Guinea Pig Facts Guinea Pig Facts By Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor | April 28, 2015 11:11pm ET MORE Spanish explorers brought guinea pigs back from the New World to Europe, where they were kept as exotic pets. Credit: Miroslav Hlavko , Shutterstock Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are a domesticated species of rodent (Cavia porcellus). They were originally native to South America. However, they have been popular for thousands of years as pets and as food, and this species no longer exists in the wild. The Incas domesticated Guinea pigs more than 3,000 years ago. They bred them as pets and for food and offered them as sacrifices to their gods, according to Sharon Lynn Vanderlip, author of " The Guinea Pig Handbook " (Barron's, 2003). Selective breeding resulted in variations in coat color, patterns and texture, as well as flavor subtleties, Vanderlip wrote. Around the end of the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors took Guinea pigs from South America to Europe, where they became popular pets among Elizabethan society, according the National Geographic .

Not from Guinea & not a pig No one is really sure where the name Guinea pig came from. According to Vanderlip, some historians speculate that the roasted meat reminded Europeans of suckling pigs. Some think Guinea pigs got their name from the squealing sounds they make. The name may come from the price of a Guinea pig in 16th-century England: 1 guinea. Some researchers say ships leaving the port of Guiana in South America or Guinea in West Africa may have carried the animals to the European market. The little furry animals also have identity crises in other languages, Vanderlip wrote. In Germany, they have been called meerschweinchen (little sea pigs). In France, they are lapins de Barbarie(Barbary rabbits). And in Portugal, they are called porchitas da India (little pigs from India). Cavies (pronounced kay-vees) can't seem to shake the pig connotation; even its species name, C. porcellus, means "little pig" in Latin. Size & appearance Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs.

(700 to 1,100 grams), according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Their compact, cylindrical bodies range from 8 to 10 inches (20.3 to 25.4 cm) long. Their ears are small and petal-shaped and their eyes are set on the sides of their heads. They have small, triangular mouths, which contain 20 teeth. Like other rodents, their teeth grow continuously, and Guinea pigs must chew or gnaw constantly to keep them from growing too long. According to ADW, there are 13 commonly recognized types or breeds of guinea pig: American, American satin, Abyssinian, Abyssinian satin, Peruvian, Peruvian satin, silkie, silkie satin, teddy, teddy satin, texel, coronet and the white crested. These breeds are characterized by differences in hair color, hair texture, the sheen of the pelage and the color patterns of the pelage. Habitat While domesticated Guinea pigs are no longer found in the wild, they do have some cousins, also called Guinea pigs, in South America that live in forests, savannas, mountainous grasslands and bushy areas.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Brazilian Guinea pig is found in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Bolivia, northern Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The Moleques do Sul Guinea pig is from Moleques Island do Sul, a 25-acre (10.5 hectares) island in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The shiny Guinea pig is found in coastal areas of southeastern Brazil. The greater Guinea pig occurs in southern Brazil and Uruguay. The Montane Guinea pig ranges from northwestern Argentina and northern Chile to Peru. Habits Guinea pigs are very social and are herd animals. They like to be with others of their own kind, but also thrive from human affection. They are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dusk and dawn. When they are awake, Guinea pigs spend their time feeding, grooming or investigating their cage, according to the ADW . Diet Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning they do not eat meat. Typically, domesticated Guinea pigs eat processed pellets made from alfalfa hay or timothy hay and vitamins and minerals that Guinea pigs need to be healthy.

They also love vegetables and fruits such as kale, mustard greens, bell peppers, carrots, bananas, apples and blueberries. Unlike other small animals, Guinea pigs need Vitamin C to stay healthy, according to The Human Society of the United States . Guinea pigs don't need to drink if they eat moist foods, according to Encyclopedia Britannica . Special water bottles that hang from the cage bars are often a good way to supplement water needs for pet Guinea pigs. Offspring Male cavies are called boars and females are called sows (again with the pig nomenclature). Baby Guinea pigs are called pups. Sows have a gestation period of 59 to 72 days and give birth to litters of three or four babies on average, although they can have as many as 13 babies at one time. Though pups nurse for nutrition, they can also eat solid food as soon as they are born. At three weeks, the babies are weaned, and they are fully mature in two to three months. According to The Human Society of the United States , Guinea pigs live longer than many other small rodents. They typically live five to seven years.

Classification/taxonomy The taxonomy of the Guinea pig, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), is: Kingdom: Animalia Subfamily: Caviinae Genus: Cavia Species: Cavia aperea (Brazilian Guinea pig); Cavia fulgida (Shiny Guinea pig); Cavia intermedia (Moleques do Sul Guinea pig); Cavia magna (Greater Guinea pig); Cavia porcellus(domesticated Guinea pig); Cavia tschudii (Montane Guinea pig) Conservation status Domesticated Guinea pigs and most of their wild cousins are in no danger of extinction and are listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. However, there were only 42 Moleques do Sul Guinea pigs left in the wild as of 2008, when the last assessment was made, and that species is listed as "Critically Endangered," the IUCN's highest threat level. Guinea pigs as "guinea pigs" According to Vanderlip, since the 1800s, Guinea pigs have been used in laboratories to study nutrition, genetic, toxicology and pathology.

"Guinea pigs have done more than their fair share to contribute to medical science and to the health and well-being of humans and animals worldwide," she wrote. According to ADW, Guinea pigs are used as subjects in biomedical research investigating scurvy, tuberculosis, juvenile diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Additional resources Animal Care/Guinea pig - Wikibooks, open books for an open world Animal Care/Guinea pig Jump to: navigation , search A typical short-haired American (or Self) guinea pig Guinea Pigs (also called cavies after their scientific name) are rodents belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, the animals are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea. Male guinea pigs are called boars, females sows and babies are called pups. They are originally native to the Andes, and while they are no longer extant in the wild, they are closely related to several species which are commonly found in the grassy plains and plateaus of this region. The guinea pig plays an important role in the folk culture of indigenous South Americans, especially as a food source, but also in folk medicine and in community religious ceremonies.

