Do you have a pet at home? As pet owners know, having a special animal in your home can greatly improve your life.
There’s nothing quite like the wagging of a dog’s tail to turn a frown upside down. If you have a dog as a pet, you understand why they are often referred to as “man’s best friend.” Cats are also adorable and cuddly. Even fish are entertaining to watch and take care of.
However, dogs, cats, and fish are not the only good pets for children. How about something small and furry that squeaks when it’s happy? What are we talking about? The guinea pig, of course!
If you use your scientific reasoning skills, you might think that the humble guinea pig is a type of pig that originated in Guinea. Unfortunately, you would be mistaken. The guinea pig is not a pig at all, and it did not come from Guinea.
Instead, guinea pigs are rodents. Their scientific name, Cavia porcellus, translates to “little pig” in Latin. Based on their scientific name, they are also sometimes referred to as cavies. Their resemblance to pigs is limited to their slightly pig-like shape, their tendency to spend a lot of time eating, and occasionally grunting a bit like pigs do.
Instead of Guinea, guinea pigs are believed to have originated in South America. Experts think that they may have been domesticated for food by Andean tribes as early as 5000 B.C. Today, all guinea pigs are domesticated, so they no longer exist in the wild.
The “guinea” part of their name may have originated from the price of an animal in 16th-century England: one guinea. Others believe that the animals were brought to Europe on ships from either Guyana in South America or Guinea in West Africa, which led to their name.
Guinea pigs even have identity issues in other languages. Germans know them as meerschweinchen, which means “little sea pigs.” The French call them lapins de Barbarie, or “Barbary rabbits,” while the Portuguese call them porchitas da India, or “little pigs from India.”
Regardless of the origin of their name, guinea pigs have become popular pets all over the world. They can be found in a variety of breeds with different colors, patterns, and textures. They usually measure eight to ten inches long and weigh two to three pounds.
Guinea pigs make great pets because they are very social and thrive on human affection. They are most active in the morning and evening, and they enjoy eating, grooming themselves, and exploring their surroundings. As herbivores, guinea pigs love fresh fruits and vegetables, although most pet guinea pigs primarily consume processed pellets made from alfalfa or timothy hay and special nutrients.
Give It a Try
Are you interested in learning more about guinea pigs? Make sure to check out the following activities with a friend or family member:
If you’re interested in getting a guinea pig as a pet, you can find more information online. Read “Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?” to learn about what it’s like to have a guinea pig as a pet. After considering everything, decide if a guinea pig is the right choice for you. If you decide it is, visit Petco’s Guinea Pig page to learn about taking care of them. Find out what supplies you would need and what their daily care routine would entail. Also, check out “Guinea Pig Sounds” to listen to recordings of the sounds they make. You can even try imitating them! For additional information, you can visit the following sources:
– http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/06/human_guinea_pigs_and_the_history_of_the_iconic_lab_animal_.html
– http://www.livescience.com/50658-guinea-pig-facts.html
– http://www.guineapigmanual.com/guinea-pig-facts/
FAQ
1) Are guinea pigs really pigs?
No, guinea pigs are not actually pigs. Despite their name, they are not related to pigs at all. Guinea pigs are small rodents that belong to the family Caviidae. Their scientific name is Cavia porcellus. They are native to South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years. The name “guinea pig” is believed to have originated from the mistaken belief that they were related to pigs. In reality, guinea pigs are more closely related to rabbits and chinchillas.
2) Why are they called guinea pigs if they are not pigs?
The exact reason for why guinea pigs are called “guinea pigs” is unclear. One theory suggests that they were given this name because they were brought to Europe by Spanish traders, who referred to them as “conejillos de Indias,” which means “little rabbits of the Indies.” Over time, this name may have been misinterpreted as “guinea pigs.” Another theory suggests that the name “guinea” was used because it was a common term for any exotic animal that was brought to Europe. Regardless of the origin, guinea pigs are not pigs and are not closely related to them.
3) What are the characteristics of guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs have several distinct characteristics. They are small, herbivorous animals that typically weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. They have short legs, rounded bodies, and no tails. Guinea pigs have a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years. They are known for their social nature and often enjoy being around other guinea pigs. They have a variety of coat colors and patterns, including solid, tortoiseshell, and spotted. Guinea pigs are also known for their ability to communicate through various vocalizations, such as squeaks, purrs, and chirps.
4) What do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs are herbivores, which means they primarily eat plants. Their diet consists of hay, fresh vegetables, and commercial guinea pig pellets. Hay is an important part of their diet as it helps maintain their dental health and digestive system. They also require vitamin C in their diet, as they are unable to produce it on their own. It is important to provide a balanced and varied diet for guinea pigs to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, guinea pigs should have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
5) What are some common health issues in guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are generally healthy animals, but they can be prone to certain health issues. One common health problem in guinea pigs is dental disease. Their teeth continuously grow, and if not properly maintained, they can develop overgrown teeth, leading to issues with eating and discomfort. Another common health issue is respiratory infections, which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Guinea pigs can also suffer from skin problems, such as mites or fungal infections. It is important to provide regular veterinary care for guinea pigs to ensure their overall health and well-being.
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