breed Library > Guinea Pig > Tortoiseshell

Description

Guinea pigs (also called cavies or pargs) are rodents belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia, originally idigenous to the Andes. Despite their common name, the animals are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea. How the animals came to be thought of as "pigs" is not clear. One thought is that some of the sounds they make reminded people of pigs, for they emit a variety of sounds, some very similar to a pig's squeal. They are also built somewhat like a pig, with a large head relative to the body, a stout neck, and a rounded rump with no tail of any consequence and also spend a large amount of time eating. They can survive fairly well for long periods of time in small quarters, like a 'pig pen', and were thus easily transported on ships to Europe.

Proportions

Guinea pigs measure 25–40 cm (10–15 inches) long. Guinea pigs are large for rodents, weighing between 0.5 and 1.5 kg (1–3 pounds).

Background

The common guinea pig was first domesticated in about 2000 BC for food by the mountain tribes, in the Andean region of South America, in what is now Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. They continue to be a food source in the region, subsisting off a family's vegetable scraps as a pet. They also play the role of evil-spirit collector in traditional healing rituals. Dutch and English traders brought guinea pigs to Europe, where they quickly became popular as exotic pets.

Personality

They are social, living in the wild in small groups which consist of sows (females), a boar (male), and the young (which in a break with the preceding porcine nomenclature are called pups). Unlike similar rodents, Guinea pigs mate for life in the same pair bond. Domesticated Guinea pigs thrive in groups of two or more; groups of sows, and a neutered boar are common combinations. Groups of boars may also get along, provided their cage has enough space, they are not introduced to a female, and proper introduction techniques are employed. Some guinea pig owners report that female guinea pigs are more docile than their male counterparts, although each guinea pig is different. Unlike many rodents such as mice, rats, or squirrels, guinea pigs are not very athletic, although they require ample space to run, jump, play, hide and rest. Jumping gaps, climbing, and fearlessness in the face of heights were not skills guinea pigs needed in their natural environment, although they can hop over small obstacles with agility. When excited, Guinea pigs tend to do little jumps in the air (known as "popcorning"). Guinea pigs are vocal animals. Some sounds are: Wheek - A loud noise that sounds about the same as its written form. An expression of general excitement, it can mean "feed me", "pay attention", or possibly "I'm hurt". It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are in a run. If a guinea pig is lost, it may "wheek" for assistance. Rumbling - This sound is related to Guinea pig dominance or in response to an unfamiliar sound. It can also come as a response to comfort or content. Whilst courting, a male usually purrs deeply, while swaying from side to side, nearly lifting the rear feet. Chattering - This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth together—it is a warning to others to keep away. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound so as to look more dangerous. Tribbling, Bubbling, or Purring - This rather pleasant sound is made when the guinea pig is enjoying itself, usually when being petted or brushed. They may also make this sound when grooming, crawling around to investigate a new place, or when given an unexpected food "treat", like lettuce or carrots. Popcorning - "Popcorning" refers to a particularly loud "wheek" that is accompanied by a hop, either high or short. A guinea pig that "popcorns" is feeling full of energy, or is very pleased. This is also known as "jumping for joy".

Things to Note

Diet: Guinea pigs enjoy fresh grass.Like humans but unlike most other mammals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and must obtain this vital nutrient from food. Also like humans, if guinea pigs cannot get enough vitamin C they will suffer from scurvy and ultimately die. Guinea pigs require about 25-50mg of vitamin C daily, which can be obtained through fresh, raw fruits and vegetables or through supplements fed to domestic animals. Guinea pigs often learn to enjoy these tablets, eating them from their owners' hands. Grass is the guinea pig's natural diet. Grass digestion requires a special digestive system; whereas most grass-eating mammals are quite large and have a long digestive tract, guinea pigs use a more unusual method, practicing coprophagy, the eating of their own feces. However, they do not consume their feces indiscriminately. They produce special soft pellets, called "cecotropes", which contain the B vitamins and bacteria required for proper digestion. These pellets are not the same as regular feces. They share this behavior with rabbits. Health: Guinea pigs need to be seen by a veterinarian like any other pet. A vet treating a guinea pig needs to be familiar with the animal; many antibiotic medications, including those that are penicillin based, are toxic to guinea pigs. Domestic guinea pigs generally live in cages. Cages with wire mesh floors are not recommended by guinea pig owners as these can cause injury and may be associated with a foot infection commonly known as "bumblefoot". Cages are often lined with wood shavings or a similar material. Bedding made from red cedar and pine, both softwoods, were commonly used in past decades but are now believed to contain harmful phenols (aromatic hydrocarbons) and oils (particularly red cedar). Many retail stores and manufacturers still advertise softwood beddings as safe for guinea pigs, but there is growing pressure to stop the practice. Safer beddings include those made from hardwoods (such as aspen), hemp, paper, or grain. A new idea for bedding is the practice of lining the cage with newspaper or another absorbent material and covering it with fleece. This is cheaper than standard beddings, and easier to clean.