“Guinea Pigs”- A lovely pet and social creatures around the world, originally domesticated rodents and are not found in the wild who communicate with chirps, squeaks, whistles, and squeals. They are found in many colors as domestic pets due to their social, lovely, and affectionate nature with their owners as they do remember and recognize their owners by searching them out and returning affection due to their intelligence.
Whether you are a new Guinea pig owner or an experienced Guinea pig lover, there may be a few things you still don’t know. All these and other key points about guinea pigs including behaviors, nature, health, and ways of living by guinea pigs are understood once you ride on the guinea pigs’ journey through this blog.
Let’s read more fun facts about Guinea Pigs and Some important key points about guinea Pigs;
Scientific Classification and Characteristics for Guinea Pigs Key points:
| Species | Cavia porcellus (Binomial Name) |
| Order | Rodents |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Genus | Cavia |
| Lifespan | As long as Up to 8 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (Plant-based Diet) |
| Weight | Adults up to 700 and 1200 grams |
| Length | Adults up to 20-25 cm |
| Reproduction | Live birth |
16 Key Points About Guinea Pigs – Everything You Need To Know:
- Origins From South America: Guinea pigs were originally domesticated from the Andes Mountains region dating back to ancient times in South America. They were primarily kept for meat purposes but were later domesticated and bred for various purposes.
- Evaluation Of Bread: Selective breeding of guinea pigs with diverse colors, patterns, hairstyles, or skin coats led to the expansion of guinea pigs over centuries.
- Introduction To North America: As a household pet, guinea pigs were introduced in the towns of North America in the early 1900s where they gained popularity and were loved as a unique and social pet and creatures by their owners.
- As A Laboratory Testing Animal: Guinea pigs due to their submissive nature like other animals i.e. monkeys, rats, rabbits, etc., and their physiological comparison to humans, guinea pigs were also used for study purposes in medical treatment and vaccines.
- As A Modern Pet: Guinea pigs gained popularity as a family and household pet in the mid-20th century and today they are appreciated worldwide for their loving and social nature, suitability for indoor living, low cost and maintenance, gentle disposition, and most importantly known for their intelligence nature of recognizing and seeking out for their owners.
- Size Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are small pets with a characteristic length of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 25 cm). One of the fun facts about guinea pigs is that, they usually balance between 1.5 to 2.6 pounds (700 to 1200 grams).
- Lifespan Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs have a comparatively long lifespan for small rodents. One of the key points about guinea Pigs is that on average, they live between 6 to 8 years, though some can live even longer with proper care.
- The Odor Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are known for being comparatively odorless compared to some other small pets like rats, mice, etc. Regular cage cleaning helps maintain a clean and fresh environment.
- Vocal Communication Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs use an array of sounds to communicate with their owners and fellow guinea pigs like squeaks, purrs, popcorning, rumbling, Chirping or chattering teeth, whining, wheeking, chutting, hissing. By understanding these adorable sounds and signals, you can get to know valuable insights into their emotions and needs.
- Reproduction In Guinea Pigs: Female Guinea pig “sows” mate with male guinea pigs “boars” by engaging in courtship behavior through successful mating signs by male guinea pigs making purring sounds. One of the fun facts about guinea pigs is that The gestation period for a pregnant guinea pig is around 59 to 72 days after which a pregnant guinea pig can typically give birth to 2 to 4 pups (baby guinea pigs) in a litter, although larger litter can occur.
- Guinea Pigs Maturity Period: Around 4-6 weeks guinea pigs reach their sexual maturity period which is a young age, another key point about guinea Pigs is that they allow for 4-6 weeks to breed for good health.
- Diet Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are herbivores creatures i.e. a plant-based diet rich in high-quality hay, fresh veggies like Zucchini, cilantro, snap peas, asparagus, etc., and fruits like Nectarines, pears, blackberries, grapefruits, etc. some number of pallets, and clean, fresh drinking water. There are many considerations and nutritional requirements which are very important to understand before offering any new food in their diet as an occasional treat or main staple.
- Habitat Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are lovely creatures and require proper concentration and care by providing spacious cages with a solid floor along with adequate bedding such as hay or aspen shaving for their comfort, and cleanliness and to prevent foot or any type of injuries in cage. They also enjoy and love to hide in hiding spots, and tunnels which must be safe and cozy places. They also require something to chew on for mental stimulation.
- Social Nature Of Guinea Pigs: Due to the social nature of guinea pigs, It is highly recommended and advised to keep them at least in pairs or small groups to prevent loneliness and encourage their social interaction. They love to enjoy and thrive in the company of other guinea pigs.
- Handling Of Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs love gentle and soft handling by their owners to build proper trust and affection between owner and guinea pigs. It is recommended that avoid sudden movements and loud voices around them to make them feel; secure and prevent stress.
- Health Considerations For Guinea Pigs: It is always recommended that go for regular health check-ups for your furry friends to monitor their health-related issues like digestive system, dental health, lethargy, etc. Always maintain a clean environment around your cavies for their overall health and to avoid any kind of reaction or health issue.
