Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America as early as 5000 BC, mainly for food (they are still raised for that purpose in Peru, where they are called cuy), and no wild population exists today. Their heavy use in 19th- and 20th-century research made "guinea pig" a word for any test subject. Today they are kept as pets around the world, well known for their loud whistling calls.
Appearance
- Appearance
- Adults are about 8–10 in (20–25 cm) long and weigh 1.5–2.6 lb (700–1,200 g), with no visible tail.
- Voice
- Known for a loud whistling "wheek," especially at feeding time, and a low purr when content.
Where it lives
- Typical habitats
- Homes
- Range
- Known only in captivity. Domesticated in the Andes and now kept as pets across the US and worldwide.
Behavior
- Diet
- Grass hay, such as timothy, should make up most of the diet. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and need it daily from pellets or produce like bell peppers, or they can develop scurvy.
- Social life
- Social animals best kept in pairs or groups. Excited guinea pigs "," jumping straight up in the air.
Life cycle
- Gestation
- 59–72 days, usually 63–68
- Litter size
- 1–6 pups, usually 3
- Time to maturity
- Pups are born with fur, teeth, and open eyes and soon eat solid food. Females can become fertile at about 4 weeks old.
- Lifespan
- Usually around 5 years, sometimes up to 8.
Growing it
- Care
- Their front teeth grow all their lives, so they need things to chew. They are comfortable at about 65–79 °F (18–26 °C).
Name and classification
- Varieties and forms
- Popular breeds include the smooth-coated American (English shorthair), the swirly Abyssinian, the long-haired Peruvian and Silkie, the curly Texel, and the nearly hairless skinny pig.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
Culture and stories
- Culture and stories
- Nobody is sure where the name came from. It may be a mix-up with Guinea in Africa or with Guiana; "pig" likely refers to their chunky build and squealing calls.
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