Since the 1960s, the guinea pig has become increasingly important as a staple food in the Andes, and efforts have been made to increase consumption of the animal outside South America. See the cookbook entry for links to recipes. In Western societies, the guinea pig has enjoyed widespread popularity as a household pet since its introduction by European traders in the sixteenth century. Because of its docile nature, the relative ease of caretaking, and its responsiveness to handling and feeding, the guinea pig remains a popular pet choice. Organizations devoted to competitive breeding of guinea pigs have been formed worldwide, and a large number of specialized breeds of guinea pig, with varying coat colors and compositions, are cultivated by breeders. Contents 6 External links Choosing a Guinea Pig[ edit ] A long-haired cavy such as this Peruvian may be cute, but it takes extensive daily grooming to keep them healthy and happy. Taking care in choosing your guinea pig and its possible companions is the first, and possibly the most important, step in keeping guinea pigs. Make sure your guinea pigs are either of the same sex or neutered/spayed.

Health[ edit ] As prey animals, guinea pigs have evolved to hide any signs of illness, as long as possible in order to avoid becoming the main targets of the dangerous predation. This can make it difficult to recognize an illness or ailment. The best way to check for them is to place the cavy carefully on its back and check the belly. Their feet should be clean-looking and not red or irritated; with no broken or extraordinarily long nails. Check their teeth for length and evenness (see section below). It is also important to check their eyes and nose, to make sure that there is no mucus or crust there. These are signs of an upper respiratory infection, or URI, and can be deadly if left untreated. Breed[ edit ] The most common kinds of guinea pig (especially in pet stores) are the short-haired "American" or "Self" breed and the "Abyssinian", which has curly, cow-licked hair. Long-haired guinea pigs (the Sheltie/Silky and Peruvian breeds) are very beautiful pets, but they need daily grooming to be healthy, thus making them not usually suitable for children.

The hair near the rear of the Guinea Pig must be cut and cleaned on a regular basis, or it will get caked with feces and the bedding from the cage. Short hair guinea pigs take less effort in the hygienic and cosmetic categories, but still need to be properly cared for. Therefore, the Peruvian guinea pig breed is the most difficult breed to care for due to the long hair. It gets tangled extremely easily, and is not recommended for anyone without extensive time to care for the cavy's hair every day. How many?[ edit ] The vast majority of rescues, knowledgeable vets, household breeders and scientists will tell you that guinea pigs should be housed in groups of two or more. Not only is making sure your guinea pigs have companions important for their health and happiness, keeping multiple guinea pigs will improve the fun of having these animals as pets as you watch them interact. In practice, the best option is usually a pair of guinea pigs. Of course, the most important factor in choosing groups is to make sure you will not have any unwanted babies, so make sure your pets are either of the same gender or spayed/neutered.

If you are not confident in sexing guinea pigs, buy/adopt whatever guinea pigs you so desire, and then take it to your vet or a cavy-specific rescue to have its gender confirmed before introducing them at all. A pair of Abyssinian guinea pigs While groups of boars might get along (provided no females are present and they are carefully introduced), and groups of females are often fine, the easiest combination is one neutered boar (neutering is cheaper and safer than spaying) and one or more females. The personality of individual guinea pigs varies; with some being very amicable to company and others incapable of showing anything but hostility to other cavies. Behavior[ edit ] Guinea pigs are active during the day, but are actually crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). Guinea pigs are very gentle, and even untamed guinea pigs will not bite unless you are causing them pain or they have been abused in the past. Guinea pigs have a poor sense of sight, but well-developed senses of hearing and smell. Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species.

Wheek - A loud noise that is essentially onomatopoeic, also known as a Whistle. An expression of general excitement, it may occur in response to the presence of its owner or to feeding. It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are running. If a guinea pig is lost, it may wheek for assistance. ( help · info ) The Cage or Living Environment[ edit ] While some older guinea pig resources may say that housing them outdoors is acceptable, this is simply not the case. Wind can blow a hutch over easily; it is also the perfect place for molds to grow. Spiders and insects may bite guinea pigs left outside. There is also no guarantee that temperatures will be acceptable for your guinea pigs to live in. It is also very hard to notice signs of disease in guinea pigs if they are constantly out of sight, and out of mind. Even indoors, sudden drafts or radical shifts in temperature may adversely affect the health of your guinea pig. Outdoors, guinea pigs may still be subject to predators such as raccoons, opossums, birds of prey and cats.

Even a guinea pig physically protected from a predator may suffer from the ill effects of stress from the presence of a predator. Guinea pigs in the Andean region of South America are often kept outside on roofs or in milk crates. But these are livestock, not pets. A pet guinea pig is a member of your family and will benefit from the most interaction available. Being inside your home will make it easier and more appealing to care for and play with your guinea pig. Additionally, most secure hutches are designed for rabbits, and as such have mostly wood or wire floors that are unsuitable for guinea pigs. These wire floors are extremely painful for rabbits and cavies alike, and will damage their delicate feet. Indoor housing can consist of a large cage, with a plastic base (not metal mesh, this can damage the guinea pig's feet; wood will soak up urine permanently) and a large metal top half. As guinea pigs are not climbers, a top is only absolutely necessary if other pets are present in the house. A pet store cage is nowhere near adequate size for a happy guinea pig, and will cost in upwards of $45-50.

