porcupine or hamster.
Guinea pigs are very shy and will spend a lot of time hiding. They even eat at first and last light when other animals find it harder to see them. In the wild they live in long grass or other animal’s abandoned burrows. Guinea pigs make very good pets.
1.2 Vital Statistics
Scientific name |
Cavia porcellus |
Life span |
3-4 years |
Potential life span |
6-7 years |
Desirable environmental temperature range |
65-75 F |
Desirable relative humidity range |
40-70% (50% is considered ideal) |
Recommended age at 1st breeding |
male: 3-4 months; female: <3-7 months (not after 7 months) |
Length of estrous |
(heat) cycle 16 days |
Length of estrus (period during which female is receptive to male for copulation) |
8 hours |
Gestation (pregnancy) |
averages 63-68 days |
Average litter size |
3-4 young (range, 1-6) |
Age at weaning |
3 weeks |
Weight |
Males are 900-1000 gram; females are 700-900 gram |
Length |
From 8 to 14 inches |
History
Guinea pigs originated from South America where several different species can still be found. The ancestor of the domesticated guinea pig is thought to be the restless cavy, Cavia cutleri. The restless cavy lives in big family groups in the long grass, being protected from predators by overhanging stems. They don't burrow for themselves but instead use abandoned burrows from other animals.
They can be attacked by meat-eating enemies so they are shy and get scared very quickly. Young cavies are not born in the safety of a burrow but out in the open. They are born fully furred with their eyes open and within two days after being born they are eating the same food as their parents.
Before the Spanish conquest of South America in the 16th century, the Incas kept them for food and even today the Peruvians breed them for their meat. Sailors, who were probably the first people to do so, kept them as pets and brought them to Europe from South America. Many people believe that is how they got their name the 'guinea pig', because the sailors sold them for one guinea and they make squeaking noises like a pig.
Today many different breeds of guinea pig exist through the careful breeding and selection carried out over many years. Guinea pigs are nosey, friendly characters but they still retain some of their original habits, for example, very few guinea pigs will dig and they will rummage around looking for food.
The Incas farmed and selected them for food and as religious icons. Legends hold that Guinea Pigs are mystical beings that can heal the sick and assist the dying. Currently in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, the roasted Guinea Pig is a typical food. Spaniards brought them to Europe in the 16th century, where selective breeding programs began in the beginning of the 20th century. The origin of the Guinea Pig's name is lost in history. |
