Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs are not really pigs, and they don't come from Guinea. They are native to the Andes Mountains of South America. In all likelihood the name was derived because they were first introduced in Europe by early explorers who picked them up in South America and passed through Guinea on the return voyage. The Pig nomenclature refers to their squealing calls.

Guinea Pigs have been domesticated for centuries. The Incas kept them as pets and as emergency food sources. Native South American people still maintain "herds" of them in their villages today.

Guinea Pigs are not really pigs, and they don't come from Guinea. They are native to the Andes Mountains of South America!

  Diet

Guinea Pigs are primarily fed a pelleted diet. They are unique in that they are the only mammal other than primates that do not metabolize Vitamin C from sunshine. Therefore their diet must be supplemented with this essential vitamin at a rate of 10 mg per day. Guinea Pig Pellets have stabilized Vitamin C added to them. It is safe to feed Guinea Pig pellets to rabbits in an emergency, but it is not safe to feed rabbit pellets to Guinea Pigs.

Fresh vegetables and Timothy Hay should also be added to the diet.

Supplementing their diet with a daily multi-vitamin in their food is recommended.

Fresh water should always be available in a drinking tube or water bottle.

Housing

Guinea Pigs can be kept in cages or aquariums. Guinea Pig cages are fairly large and have a deep tray to keep the shavings from being scattered about.

Aquariums with wire screen tops are much more commonly used. The screen top isn't really necessary as Guinea pigs don't jump or climb. The top is more to keep other household pets from hurting the pig. These are difficult for the Guinea Pig to escape from, keep the bedding in place, and are easy to clean. A layer of bedding material should cover the bottom of the aquarium. A hiding space is also recommended.

Handling & Care

Guinea pigs are social animals. They do well when kept in pairs or groups that have been raised together. The pair doesn't necessarily have to be a mated pair, as two males get along well together, as do two females.

Guinea Pigs are easy to handle. Simply  gently scoop the animal into the palm of your hand, while placing your other hand over the animal's back and lift.

 Traditionally pine shavings have been used as bedding material for these animals, but recent studies indicate that the phenols in pine that cause their aroma,  also can lead to health problems in animals that have direct exposure over an extended period of time. Aspen bedding is a much better and safer choice. Never use cedar shavings for Guinea Pigs, as the phenols are very strong and cause serious respiratory, skin, coat and liver problems.