The minimum size cage for 1-2 guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet. A good cheap option is buying or making a "C&C" cage made of metal mesh cubes (the organizer kind with small plastic connectors, for the outside) and Coroplast (the floor and walls) which is basically plastic cardboard you can buy at any sign store for a very low price. There are instructions at Cavy Cages Bedding[ edit ] The housing should be lined with bedding at a minimum of 1 inch deep, ideally deeper in the sleeping areas. You should never use softwoods such as pine or cedar shavings for bedding, as these emit harmful odors called phenols that cause your guinea pig respiratory problems. Hardwoods such as aspen are fine. Other options for bedding are recycled paper products such as Carefresh; these are more expensive, but also stay clean for longer than shavings and are easier on a guinea pig's feet. A cage needs to be cleaned generally every week at the very minimum, but more often as needed. A newer form of guinea pig bedding is polar or anti-pill fleece. While this may seem strange at first, it is a very hygienic and cost-effective form of bedding.

First, an absorbent layer must be in the bottom of the cage, because the function of fleece is to wick the urine away from the guinea pigs' feet. Most fleece users are happy to use 1-2 layers of towels on the bottom of their cage, topped with a single layer of fleece. So, when a guinea pig urinates on fleece bedding, the urine is wicked through the fleece and into the towels, where it is absorbed. Fleece needs to be washed at least once weekly, without fabric softener; it inhibits the fleece's ability to wick urine. It is also a good idea to wash it with an unscented detergent, and some white vinegar to absorb odors. For more information on using fleece as a bedding, please visit [1] Other essential accessories[ edit ] Other items needed for your guinea pig's home will be a gravity-fed water bottle (cavies tend to spill and defecate in water bowls), a small bowl for pellets and other food, and "hidey houses". Wild cavy species and feral guinea pigs naturally use dens made by other animals, and all domestic guinea pigs should be provided a safe place to hide in.

As they are prey animals, they will feel much more secure in their environments if they have places to hide. This can be a plastic "igloo" or wood house from a pet store, or simply a towel tent. Be aware that some cardboard is put together using glues that can be harmful to your guinea pig, so it is best to avoid these if you can. If you have more than one guinea pig, having both an entrance and an exit to any hiding places can prevent fights between cornered guinea pigs. The more hiding places, the merrier! It is also better for your guinea pigs to keep borders around the cage clear, so that they can run laps. Toys[ edit ] Unlike hamsters or rats, guinea pigs don't need fancy toys such as running balls or exercise wheels. Wheels and balls may have a picture of a guinea pig on the box, but you should not buy one for them to play with. A cavy's spine (and other bones) is much more fragile than other pet rodents, its feet are too soft, the balls are not properly ventilated for a larger animal such as a cavy.

Mostly they like simple things like cardboard shoe boxes, towel tents, oatmeal tubes, paper bags and other tunnels or places to hide and chew on. Some owners give bird toys, but chewing the plastic is very bad for guinea pigs. Mirrors can be hung from outside the cage, however. An item that is very dangerous and should be avoided is a guinea pig leash. Guinea pigs cannot be trained to walk, and it shouldn't be attempted. While this may seem like a good way to let them run about the yard safely, it is merely dangerous. They have very delicate spines and bones, which are easily damaged by a leash or harness. An alternative way to get fresh air and fresh grass is an outdoor pen, but it should be used when you will be outside with the guinea pig the entire time. It is good to place their igloo/hut in there with them so if they become startled, they can hide. The igloo/hut will not suffice for sun protection, however, as it will keep in too much heat. You must be careful where you place the pen and must stay with the guinea pig at all times while they are outside in it.

Also, it should be noted that if a guinea pig is to be outside, the grass it will be on cannot have had any pesticides or fertilizers on it. These chemicals will kill your guinea pig, and are very dangerous. Food[ edit ] A guinea pig trio enjoying some dandelion leaves A guinea pig's diet should be comprised of three basic groups; grass hay, pellets, and fresh treats. Most importantly, a guinea pig cannot make their Vitamin C (just like people) and will need it either in vitamin supplements (not droplets, these don't work as the C dissolves too rapidly in water) or in plenty of the right fruits and veggies. Of course, every guinea pig needs a water bottle (they tend to poop in water bowls, and it could get very unhealthy). Pellets You should give one adult guinea pig approximately 1/8 cup pellets every day, possibly more for young ones. Pellets should be Timothy hay-based (little green ones), and not a seed mix. They can easily choke on seeds, and seeds are too fatty. Alfalfa-based hay pellets have too much calcium, and should not be fed for guinea pigs over 6 months of age.

Hay Providing your guinea pig as much Timothy hay or orchard grass as it can eat is very important for its health and happiness. Hay provides important digestive fiber and can prevent a condition in older boars where they lose the ability to defecate properly. Also, guinea pigs have a natural inclination to forage for food almost constantly, not giving them proper hay can cause them stress and result in barbering (chewing their own hair) and other behavioral problems. Alfalfa hay can be fed to guinea pigs younger than 6 months, but should not be fed to older guinea pigs other than the occasional treat. If you do not know the age of your guinea pig, or are unsure, use a different hay that is safe. Fruits and vegetables If you ever have a question about whether your guinea pig can eat a certain vegetable or fruit, and in which quantities, please visit this link: [2] . It was made by a guinea pig dietary specialist, and is very helpful! Guinea pigs like to eat lots of green veg, and on the whole this is very good for them, but there are a few things that should be left off your pets menu.

