Fossil records of the existence of Guinea Pigs date back to the Miocene period over 18 million years ago. Guinea Pigs (or cavies) are known from ancient times. They originated from South America, where today they still live in the wild. Guinea Pigs inhabit grasslands, rocky areas, and areas near forests. 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. Long after the Spanish brought them to Europe in the 16th century, selective breeding of Guinea Pigs began in Europe in the beginning of the 20th century. The origin of the Guinea Pig's name is lost in history.
Weight: Males are 900-1000 gram; females are 700-900 gram.
THE MUNCH BUNCH
NEW OWNERS
Hints and tips for new owners
The average life span for a guinea pig is roughly 5 to 7 years, though some guinea pigs do live as long as 10.
Guinea pigs practice coprophagy, they regularly eat their own droppings. It is important to know that this behavior is completely normal for g/pigs in fact, it is an essential source of protein for them. Do not assume that, because they eat their own droppings, the animals are ill or unclean; they do not eat the dry droppings from the floor of the cage, but rather pull moist ones directly from the anus (though they may occasionally drop these on the floor of the cage, then nibble on them before they dry out).
Be very careful if you ever take your guinea pigs outside, because if they get away from you, they may never come back. Although some guinea pigs, particularly older ones that have become familiar with your home and its surroundings, will stay close and eventually work their way home, you could put a cat box in the planted part of the garden with lots of nice bedding and food in. This may tempt them into the box.
If your guinea pig does get away from you, indoors or out, dont chase him you will succeed only in frightening the piggie even more than it may already be. Instead, try luring it back towards you or its cage by rattling pellets in its feeding dish, or laying trails of food.
Guinea pigs have an excellent range of vision, but they have trouble guaging heights. Young piggies in particular, may try to jump out of your hands, which can lead to broken limbs . And, you should leave your cavy unsupervised on a tabletop or other surface with an abrupt edge.
Regular handling is vital so your pig gets used to you and being picked up, the more you handle them the better they are.
I recommend that you provide your cavie with a small "house" in their cage, such as a cardboard box with the bottom cut out and a doorway cut in one side. Or you can get ready made little igloos for them.
When handling young cavies, you may like to place a towell underneath them to prevent "accidents". As the guinea pig gets older, it will start to prefer going in its cage, and will give noticeable warning signs that its about to pee (by backing into corners or acting nervous or anxious). Young cavies, however, will go wherever they happen to be sitting.
Guinea pigs don't normally bite. In fact, they will rarely bite, even in self-defense. However, they do like to nibble and chew, and may nibble once or twice on your finger, particulary if they smell food on it or are hungry. They also may nibble if they are trying to tell you something, like they don't like how they are being handled, or that they want to get down so they can wee.
HOUSING
Before you get your pet you should be prepared at home for the new arrival. The choice has to be made as to whether your going to keep your piggie inside or out.Having your piggie indoors is great for you as it will be part of the family and will be able to have lots more attention. There are many indoor cages to choose from, the biggest of course is best as this will be the g/pigs home so needs to be spacious.The plastic indoor cages are best as they can fit in with your room much better. They are easy to clean. When siting your cage bear in mind your piggie wont be happy wedged up against a radiator or by a vent.Your piggie should be placed were there is no draughts and not in direct sunlight.Most cages for piggies come with little igloos or houses were your piggie can hide away when he wants too. Hay racks are a must as once the hay has been trampled it will not be eaten. Food bowls should be heavy enough so as not to be turned over.Water bottles can be attatched to the cage, this is a better idea than a bowl as this will get dirty very quickly.
If you decide to have your pet outside then a good sturdy hutch is needed with a run.The cage should be off the ground so its not in contact with the ground.Siting is just as important.Place the cage were it will be in the shade and protected as much as you can from winds and rain. Having a hutch cover is a good idea at least for the night times.Outside piggies will enjoy plenty of straw bedding to hide in in their bed time side of the hutch.Again you will need a heavy bowl and hay rack.Outdoor hutches need to be very secure so put locks on both doors and cover at night. Never leave your piggie out in their run if you are not there to keep an eye on them. If you opt for a double decker cage you will need to show your piggie how to use the ramp. There not very clever with these until they have used them a few times. Its a good idea to put two hand rails down the length of the ladder so their not tempted to fall over the edge. In the very hot weather your piggie is in danger of heat stroke. Placing 4tiles in the cage will give your pig somewere cool to lie. Another tip is to place a frozen bottle of water in the cage that they can lie next to. If your pig is indoors then the same applies and of course you can use a fan.If you have a cat or dog then you must make sure there not placed in danger. Most pets in time get used to each other i have both and they completely ignore oneanother.
THERE FUN
ONE OR TWO?
Piggies in the wild live in herds so are never on their own, i think its unfare to ever have just one piggie. You can have two girls living together or two males that have been raised together.You can have a pair if the male is castated. If you have the space then i think it would be nice to have a small herd of your own say two females and a castrated boar.
