Did you know guinea pigs talk to each other with squeaks like tiny whistles? Guinea Pigs are a beloved and common house pet that is known for being friendly and social. Keep on reading if you want to learn facts about Guinea pigs.
History & Origin of Guinea Pigs
The wild ancestors of Guinea Pigs are said to live in the Andes Mountains of South America which is present day:
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Ecuador
- Colombia
3,000 years ago this animal was domesticated by Ancient Andean cultures for food and ceremonial reasons. Guinea Pigs were brought to Europe in the 1500s where they became exotic pets for the wealthy.
What Do Guinea Pigs Look Like?
Guinea Pigs come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Features of Guinea Pigs are:
- Full-grown adult Guinea Pigs range in length, they are approximately 8 to 19 inches (20 to 50 cm)
- Weighing between 700 and 1,200 grams (1.5 and 2.6 lb)
- They have 4 toes on front feet, 3 on back
- Guinea pigs have no visible tail
- Their front teeth grow continuously, so they must chew to wear them down
- Different breeds have varied coats like, short-haired, long-haired, and hairless breeds
Diet & Eating Habits
Guinea Pigs are Herbivores which means they feed on plants like:
- Grass
- Hay like Timothy hay
- Herbs
- Vegetables and fruits
Behavior & Social Life of Guinea Pigs
These are very social creatures that are happier in pairs instead of being kept alone. They are also very territorial, as they mark their area by rubbing their chin, or dragging their bottom to spread their scent.
Play & Quirks of Guinea Pigs
- Popcorning: These are excited little hops in the air.
- Purring: Low hum sound which is made when they are content.
- Wheek: A high-pitched squeak which is made often, calling for food or attention.
- These pets nibble on food all the time, isn’t that cute?
- They are not good climbers so prefer to stay on ground or gentle slopes..
- Rumbling or teeth chattering is done to communicate or to warn animals.
Lifespan & Health of Guinea Pigs
The typical lifespan of a Guinea Pig is considered to be between 5-7 years, but for some breeds they can live longer like up to 8 years. The Guinness World Record goes to a Guinea Pig that lived for 14 years, 10 months
Guinea Pigs as Pets & Care Tips
Guinea Pigs are cute and small companions that require a lot of care. These furry creatures require a space to run, hide and dig tunnels which means they need adequate space to live. For their daily care you need to provide them with:
- Nutrition & fresh water
- Clean bedding
- Remove droppings
- Chew toys to wear down teeth.
Guinea pigs also require grooming through brushing, especially for long-haired breeds. These pets should also get regular vet checkups to prevent any disease that can harm them.
Common Myths About Guinea Pigs
There are many myths about different animals like:
- Myth: Guinea pigs and rabbits make good cage mates. This statement is false as caging these two animals together poses risks of bullying and disease transfer.
- Myth: Guinea Pigs are quiet pets. This statement is false because they vocalize a lot to communicate or ask for food.
Fun & Surprising Facts about Guinea Pigs
- The oldest guinea pig is recorded to be Guinness record: 14 years, 10 months
- The average lifespan of Guinea pig is 5-7 years
- Guinea pigs “popcorn” when happy
- Guinea Pig babies are born fully furred and ready to move (not like many rodents).
- Can you imagine some guinea pigs sleep with their eyes open!
- Did you know they have 258 bones in their body?
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are social and loving pets with many fun traits and care needs. If you ever want to take care of a guinea pig as a pet, you need to first observe and document how you will take care of this animal. You will need to take responsibility for a living creature and provide it with everything it needs to live a healthy long life.
External Links
Research Gate – Guinea pig: Domestication