Iceberg Lettuce causes bloat and gas, and so should be avoided, no exception. Tomato leaves are also not good for piggies. Carrot in excess can cause liver problems due to the excessive amounts of vitamin A, and in the pregnant cavy can cause birth defects. However, in small amounts to a non pregnant guinea pig, this is fine. Mushrooms and Rhubarb are poisonous. The best fruits and veggies for Vitamin C are Romaine lettuce, Carrot, Kale, Mustard greens, Red bell pepper, Spinach and many others. Oddly, oranges do not have very much vitamin C and can even cause the runs in guinea pigs. They need 10-20 MG of Vitamin C a day if they are healthy. If they are unhealthy, pregnant, or under 3 months, they should get 30-50 MG. For additional vitamin C, you can purchase vitamin C tablets. It is very important that you do not use vitamin C drops, as these can result in dehydration in guinea pigs. Do not give them multivitamins. These can be bad for them and even poisonous.

Other things to avoid Mixes or treats with nuts, seeds, dried fruit and dyed pieces. Dairy and meat products (cavies are herbivores) Seeds in husks can be a choking hazard. Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, collards, bok choy, broccoli) may cause gas in your pet and are best offered sparingly and infrequently. Mineral wheels. Never use Tang (which contains dyes, refined sugars, and very little vitamin C) in drinking water. Commercial treats marketed for cavies (like yogurt drops) which can even be detrimental to their health. Consuming these empty calories (many contain fat, sugars and even excess calcium) can result in decreased consumption of the basic foods they really need. Guinea pigs are very strictly herbivores; therefore, they are lactose intolerant. Yogurt and honey are not good for guinea pigs, and should be avoided. Problems[ edit ] Before you bringing home your new guinea pig, you should locate your nearest veterinarian, and go in to the practice to pick up any leaflets or advice sheets on basic first aid for guineas.

Staff should be knowledgeable, and will be able to help you with any other queries you might have about your guinea pigs. Make sure to visit a knowledgeable exotic pet veterinarian, as many regular cat and dog veterinarians have limited knowledge of cavies and some may refuse to treat them altogether. Pain As guinea pigs are naturally prey animals, they instinctively hide pain to prevent appearing as a weak animal within the group. As a result it may be difficult to tell if they are hurting. If you notice changes in behavior, or unusual avoidance of handling, call your veterinarian for advice. Parasites Guinea pigs can occasionally harbor skin (ecto-) parasites, which may not always be visible to the naked eye. Fortunately these parasites are not zoonotic, meaning your guinea pig cannot give them to you. Treatment with a topical product called Revolution(R) (active ingredient, selamectin) is a very effective method of controlling ectoparasites. Ivermectin is also effective, and is given either as an injection or orally. These medications must be prescribed by your veterinarian. It is not uncommon for pet store bought guinea pigs will harbor lice or mites.

For this reason, it is a good idea to have a newly acquired guinea pig examined by a veterinarian before introducing the new cavy to other cavies in your home. The correct appearance of a cavy's teeth Teeth As guinea pigs are rodents, their teeth grow constantly. The constant availability of roughage (grass hay) is of critical importance in maintaining your guinea pig's dental health. It is also helpful, and fun for your guinea pig, if you include a chew stick (available in most pet shops) or piece of fruit wood for them to gnaw on. Dental examinations are an important part of your guinea pig's health plan. You can easily monitor the incisors (front teeth), but it is difficult to see the premolars and molars (cheek teeth) without an oral speculum. To see the incisors, hold your guinea gently but firmly in one hand, with one finger behind the head to support, lean your pet back. If this doesn't expose the teeth, gently push on the lips to show them. The teeth should appear straight; the top and bottom teeth should overlap only slightly (top over bottom- if they are the other way round, you should consult with your veterinarian).

Normal incisors are off-white to yellow in color. Normal mandibular (lower) incisors often appear quite long to the untrained eye. If the incisors curve away from each other or are excessively long, consult your veterinarian. Never attempt to trim or clip your guinea pig's incisors by yourself. This may result in a fractured incisor, which is painful, and may cause further dental problems in the future. Guinea pigs and other pets Obviously, cats, dogs and ferrets are predators and may kill a small furry creature. However, there are cases of guinea pigs getting along with them, and often as not cats may not know what to think of a guinea pig or even be scared of it. Dogs may be trained to accept guinea pigs as well. Chiefly, never leave a guinea pig alone with any predatory animal, however well-trained. Cohousing of guinea pigs with other rodents such as gerbils, rats and hamsters may increase instances of respiratory and other infections, and such rodents may act aggressively towards the guinea pig. Opinion is divided over the cohousing of guinea pigs and domestic rabbits. Some published sources say that guinea pigs and rabbits complement each other well when sharing a cage.

However, as lagomorphs, rabbits have different nutritional requirements, and so the two species cannot be fed the same food. Rabbits may also harbor diseases (such as the respiratory infections Bordetella and Pasteurella), which guinea pigs are susceptible to. Even a dwarf rabbit is much stronger and more aggressive than the guinea pig and may cause intentional or inadvertent injury. Breeding Pregnant sows have a 25% chance of having a fatal pregnancy complication. It is advisable to not breed guinea pigs, unless you know 100% of what you're doing, you're able to find homes for them, and you know what breeds can cause problems if they cross. California's Giant Guinea Pigs and the Cuys Criollos Mejorados - Guinea Pig Today Guinea Pig Today Posted by Nicole Peeples, CEO, Orange County Cavy Haven on Thursday, June 28, 2012 · 14 Comments Image courtesy of Wee Companions Pictured is Wee Companions founder, Fenella Speece, holding Titan, the second largest Cuy we have seen and the most tame. Titan was 5 pounds when Wee Companions discovered him in a shelter.

