Guinea pigs

Within the rodent family, the guinea pig is one of the most families choose to be part of their lives as a pet. Characterized by a plump body, a tender look and above all that sociability that it has, it is one of the most appreciated mammals.

However, as with other animals, it requires some knowledge to make it live well. For this reason, learning what a guinea pig is, where to keep it, what it eats and other care is so important.

What is a guinea pig

The guinea pig goes by many other names: guinea pig, guinea pig, acure, guinea pig, guinea pig or curio, In addition to its scientific name, Cavia porcellus. It is a mammal of the rodent family (more specifically the Caviidae).

Es native to South America and usually lives in open areas using burrows or holes in order to protect itself and hide from the sight of other animals. It was in 1554 when he was discovered by Conrad von Gesner, a Swiss naturalist. However, his scientific name is due to Erxleben (1777).

The nickname "guinea pig" comes from the fact that, since the XNUMXth century, these animals have been used for biological experimentation. Today they have been replaced by other animals, although some of them are still used for certain research.

Physical characteristics of the guinea pig

A guinea pig is a rodent that can reach the kilo-kilo two hundred weight. They are considered large rodents since measures about 20-25 centimeters in length. Their life expectancy is between 4 and 6 years, although there are specimens that have lived much longer.

As for its fur, it can be of different colors (black, brown, gray, white, etc.) but something characteristic is that it is not monocolor, but rather has more than one color. Their hair can be straight, curly, wiry, and long or short.

It is striking that the guinea pig is one of the few animals that He has the same skin color as his hair. in such a way that, in the areas where he has black hair, his skin will be black; and vice versa.

How the guinea pig behaves

the guinea pig It is a very sociable animal and loves human contact. In fact, it should not live alone, but be with another guinea pig, preferably of the same sex.

At first they can be scared of the man's hand but they easily learn that they are just another companion and they are affectionate and docile, even being able to teach them tricks. In fact, it should be in a place where the animal can interact with people as well as distinguish the different smells so that it gets used to them.

Types of guinea pigs

There are several varieties of guinea pigs, some better known than others. There are less common ones such as the hairless guinea pig (Baldwin) or the Alpaca (with long curly hair that grows on the head).

The most common types are the following:

Americano

It is known as the English Cavy. It's a guinea pig short straight hairas well as brilliant. At present it is the most common of all guinea pigs.

Abisinio

It is characterized by having a coat with swirly, dense and coarse hair. These circles are representative of this type of guinea pig.

Peruvian

The most striking thing about this breed is the long, dense and soft hair. However, it is also usually a problem since attention must be paid to its care (brushing, bathing, hygiene, etc.) so that it does not get tangled or dirty.

Silkie or Sheltie

This guinea pig has a very long fur on the back and behind the head.

crested guinea pig

De short hair with a swirl on the forehead, this guinea pig can have two varieties: on the one hand, one with a white crest; and, on the other hand, a crest of the same color as the rest of his hair.

Teddy Guinea Pig

With the curly and very short hair, it is more than likely that he will be mistaken for a bear.

Texel

Unlike the Teddy Guinea Pig, the Texel has a long curly fur, which requires more maintenance to keep it clean, tangle-free and healthy.

Coronet

He has a swirl in the center of his head and all his hair is long., which, as with other long-haired guinea pigs, requires extra maintenance.

How to care for a guinea pig

If you want to have a guinea pig as a pet, then it is important that you know what the main needs are. These will help you lead a healthy life and, in your day to day, be happy and feel good.

Where to keep a guinea pig

For the guinea pig to live well, it needs to have a large cage. we talk about a 2,5m square cage at least for a single guinea pig (and it is recommended that at least two live).

The cage must be in a place where there is a passage of people, or be next to it, such as the living room, the kitchen or an office. In this way, the guinea pig will feel part of the family and it will be easier for him to tolerate being touched or interacting with him.

It is also important that take off from time to time free around the house, for example when you have to clean your house or so that you can exercise, play, etc., especially if there is not enough space in your cage. A park with toys and tunnels will be perfect as a playground.

In addition to the cage, a series of accessories are needed such as a special rabbit drinker and feeder, plus a little house where you can hide.

The cage should be cleaned daily, especially to eliminate the excrement and the food that is left over from that day (because if it gets sick and eats it, it could get sick). You should also change the water and, as it is, the straw at its base.

What to feed a guinea pig

The guinea pig is quite gluttonous and likes to eat a lot, so you have to be careful not to overdo it. The basic food is grass, but also in your diet you should include other foods such as fresh vegetables. There are some that are prohibited, such as lettuce or large leafy vegetables (because they will give you diarrhea). The best are the vegetables rich in vitamin C such as carrot, tomatoes, spinach, celery, etc.

From time to time you can give fruit like apple or strawberry.

how it reproduces

One of the advantages of the guinea pig is that can be played at any time of the yearAlthough her favorite is spring. However, it can have five litters per year.

Their pregnancy is usually about 59-72 days and the pups (between 1 and 6) are born very developed, with hair, teeth, claws and good eyesight. In fact, despite the fact that they feed from the mother, the truth is that they can also take solid food.

Other guinea pig care

The guinea pig is an animal that need to bathe every 3-4 months (not before to prevent your hair from losing its grease). In addition, you have to cut your nails often since they grow very fast and every two weeks or so you will have to review them.

In the case of a long-haired guinea pig, it will require daily brushing to keep its coat free of tangles and dirt, as well as dry showers. When bathing, it will be necessary to dry the hair (with a soft dryer, for example).