The Guinea pig is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae with the scientific name, Cavia Porcellus. These small, cute, and attractive creatures have a docile temperament that makes them a good choice to be kept as pets.
There are around 20 breeds of domestic Guinea pigs such as Texel Guinea pig, Teddy Guinea pig, Peruvian Guinea pig, Peruvian Satin, American, American Satin, Silkie, and Silkie Satin.
Their short limbs, large head, and eyes with short ears give them an adorable look. There are also short hair and long-haired Guinea pigs who require a little bit different care in terms of grooming. They come in various breeds and colors, each with a unique personality and characteristics. They are in attractive hues ranging from white, cream, tan, reddish-brown, olive, cinnamon, brown, black, or a combination of some colors.
The size of the Guinea pig is around 8-10” (20-25cm) with an average weight of 700-1100g.
Despite their name, they’re neither pigs nor from Guinea! It is considered that guinea pigs got this name because they were related to a region where guinea pigs were collected and the second part of the name indicates the taste of its flesh was pig alike.
They are called cuy in the Andes Mountains, where they are raised for their flesh and considered a mainstay in local cuisine. Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are domesticated rodents native to South America and also found in Peru, highland Bolivia, Northwestern Argentina, Northeastern and Chile.
Behavior And Temperament
Guinea pigs are social creatures that enjoy company. They’re excellent pets for families with kids or first-time pet owners because they’re calm and gentle by nature and love to be cuddled.
The Guinea pigs are active during the day time, early morning, or dusk and it is the best time to play with your cavy. Guinea pigs can be shy at first, but with time and careful care, they can grow to be quite lovable. They enjoy being touched, patted, and cuddled.
The Guinea pigs communicate through various sounds such as chirps, purrs, rumbling, and squealing.
Guinea Pig Lifespan
The guinea pigs have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years, though some can live up to 8 years with proper care.
Male Vs Female
Both male and female guinea pigs make great pets, but there are some differences to consider. Males, called boars, tend to be larger and more outgoing, while females, called sows, are usually more territorial and may be slightly smaller.
The males are little bit messy whereas female guinea pigs are less smelly and cleaner. The males are more aggressive and noisy as compared to their female counterparts.
Neutering or spaying is recommended if you plan to keep males and females together to prevent unwanted litters.
Care Sheet Of The Guinea Pig
An important topic I would cover is how to properly care for a Guinea pig. They require spacious cages with lots of space to roam, a balanced diet for optimum growth, grooming, and regular visits to the veterinarian.
Guinea Pig Cage
Guinea pigs need a cage that allows for ample space to move around. A minimum cage size for one guinea pig is about 7.5 square feet, but bigger is always better! I prefer to use 36” L x 50” x 18” H for keeping a pair of guinea pigs.
Opt for a cage with a solid bottom to prevent foot injuries and provide plenty of hiding spots and toys for enrichment. Alternatively, a Roomier enclosure is a good choice to give a huge exploring area to your lovable furry friend.
The Guinea pigs can also be housed in a hutch which can be kept in a shady open area and not in direct sunlight.
If you have ample space then you can give your little friends Guinea pig runs which give them a different exposure. Just make sure that there are no predators, bare electric cables, toxic plants, or flowers.
If placed inside the temperature of the enclosure can be around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Specific Substrate Needs- Bedding Of Guinea Pig
The best bedding for your piggies is fleece liners. They’re easy to clean in the washing machine, reusable and eco-friendly, and are soft under piggy paws. Plus, you don’t have to worry about dust causing respiratory problems like other types of bedding do. The plush and lush fleece liners fit neatly on the surface.
Alternatively, dust-free aspen wood shavings or recycled paper base bedding is apt for maintaining the good health of your Guinea pig. A 2” dye-free aspen bedding or paper towel and tissues are good options for giving comfortable bedding to your Guinea pig.
Hemp bedding has good odor control and better absorption. These are 100% biodegradable and great for composting after the usage
Cleaning of the Cage
This is a time-consuming and daunting task to keep the house of your piggy neat and clean. The choice of bedding can help you clean the mess at a faster pace. I have kept a small brush and dust-pan to pick leftover hay and chew sticks and the fleece bed liner can be set easily. The litter box also needs to be cleaned with water daily.