In 2010, small animal rescues in Southern California began receiving phone calls from animal shelters reporting extra large, “wild” guinea pigs. Many of the shelters did not normally contact rescues; yet the guinea pigs were so difficult to handle that shelters deemed them unadoptable. Rescues were puzzled at first, until a San Diego veterinarian posted photos on Facebook of a large, polydactyl guinea pig that resembled those found in the shelters. These guinea pigs came from a local Petco store. When asked about the guinea pigs, Petco queried their supplier and replied that “. . . these are a new type of guinea pig that they are testing. They were excited to hear that people noticed and liked them.” These are in fact, not a new type of guinea pig. They bear a striking resemblance to the Cuys Criollos Mejorados commonly raised for food in South American countries such as Peru.

Here are some characteristics they share with the Cuys: Always red, red and white or white in color (It is not acceptable to eat dark colored Cuys in Peru); May have Polydactyly, a mutation caused by inbreeding that results in extra toes; Weighing between four and eight pounds when full grown (average guinea pigs weigh about two pounds); Larger features, such as wider ears and huge feet. Most of these Guinea pigs are feral and difficult to tame, especially if they have reached adulthood without much handling. They also possess superior jumping skills, and cannot be kept in an uncovered cage. Image courtesy of OC Cavy Haven A side view of an adolescent Cuy (Fiona, below) next to a full grown male guinea pig of average size (Acorn, top). Fiona was 1200 grams at the time and already longer than the adult male. She was not even close to full grown. Several inside sources at Petco have revealed that these guinea pigs are indeed imported from Peru. Why would Petco import guinea pigs from Peru? It is likely that purchasing the Cuys is somehow more cost effective; since they are raised for meat and not for pets, they may wholesale for less.

In addition, purchasing small animals from a meat grower instead of a pet breeder may furnish a loophole for Petco to escape inspection by APHIS, the division of the USDA that regulates pet breeding facilities. Since many of Petco’s distributors in recent years have been investigated and charged with animal cruelty and neglect, the company may be seeking creative ways to avoid further negative publicity while maintaining the profit margin. Further inquiries to Petco went unanswered. The difficulty for rescues lies in the fact that these Cuys are not desirable pets for the average American family, most of who are interested in guinea pigs as docile pets for their children. The Cuys are incredibly strong and difficult to tame. They seem to have more fear of humans than domestic guinea pigs. Because of their wild nature, they are much more likely to be relinquished to a shelter than regular-sized guinea pigs. Even more disturbing are reports that the Cuys have a shorter lifespan and are prone to heart disease. Rescues are receiving reports of sudden, unexplained deaths before the age of three years old. Image courtesy of OC Cavy Haven A frontal comparison of their facial features.

Notice how Fiona's head (left) is shaped differently from Acorn (right) and her ears appear so much larger. Concerned small animal rescues contacted several government agencies to inquire about oversight on the practice of purchasing and selling the Cuys. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and, in California, the Department of Health Services Food and Drug Branch regulates the slaughter and sale of exotic animals for meat. However, the Cuys are being sold as pets and not slaughtered, which would be illegal in California according to penal code section 598b. It is not illegal to raise guinea pigs for food in California, as long as they are slaughtered elsewhere. It is not illegal to sell “meat” guinea pigs as pets. Inquiries to other government organizations went nowhere. APHIS does not regulate slaughterhouses or facilities where animals are grown for meat. The California Dept of Fish and Game regulates the importation of non-native species. However, it will require genetic testing to prove that the Cuys are not the same species as Cavia porcellus, the common domestic guinea pig. They are most likely genetically very similar.

Many of the guinea pigs raised for food in Peru are the same size as the domestic guinea pigs in the United States. The Cuys Criollos Mejorados are the results of selective breeding designed to produce larger, meatier animals for food consumption. Image courtesy of OC Cavy Haven A comparison of Fiona's foot (left) and Acorn's foot (right). Look at how truly different they appear. It's like a guinea pig Clydesdale! In recent years, the promotion of guinea pigs as micro livestock has become very popular, especially in developing countries where raising cattle is problematic. In other words, the Cuys are not likely to go away anytime soon. None of the regulatory agencies are willing to claim jurisdiction over the sale of meat guinea pigs as pets. Cuys have started appearing in other pet store chains such as PetSmart and Kahoots. Since they appear similar to regular-sized guinea pigs when young, consumers may have a difficult time identifying the Cuys in pet stores. When they grow up to be wild giants, impossible for children to handle, they will continue to land in the local shelters. Animal rescuers recommend that people avoid purchasing animals from pet stores.

It perpetuates the existence of pet mills, which rely on supply and demand. In addition, the potential for purchasing a sick, mis-sexed, or pregnant animal is high, especially when dealing with rodents. Now there is even one more reason not to purchase animals from pet stores: the chance that you could receive a wild, untamable, short-lived, giant mutant—instead of a small, docile, family friendly pet that lives six to eight years. Further reading: Guinea Pig Breed Guide - Guinea Pigs Planet Guinea Pigs Planet Guinea Pig Breed Guide THE TEXEL The Texel cavy is characterized by the ringlets or curls that make up it's long, soft coat. Curls are to be found all over the body, even on the belly. The Texel has a short, compact body, with a broad,well-rounded head. The Texel was accepted as a recognized breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. in (1998) This breed was originally imported from England. BOB Texel - 2001 ARBA National Show - Del Mar, CA THE TEDDY The Teddy cavy is currently one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

It's short, dense, even coat is unique in having a "kinked" or bent hair shaft, which causes the coat to stand erect over the entire body of the cavy. The coat is to demonstrate "resiliency" - that is, it should return to an even, upright appearance immediately after it is disturbed. The Teddy should have a medium length body and a Roman nose. Teddies and Rexes are characterized by their short-fuzzy hair and usually occur in self coloration (see below). Teddies and Rexes appear the same but their genetic make-up is different. These breeds of guinea pigs are suitable for outdoor housing and are extremely adorable. They are seasonal in the market and come at a reasonable price for such a unique breed. They require grooming once or twice a week to maintain the fuzzy outlook, and also require monthly baths as the fuzzy hair collects dirt and dust.

Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $120.00 to $350.00 BOB Teddy and RESERVE CAVY (TS&W) - 2001 ARBA National Show - Del Mar, CA photo credit: Pat Haefele TEDDY SATIN The Teddy Satin is similar in coat and appearance to the Teddy, with the additional coat quality of Satin sheen added. The Teddy Satin is to have a dense, even, resilient coat, medium body length, and of course, exhibit good sheen. Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $120.00 to $350.0 BOB Teddy Satin - 2001 ARBA National Show - Del Mar, CA THE ABYSSINIAN The Abyssinian cavy is one of the three original breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.The Abyssinian coat is defined by a symmetrical pattern of rosettes and ridges. The coat is to be crisp and harsh, so as to lend itself to clearly defined rosettes andridges. In order to be shown, an Abyssinian must have a minimum of eight rosettes.

The Abyssinian is to be allowed to move about when being judged, so as to better exhibit it's rosettes and ridges. Availability: Very Common , Price Range: $45.00 to $200.00 BOB Abyssinian (Roan) - 2002 ACBA Specialty Show - Hamburg, NYphoto credit: Pat Haefele ABYSSINIAN SATIN The Abyssinian Satin cavy is a Satinized version of the Abyssinian. Like the Abyssinian, it is required to have a set pattern of rosettes and ridges, with a minimum of eight rosettes present to be showable. The Abyssinian Satin is furthermore distinguished by the brilliant sheen, or "shininess" of it's coat. Abyssinian Satins often seem to sparkle as they move across a show table BOB Abyssinian Satin (Roan) - 1999 ARBA National Show - Louisville, KY photo credit: unknown ALPACA Alpaca guinea pigs have hair like Peruvians but most strands are wavy at the end. They usually have one rosette on top of their heads.

This gives its coat a woollen effect, and here lies the trouble with Alpacas as their coats are often subjected to entanglement and get dirty easily. Daily grooming is essential, and as with all long-furred guinea pigs, should have an enhanced dietary system Alpaca guinea pigs are not suitable for outdoor housing. Availability: Rare , Price Range: $120.00 and above SHELTIE Shelties are like Coronets but they do not have a rosette on top of their heads. Like Coronets, they require regular grooming to maintain their smooth coats and are unsuitable for outdoor housing. They come in a variety of colors but are not always available, since long hair is a recessive gene. Shelties are characterized further by long hair covering the body and short hair at the facial regions. They are relatively easy to care for. Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $120.00 to $150.00 THE PERUVIAN The Peruvian cavy was the first long-haired breed accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.

This breed is notable for it's long, dense, soft "sweeps" of hair which can grow out to several inches in length. The Peruvian has a "frontal" of hair, which grows forward, covering it's head, giving it an even, circular appearance when an animal in full show coat is groomed out properly. This is the long haired breed! The Peruvian arrived in Paris around 1886-87, and came to England shortly after. When they were first shown in America under the standards of the National Breeders and Fanciers of America, there were only three recognized breeds: The American, the Abyssinian and Angoras (long hair). In the early 1930's, Angora was changed to Peruvian and the Silkie was cast aside. The Peruvian is noted for it's long, silky hair. The side and rear sweeps should be of equal length for a balanced look. The forelock covers the face. When presented for judging on a show board the coat resembles a circle of hair. It is sometimes difficult to tell front from rear on a Peruvian. Show Peruvians need regular grooming and wrapping of the long coat to keep it from being soiled or tangled.

It can be a challenge, but the results are stunning. Pet and breeder Peruvians are trimmed for easier care. Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $200.00 and above BOB Peruvian and RESERVE CAVY (TS&W) - 2001 ACBA Specialty Show photo credit: R. Spitzer PERUVIAN SATIN The Peruvian Satin was recognized as the 10th official breed in Jan., 1988, by the ARBA. It has all the appearance and qualities of the Peruvian with the additional beauty of the satin sheen. BOB Peruvian Satin (Red) - 2001 ARBA National Show - Del Mar, CA photo credit: Pat Haefele THE SILKIE The Silkie is one of the oldest known breeds. It became a new, recognized breed in England in 1973 and is called a "Sheltie." It has been accepted and recognized as an official breed twice in America. First in 1932 and then again in 1980. It was called an Angora in 1932.

The breed was officially re-recognized as the 6th breed by the ARBA in Jan., 1980. The coat of the Silkie should be soft, dense, and have no evidence of any rosettes or forelock. The hair should grow back from the face forming a mane. The mane sweeps from between the ears to flow over the shoulders and back. There should be no part in the mane. The side sweeps may be slightly shorter than the rear sweep. When viewed from above, the Silkie presents a "tear drop" shape. The coat of the show Silkie should be groomed and wrapped every other day. Pet and breeder Silkies are trimmed short for easier care. This is a particularly cuddly pig, besides the softness of the coat, the personality tends to be very mellow, making for a wonderful lap pig! Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $150.00 and above BOB Silkie (Broken) - 2001 ARBA National Show - Del Mar, CA photo credit: Pat Haefele SILKIE SATIN The Silkie Satin was the 9th breed recognized by the ARBA in Jan., 1987.

