Guinea Pig

We have prepared for you everything you need to know about the guinea pig.

Latin name: Cavia porcellus

A guinea pig is a small animal that belongs to the class of mammals. Until recently, it was considered to belong to the genus of rodents, which, according to research into their genetic makeup in recent years, turned out to be incorrect. 

EDUCATIONAL CARE AND LEARNING

It is one of the least demanding domestic animals. A guinea pig is not aggressive, as hamsters often are, it does not need regular walks like dogs, it does not grind its claws on furniture like a cat.

Its characteristics are: it has no unpleasant smell, does not bite, is undemanding in terms of nutrition and is a very social animal, which is why it is very attached to humans.

FOOD

The guinea pig is a vegetarian. His diet consists of hay, mixed seeds and fresh vegetables (he loves salad, but we have to be very careful that it is not old/steamed) and fruit. In addition to all of the above, it also needs fresh water every day.

They are not picky about vegetables. They can eat almost anything that is edible to humans. One of the more well-known peculiarities of the guinea pig is that it cannot make its own vitamin C, which means that it must consume foods rich in vitamin C.

BODY STRUCTURE

An adult guinea pig is usually around 20 cm in length and weighs from 600 to 1800 grams (depending on gender and breed). In relation to its body, it has a fairly large head with a flattened nose and small, sparsely plucked ears. It has two pairs of incisors in the front of the jaw, and four pairs of molars on each side in the back. It has four toes on the front paws and three on the back paws, ending in sharp claws.

They usually live 5 to 6 years, but some can live up to 10 or even 12 years in favorable conditions.

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES

A guinea pig needs its own space, this can be a slightly larger cage with a plastic bottom or something similar. It is important that it is easy enough to clean and that it does not have holes in the bottom, because the bottom is sprinkled with sawdust, hay or something similar.

Since the guinea pig does not jump or climb, it is not necessary for the edge of the box to be high. It also needs one or two slightly heavier food bowls and a water bowl. We also make or buy him something that he can take refuge in to make him feel more secure, for example we can make him a house out of a small shoe box. The cage is cleaned at least once a week. Just like with rabbits, we also have to pay attention to the length of claws and teeth with guinea pigs.

REPRODUCTION

If the external conditions are favorable, guinea pigs breed throughout the year. The pregnancy of the female lasts from 62 to 70 days. When the cubs are born, they are already fully developed.

The female gives birth to 2 to 5 babies. Small guinea pigs can become independent after 5 days, they can breastfeed for up to 3 weeks. During the nursing period, the small guinea pigs also eat solid food. It is interesting that even newborn guinea pigs can nibble on lettuce or something similar.

Females are sexually mature in 4 weeks and males are 5 to 7 weeks.