The Guinea pig’s cage needs regular cleaning and deep cleaning every week. You should remove soiled spots in the bedding daily and the complete bedding should be changed weekly.
Exercise And Toys For A Guinea Pig
The Guinea pigs are active and keep on exploring their cage. These physical movements are needed to keep your Guinea pigs mentally stimulated and healthy. Exercise is mandatory for the overall happiness and gastrointestinal health of your furry friend
It is advisable to keep Guinea pigs in pairs so that they can enjoy the company of each other.
The Guinea Pigs enjoy relaxing in a hammock with a platform. A safe wooden Guinea Pig hideout with stairs and foraging toys provides a good enriching environment for your piggy.
Another excellent option is to create a Guinea pig-safe open space free from predators where they can easily roam.
What Does A Guinea Pig Eat?
A balanced diet is crucial for guinea pig health. Their diet should consist mainly of fresh hay, such as timothy or orchard grass supplemented with a variety of fresh vegetables. The diet of a Guinea pig should encourage gnawing to wear overgrowing teeth.
You can balance the nutritional demands of your guinea pig with nearly 70 %of hay, 20% of Daily pelleted food, 8% of leafy vegetables, and 2% of treats. The vegetables like bell peppers, leafy greens, and carrots contain adequate amounts of vitamins. Pelleted food formulated specifically for guinea pigs, mineral chewsticks, wood chews, and cardboard chew tubes should also be provided but in moderation.
A clean water bowl or water bottle should be kept in its enclosure.
You should serve fresh vegetables in a separate dish which is easy to clean. You can also give vitamin C cookies in small quantities as a treat when you have to build trust with your Guinea pig and train it for handling.
Grooming And Dental Care
The Guinea pigs do need some brushing of their coat to remove tangles. The occasional water baths are recommended for Guinea pigs. However, you can gently wipe the bathing sections with a damp cloth. If you find any dirt or debris in their paws, it can be easily cleaned with a wet wipe.
The front teeth of Guinea pigs keep on growing throughout their lives therefore chewy materials like wood chews, mineral chews, and chew tubes are a must in its habitat. Apart from that nail-trimming from a vet is also needed regularly.
Up Keep Cost
It’s time for piggy parents to consider guinea pig maintenance costs once their fluffy buddies are settled into a lovely cage equipped with everything they require. Aside from unexpected veterinarian expenses, the largest expense associated with owning guinea pigs is their food bill because these little animals are known to have voracious appetites.
Guinea pigs are easy to care for pets but to cherish them with care needs some expenses regularly. For instance, the paper-bedding of its cage needs to be regularly changed. If you opt for fleece liners then you can do some cost cutting.
The Guinea pig-safe shampoos are needed for bathing your little furry friends.
Moreover, replacing some chew blocks, bedding, and other items in the enclosure when required will also add up the expenses. And if you want to spend quality time with your special companions without being interrupted by their non-stop bathroom breaks, the Potty-proof Pads are essential.
The ill health of your piggy can also change your expected budget. The overall upkeep cost can be around $50.
Handling Your Guinea Pig
The Guinea pigs are social creatures and make good companions at home but they may take some time to acclimatize to a new environment. When given the proper care from an early age, guinea pigs grow docile and rarely bite or scratch.
Even when a chance to break free from their enclosure arises, they are hesitant adventurers and frequently show hesitation.
Even Nevertheless, when given the freedom to roam around, especially in well-known and secure areas, they exhibit a great deal of curiosity. Once a guinea pig and its owner get to know one another, the pig will learn to whistle when their owner is close or when plastic bags are opened or closed, which is when their food is usually kept. These intelligent creatures understand peculiar sounds and act accordingly.
Potential Health Issues With Guinea Pig
Hair loss is frequently caused by mange mites (Trixacarus caviae), and additional signs include excessive scratching and irate behavior when handled.