The Silkie Satin has all the features of the Silkie with the added beauty of the satin sheen to the coat. Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $150.00 and above BOB Silkie Satin (Broken) - 2001 ARBA National Show - Del Mar, CA photo credit: Pat Haefele CORONET Coronets are gorgeous guinea pigs but require extensive grooming everyday to maintain their elaborate coats. They, unlike the Shelties, have a rosette on top of their heads. Coronets are unsuitable for outdoor housing as their coats will be easily dampened and soiled. As with all long-furred guinea pigs, Coronets should be fed an enhanced diet (see DIET).

Availability: Uncommon , Price Range: $100.00 and above AMERICAN The American cavy is smooth coated, short haired, sleek and elegant.It has a medium body length, with a Roman nose, and high, full crown.It is the most popular of all the cavy breeds.The American was one of the original breeds accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.At the time of it's original appearance in the Standard of Perfection, it was known as the "English" cavy. Availability: Quite Common , Price Range: $35.00 to $100.00 BOB American (REO) - 2001 ARBA Nationals - Del Mar, CA photo credit: Pat Haefele THE WHITE CRESTED The White Crested cavy is a short haired, smooth coated cavy.It has a distinctive white crest placed on top of it's head. There can be no other white spots anywhere on the animal, the only white is to be found in the crest. Therefore, certain color varieties, such as Dutch, Roan, Dalmatian, and White, are not accepted colors for this breed.

The cavy pictured above was the first White Crested to ever win Best in Show at an ARBA National Convention. Availability: Most Common , Price Range: $30.00 and above BOB White Crested (Solid Golden) BEST IN SHOW - 2001 ARBA National Show Del Mar, CA photo credit: Pat Haefele DALMATION/ROAN The Dalmation colouration pattern on a guinea pig is unmistakable. Roans have a variety of colours but mixed with white hairs (picture not available). Both are not common colourations in the market. However, Roans should not be bred with other Roans, Dalmations should not be bred with other Dalmations and cross breeding between these two colour types must be avoided because there is a possibility that the offspring are genetically mutated and born with red but blind eyes, a completely white coat which soon die after birth. DUTCH Dutch is a colouration characterised by a white body with eye patches and a rump of a different colour. Another example of Dutch colouration is the guinea pig used in the header of this site.

Dutch coloration is a rare pattern to find in the market these days due to extensive in-breeding, cross breeding and availability. HIMALAYAN Himalayan is a distinct colour type which is characterised by a white basecoat and a paint nose, ears and feet in sooty brown or black. Himalayan coats are often accompanied with red eyes. Himalayan colouration is not a common colouration and guinea pigs with this pattern are normally important and would hence yield a higher cost. This guinea pig shown in the picture is a Himalayan English Crested. SELF Self is a colour type characterised by a single colour spanning the entire body of the guinea pig. Self colours come in beige, black, buff, chocolate, cream, golden, lilac, red, saffron, slate, and white. Due to cross breeding and in breeding, self colour types are not often found. The term ’self’ is also used to describe extended regions of a guinea pigs coat which are of the same colour. TORTOISESHELL Tortoiseshell is a colour type comprising three distinct colours, often black, white and brown/red.

This combination usually occurs in a set of checks covering the entire body of the guinea pig. Tortoiseshell colour types are often very rare and quite difficult to find in the market because of an increased popularity for other colour types and also due to cross-breeding. Create a free website LabDiet - Guinea Pigs Guinea Pigs 5P18 - Prolab Guinea Pig Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs are valuable research animals because of the variety of experiments in which they can be used. They are often used to test lotions and ointments because their skin resembles human skin. Long use of the guinea pig in bacteriological and serological research has resulted in a sizeable accumulation of information on blood values, cell counts, elementary analyses and physical constants. Guinea pigs have been used frequently in nutritional research and in immunology experiments. Guinea pigs became known to research scientists after sailors brought them to England from Peru as pets. The Dunkin-Hartley strain, developed by the British, is the most widely used in laboratories. It is almost always an albino with short, smooth hair. A second type of guinea pig, the Abyssinian, has short, rough hair that grows in rosettes.

The present day Peruvian type of guinea pig, with long hair, is seldom used in research. Of all of the commonly used lab animals, guinea pigs are one of the most nervous and high-strung species. The guinea pig needs to be approached quietly and confidently. It will seldom scratch a human when it is picked up if it is supported well. If it does become alarmed, however, the whole colony can detect the fright and become apprehensive. To pick up the pig, grasp behind its head and in front of its forelegs with the thumb and forefinger. With the remaining fingers, hold the pig behind its front legs and rib cage. Use the other hand to support the hindquarters. Good sanitation is extremely important in the guinea pig colony. The animals are very susceptible to paratyphoid infections. Cages need to be cleaned often to keep the animals as free of microorganisms as possible. Like monkeys and human beings, guinea pigs need daily doses of vitamin C to prevent the development of scurvy. Scurvy can develop within seven to ten days without dietary vitamin C. Normally a daily intake of 10 milligrams of ascorbic acid will be adequate to keep the guinea pig free from scurvy.

Guinea Pig Breeds Colors and Pictures Descriptions Colors & Pictures of Guinea Pig Breeds There are over 60 Guinea Pig breeds which vary in terms of characteristics such as color and hair length. There are even show breeds judged by organizations such as the American Cavy Breeders Association. Guinea Pigs or Cavies (scientific name is Cavia porcellus) are gentle pets. They are known for their social personality and size, since they are larger than similar pets such as hamsters or gerbils. They are used to live in groups and rarely if ever bite. Guinea Pig Breeds on Display from the New Zealand Cavy Club Source: New Zealand Cavy Club The most popular breeds are listed and described in alphabetical order below: Guinea pig breeds Baldwins Abyssinian Guinea Pig First, I need to say that these guinea pigs look very cute and funny. All thanks to the coat. Their coat has what guinea pig experts call rosettes or in simple words - swirls and ridges. Rosettes are clearly defined with "show" pets having a minimum of 8 rosettes. The hair is not long nor short.

