The Ark

About Guinea Pigs

Once believed to be a rodent, the animal known as the guinea pig, or cavy, is now thought by many evolutionary biologists to belong to a separate order, as reported by the Associated Press in early 1996. Being neither a pig, nor from Guinea, it is uncertain from exactly where the guinea pig got its common name. Some theorize that the name "Guinea" is taken from the "Guiana" region of South America, which is home to an animal similar to the guinea pig, while others tell tales of British sailors who sold the animals (who made sounds similar to those of a frightened pig) for the price of one guinea.

Although the naming origins and scientific classification of guinea pigs may still be matters of debate, there is no question that they make excellent pets. Guineas pigs are extremely docile, low maintenance and unbelievably cute.

Guinea Pig Health

Common Conditions:

Common problems in guinea pigs include vitamin C deficiency, respiratory infections, abscess, skin mites, overgrowth of premolar teeth, cystitis and bladder stones.

Barbering is another condition common in guinea pigs, this is when a dominate (alpha) male chews the hair off of the back of a subordinate animal (may lead to skin infections).

Hairballs: They lose weight and stop eating. The feces are smaller size. Prevent this by offering laxatone twice weekly.

Malocclusion of teeth: Teeth keep growing into the opposite gums and cause abscesses and infection. The animal loses weight and cannot eat. Check teeth every other month for proper length.

Hair loss: Caused by mange, ringworm, fleas and ticks, etc. Can also result from a serious form of rodent viral cancer. See your vet immediately, especially if accompanied by loss of appetite and constipation.

Diarrhea: Caused by a myriad of viruses, bacterial infections and internal parasites. This problem needs veterinary attention in order to avoid dehydration and death.

Hind leg fractures or paralysis: They drag their legs and do not want to move. This is mainly caused by a deficiency of vitamin C during pregnancy or by trauma.

Pregnancy toxemia: Loss of appetite in pregnant or lactating pigs. Needs immediate attention by a vet.

Kidney disease: Often terminal, common in older guinea pigs.

Nutrition

Guinea pigs are strict herbivores and cecal fermenters, as are rabbits and horses. Food intake is not controlled by calories ingested, but by bulk consumed. They require special amounts of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium. Therefore, feeding table scrapes should be avoided. Guinea pigs should be fed a feed prepared specifically for the species. It should be supplemented with a source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Food containing ascorbic acid should not be used 90 days after the milling date without supplementing with vitamin C. They require 10 mg/kg daily and 20 mg/kg if pregnant. Vitamin C may be supplemented by:

Food Approximate serving size for 10mg Vitamin C Protein (mg) Calcium (mg) Phosphorus (mg)

Apples (w/skin) 1-1/4 apples (3 per lb) 0.356 12.274 12.274

Baby Carrots 12 carrots 0.952 27.381 45.238

Bananas 1 banana 1.099 6.596 21.986

Broccoli Flower Clusters 1/8 cup 0.322 5.150 7.081

Carrots 1 cup 1.075 29.032 47.312

Celery 3-1/2 stalks 1.143 57.143 35.714

Cucumbers 2 cups 1.325 26.425 37.750

Dandelion Greens 1/2 cup 0.770 53.429 18.857

Green Bell Peppers 1/7 pepper 0.101 1.008 2.128

Kale 1/8 cup 0.275 11.250 4.667

Kiwis 1/8 cup 0.102 2.653 4.082

Looseleaf Lettuce 5-1/2 leaves 0.722 37.778 13.889

Mustard Greens 1/4 cup 0.385 14.714 6.143

Oranges (Florida) 1/7 fruit (2-5/8" diameter fruit) 0.156 9.556 2.667

Parsley 1/8 cup 0.226 10.376 4.361

Raspberries 1/3 cup 0.361 8.800 4.800

Red Bell Peppers 1/14 pepper 0.048 0.474 1.000

Romain Lettuce 4 leaves 0.667 15.000 18.750

Spinach 2/3 cup 1.029 35.222 17.433

Tomatos (November through May, average) 1 fruit (2-3/5" diameter) 0.902 5.0000 24.000

Tomatos (June through October, average) 1/3 fruit (2-3/5" diameter) 1.409 1.9231 9.234

A commercial pelleted guinea pig diet containing 18 to 20 % protein, 4 % fat and 16 % fiber is highly recommended. They will consume approximately 6 g of food and 10 ml of water per every 100 g of body weight per day. Rabbit pellets are NOT the same, and should not be given to guinea pigs.

Piggy Facts

Life Span: around 5-7 years is typical, although up to 10 isn't too unusual.
Size: Approximately 10 inches long, 2-3 pounds.
Appearance: Rounded stout body, no visible tail (a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin). They come in a variety of breeds with different coat types and color patterns.
Terms: Just like pigs, males are called boars, females are called sows, and the babies are called piglets. Hairless varieties of guinea pigs have been bred, and are sometimes called "skinny pigs."

As Pets:

Guinea pigs are quite hardy and calm, so make a good family pet.
They are social and will interact with people well. They will do best kept in same sex groups, although males may fight (especially if unrelated or not raised together).
They may be nervous at first but are easy to handle and tame, and rarely bite.
Need a fairly large enclosure, but aren't much for climbing or jumping so it is easy to improvise luxurious guinea pig housing.
Variety of interesting colors and coat types, although the long haired (Peruvian) type needs a good deal of grooming and coat care.
While they can vocalize quite loudly, they are fairly quiet and calm pets.
They may wake at night but are not nocturnal--they have repeated sleep/wake cycles throughout the day.
Guinea pigs are unusual for rodents as the piglets are born with a full coat, eyes open, and they piglets are weaned at a very young age and the babies fend for themselves early on. (Many other rodents are born hairless, blind and virtually helpless.)