The “running lice” (Gliricola porcelli), which are tiny, white insects that are seen moving through hair, can affect guinea pigs. Their eggs, which resemble tiny black or white dots stuck to the hair, are frequently referred to as “static lice.” Apart from these, there are some health signs you must check for the good health of your Guinea pig. The other possible health issues are when your Guinea pig shows the following symptoms:
Weight loss
Abnormal Hair loss
Diarrhea/Dirty Bottom
Bleeding Gum
Sneezing and Coughing
Eyes and Nasal Discharge
Changes in urination or defecation
Skin lesions
Labored Breathing
Changes in daily habits
Lethargy
Swelling, lumps, or bumps on any part of the body
Pododermatitis(sore foot / Bumblefoot)
Weakness
Limping
Pros and Cons of keeping a Guinea pig as a pet
It is mandatory to evaluate all pluses and minuses before proceeding to make a Guinea pig your companion.
Interesting Facts About Guinea Pigs
- They are beloved in Peru and Ecuador as well, but their role more closely resembles that of livestock: They are raised to be eaten. In the Andes, where guinea pigs originated and are known as cuy, they are popular meat for grilling, frying, and roasting.
- The Guinea pigs are a subject for animal research as they are susceptible to bacterial , viral, and parasitic pathogens
- Guinea pigs are highly social animals and prefer to live in pairs or small groups.
- They have continuously growing teeth, so providing chew toys and hay is essential for dental health.
- Guinea pigs have excellent hearing and can detect sounds at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing.
- Their scientific name is Cavia porcellus, and they are not pigs; they’re rodents!
- Guinea pigs have a wide range of vocalizations, from purring when content to loud squeaks when excited or scared.
- They have a unique digestive system that requires a constant supply of roughage, like hay, to maintain gut health.
- Guinea pigs are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
- They have poor eyesight but compensate with their acute sense of smell and hearing.
- In the wild, guinea pigs live in burrows and are preyed upon by various predators, including birds of prey and carnivorous mammals.
- Guinea pigs were first domesticated by the indigenous people of South America over 3,000 years ago for food and ceremonial purposes.
Similar Pets
- Syrian Hamster(Mesocricetus auratus)
- Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
- Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
- Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Where To Buy The Guinea Pig?
The Guinea pigs have become popular pets and are easily available at pet stores. Moreover, you can also get them through authentic breeders and rescue groups.
The American Cavy Breeder Association provides you with a complete list of ethical breeders. The cost of a Guinea pig is between $20- $50 depending on the color, age, and gender of the Guinea pig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question1. How long do guinea pigs live?
Answer: The guinea pigs are social animals and can live up to 7- 8 years.
Question2. Do guinea pigs need baths?
Answer: Guinea pigs occasionally need baths with a mild shampoo. Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them clean.
Question3. Are guinea pigs good pets for kids?
Answer: Yes, guinea pigs can make wonderful pets for children, but adult supervision is necessary to ensure gentle handling and proper care.
Question4. How often should I clean my guinea pig’s cage?
Answer: Spot cleaning is required daily to remove uneaten hay and chew sticks. Moreover, the litter box should be regularly washed. The deep cleaning of your guinea pig’s cage at least once a week is a must when you replace bedding and wash food and water dishes.
Question5. Do guinea pigs need vaccinations?
Answer: Guinea pigs do not require vaccinations like dogs or cats, but regular veterinary check-ups are still essential for preventive care.
Question6. Are Guinea pigs rodents?
Answer: Yes Guinea pigs are rodents from the Cavy family. Their docile temperament makes them an ideal pet for kids.
Question7. Can guinea pigs live outside?
Answer: The Guinea pigs are robust creatures and do well both indoors and outdoors. But you must ensure that their hutch is not in direct sunlight. If you want your piggy to roam in the garden, there should not be any predators in its vicinity.
Question 8. Do guinea pigs drink water from a bowl or a water bottle?
Answer: The guinea pig can consume water from a bowl and a water bottle. The ideal ceramic bowl is hefty and difficult to tip over. While some guinea pigs could find it simpler to drink from a bowl than from a bottle, bowls will need to be cleaned and rinsed frequently because they can get dirty.
Question9: Are Guinea Pigs used as food?
Answer: Yes, originally it was raised for food . It is a delicacy in some parts of South America.
Question10: Do Guinea Pigs have tails?
Answer: The Guinea pigs have a very short tail in comparison to other rodents. The tail is not easily visible.