There is also a satin Abyssinian guinea pig variety with the only difference being that the satin's coat is shiny. Abyssinian guinea pigs come in many different colors. In a similar fashion to the Abyssinian, the Abyssinian Satin coat has a shiny coat referred to as a sheen. It also needs a at least 8 rosettes to be considered a "show" Guinea Pig. Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are characterized by the distinct ridges and rosettes on the coat. Author: Compaq999, Source Wikimedia Commons Abyssinian Satin Guinea Pig Source: American Cavy Breeders Association American Guinea Pig (also called an English Cavy) Some call them English cavy. This is the breed you are most likely to find in pet shops and is the most popular. It has short, smooth and straight hair that lies flat on the piggy's body. The nose is referred to as being "Roman" with a head that has a high full crown. This American Guinea Pig Breed is the Most Popular. Pictured is an American Red Source: Pat Hasfele, American Cavy Breeders Association American guinea pig satin variety is different because of the shiny coat.

Very nice and soft when you feel it. They come in all colors. Coronet Guinea Pigs Coronet is a long haired guinea pig that has a single rosette on the head and a very soft coat. He is something like a mix of a silkie and crested guinea pig. He needs a lot of hair care. Show level Coronet Guinea Pigs have a rosette located exactly in the middle of the head. Coronet Guinea Pig Source: Abrahami, Wikimedia Crested Guinea Pigs (American or English) This one has short, smooth hair and one swirl on the head. You can find American and English crested varieties. American or white crested has, as the name says, a white crest and no more white spots on the body. It can come in different colors but if the crest is not the only white spot it is not a white crested guinea pig. A "white crested" pet would only have a white crest on the top of the head. English one has the crest which is the same color like the rest of the coat. American Crested Guinea Pig Tri-Color Source: Wikimedia Peruvian Guinea Pig Peruvian guinea pig has straight hair, several inches long.

It takes a lot of time to groom this pet. Described in simple words his hair falls from the top of the body to all sides. Hair length can grow to several inches. It can be good to cut their hair a bit at the back so it does not get dirty after piggy excreting or sitting in dirty places. This is one of the guinea pig breeds that might not be a good solution for a pet. As Abyssinian and American, Peruvian also has a satin variety. Silkie Guinea Pig Silkie guinea pig has very long hair and it is very silky. The hair grows from the head towards the back. His face hair is shorter. Again, a satin variety is recognized. This guinea pig requires a lot of hair grooming like the Peruvian one does. A Silkie Guinea Pig with characteristic long hair Source: ACBA, Pat Hasfele Teddy Guinea Pig Again one (for me) funny looking guinea pig. This one has short and very dense kinked hair and his hair stands up so he looks very fuzzy. Members have this breed have a "Roman" upright nose. It is a popular breed in the U.S. There is a satin variety, too.

Texel Guinea Pig One very out of fashion looking guinea pig. Bad hair-do definitely (says a girl with short hair). Only joking. This is, however, very hairy looking guinea pig. It has wavy long coat. It will really take some money and time for the upkeep of this hair. Texel Guinea Pig Breed Characterized by Kinked Hair and Short Body Source: ACBA Some additional breeds that are less recognized but are out there. Alpaca guinea pig Alpaca guinea pig is one of the long haired guinea pig breeds and has the hair growing over the face. Maybe he is related to the big South American alpaca? Merino Merino has long wavy hair and a crest. Hairless guinea pig breeds Let us not forget two hairless guinea pig breeds. Skinny pigs Skinny pigs have no hair except some on their face and feet. Baldwins Baldwins have no hair at all so you might want to get him a little sweater for cold days. Besides guinea pig breeds there is one more important list to add here - color varieties.

Agouti - each hair has strips of dark and light color Albino - white with pink eyes Brindle - two colors all over the body Dalmatian - like the dog with the same name, white with black spots Dutch - head and back of the body same color and white in the middle Himalayan - this one reminds me of Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp , Disney movie, white body with dark feet, ears and nose Roan - red or black mixed equally with white Selfs - one color guinea pigs, white, beige, cream, chocolate, red, black... Tortoiseshell - red and black patches equally distributed over the piggy's body but not mixing with each other Tortoiseshell and white - same like the above with white patch If you did not find the answer you need or you want to ask a question about these pets, go to the guinea pig FAQ page.

Related articles What does a peruvian cavy look like What does a peruvian cavy look like Results 1 to 8 of 8 0 Post(s) What does a peruvian cavy look like hi, I was wondering what a peruvian guniea pig looks like and if you have one you can give me pictures. Also how long is there hair and do you have to cut it? 0 Post(s) Re: What does a peruvian cavy look like I have a peruvian! They are wonderful. I don't cut Ruthies hair, except sometimes in the back. I don't have any pictures, but you're profile picture is pretty accurate of how they look. Anyway, peruvians are wonderful Re: What does a peruvian cavy look like ok thank you, where did you get your cavy Re: What does a peruvian cavy look like Heres a pic. Do you want one? 0 Post(s) Re: What does a peruvian cavy look like I got Ruthie at a farm where I keep my horse. The farmer goes to New Holland, which is an auction where they have all these kinds of animals.

When he came back, he usually had some kind of animal, and when he came back with guinea pigs, I got one!

Question: What kind of animal is a Peruvian cavy ?
Answer: GUINEA PIG