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The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also known as the cavy or domestic cavy (/ ˈ k eɪ v i / KAY-vee), is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae.
- Guinea Pigs Are a Long-Term Commitment. While a guinea pig doesn't live nearly as long as a cat or dog, they're still a large time commitment. Guinea pigs live on average around five to seven years, sometimes longer, so be prepared to provide care over the long term.
- Guinea Pigs Are Social. Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. Keep a same-sex pair to ensure you don't have any unwanted litters.
- Guinea Pigs Need a Large Cage. Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair.
- Guinea Pigs Are Quiet, Sometimes. Guinea pigs have 11 individual sounds. For example, they make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention.
Jun 19, 2024 · Learn about the domesticated rodent Cavia porcellus, also known as guinea pig, its appearance, diet, life span, and origin. Find out how guinea pigs are used as food, pets, and laboratory animals, and the possible origins of their name.
- Guinea pigs have a robust body with short limbs, large head and eyes, and short ears. The fur varies in length, texture, and colour. The feet have...
- Guinea pigs eat vegetation and do not require water to drink if supplied with sufficiently moist food, but they must have water if fed dry commerci...
- Domesticated guinea pigs live up to eight years, although three to five years is the typical life span. No natural population of this species exist...
- Guinea pigs are reasonably large for rodents, weighing 500 to 1,500 grams (roughly 1 to 3 pounds) and having a body 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 inches) long.
- The guinea pig's fur colors are remarkably variable. The coat may be white, cream, tan, reddish, chocolate brown, black, or a combined pattern.
- Introduction to Guinea Pigs
- Guinea Pig Breeds
- Cages
- Bedding For Guinea Pigs
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Guinea Pig Names
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Guinea pigs live, on average, 6 to 8 years, weigh about two to three pounds, come in a variety of colors, are very social, and make great pets for children and adults alike. Learn some facts about guinea pigs and what you need to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet.
Did you know there is a hairless variety of guinea pig? There are actually about a dozen different breeds of guinea pigslike texels, coronets, Baldwins, and more, all of which can be categorized by their hair (or lack thereof).
Guinea pigs need a lot more room to run around than most people provide them with. Large cagescan be purchased online or in a pet store, or a custom enclosure can be created using small fencing or pens to give your cavy plenty of space to run around safely. But even if you have a large cage, do not forget that your guinea pig will love some time to...
Guinea pigs use the bathroom wherever they please so you will need bedding that is absorbent but does not harm your pet. Wood shavings used to be popular, but more information on how they can harm pets has been discovered over the years, especially cedar shavings.Popular choices include fleece, which can be purchased from a craft store and then was...
Vitamin C is the key ingredient in a guinea pig diet. Like humans and capybaras, guinea pigs cannot make their own supply of vitamin C to meet their daily needs, so it must be supplied for them. Guinea pig-safe vitamin C supplements and special guinea pig pellet food are fortified to help meet this nutritional requirement. Also, guinea pigs need a ...
Should you bathe your guinea pig? How do you trim guinea pig nails? It's important to learn how to groom your guinea pigand what shampoo you can safely use on your cavy. Don't worry, you don't need to brush your guinea pig's teeth—but you do need to pay close attention to them. Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and can bec...
Some people find naming their pets incredibly difficult. Thankfully there is a huge list available if you need a little help in this department. Find that perfect name for your new guinea pigor check to see if your pig's name made the list.
Learn everything you need to know about guinea pigs, from breeds and cages to feeding and grooming. Find out how to keep your cavy healthy, happy, and well-named.
Oct 10, 2023 · To care for your guinea pig, make sure it has access to fresh hay and water at all times. You can also supplement its diet with vegetables, like lettuce, kale, carrots, and cucumbers, so it gets all the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Additionally, play with your guinea pig outside of its cage every day so it doesn't feel lonely or cooped up.
- The average life expectancy for a guinea pig is around four to eight years. To help your guinea pig live a long and healthy life make sure he gets...
- Bonding is about winning the guinea pig's trust. Always act quiet around the guinea pig, avoid sudden movements, and always speak in a reassuring v...
- Guinea pigs are strict herbivores (vegetarians) and should never be given meat. Do not give a guinea pig human foods such as chocolate and biscuits...
Jan 31, 2020 · Learn about the domesticated guinea pig, its origin, breeds, behavior, diet, and reproduction. Meet the seven female guinea pigs at Amazonia, the zoo's South American exhibit.
The Guinea pig or Domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae. Breeders tend to use the word cavy to describe the animal, while in scientific and laboratory contexts, it is far more commonly referred to by the common name guinea pig .
