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Guinea Pig
The common guinea pig was first domesticated as early as 5000 BC for food by mountain tribes in the Andean region of South America (present-day Ecuador , Peru and Bolivia ). They continue to be a food source in the region; most households in the Andean highlands raise the animal, which subsists off the family's vegetable scraps in kitchens. Spanish , Dutch and English traders brought guinea pigs to Europe , where they quickly became popular as exotic pets among the upper classes and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I . The guinea pig was first described in the West in 1554 by the Swiss naturalist Konrad Gesner .
The scientific name of the common species is Cavia porcellus , with porcellus being Latin for "little pig". How the animals came to be thought of as "pigs" is not clear. The origin of "guinea" in "guinea pig" is even harder to explain. One theory is that the animals were brought to Europe by way of Guinea , leading people to think they had originated there. Guinea" was also frequently used in English to refer generally to any far-off, unknown country, and so the name may simply be a colorful reference to the animal's foreignness. A common misconception is that they were so named because they were sold for the price of a guinea coin ; this theory is untenable, because the guinea was first struck in England in 1663, and William Harvey used the term "Ginny-pig" as early as 1653.
Guinea pigs are large for rodents, weighing between 1 and 2.5 pounds (700–1200 g ), and measuring 8–10 inches (20–25 cm ) long. They typically live an average of four to five years, and occasionally as long as eight years. According to the 2006 Guinness Book of Records the longest living guinea pig survived 14 years, 10.5 months.
Guinea pigs benefit from feeding on fresh grass hay, such as timothy hay , in addition to food pellets which are often based from timothy. Alfalfa is also a popular food choice; most guinea pigs will eat large amounts of alfalfa when offered it, [74] though there exists some controversy over the feeding of alfalfa to adult guinea pigs. Some pet owners and veterinary organizations have advised that, as a legume rather than a grass hay, alfalfa consumed in large amounts may lead to obesity , as well as bladder stones due to excess calcium , in any but pregnant and very young guinea pigs. However, published scientific sources mention alfalfa as a source for replenishment of protein, amino acids and fiber. Healthy diets for guinea pigs require a complex balance of calcium, magnesium , phosphorus , potassium , and hydrogen ions ; adequate amounts of vitamins E , A , and D are also necessary. Like humans , but unlike other mammals , guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and must obtain this vital nutrient from food. If guinea pigs do not ingest enough vitamin C, they can suffer from scurvy and ultimately die. Guinea pigs require about 10 mg of vitamin C daily (20 mg if pregnant), which can be obtained through fresh, raw fruits and vegetables (such as apple , broccoli , cabbage , carrot , celery , and spinach ) or through dietary supplements. A quarter of an orange will do, but you can also include some fruits and veggies that are high in C to their daily ration of fresh foods, such as kale, dandelion greens and strawberries. Feed your guinea pigs twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. Half a handful of veggies and a slice of fresh fruit per pig is plenty. Always make sure to clean up any leftover fresh food before it spoils. You ll also need to make grass hay available to your pets at all times. Imbalanced diets have been associated with muscular dystrophy , metastatic calcification , difficulties with pregnancy, vitamin deficiencies, and teeth problems.
If you think one of your guinea pigs is sick, don t delay seek medical attention immediately. Common signs that something isn t right include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea and lethargy. Toxemia of pregnancy is common and kills many pregnant females. Pneumonia may also be accompanied by torticollis and can be fatal. Healthy guinea pigs means fewer vet visits, worries, and bills.
Domestic guinea pigs generally live in cages, though some owners of large numbers of guinea pigs will dedicate entire rooms to their pets. Cages are often lined with wood shavings or a similar material. Bedding made from red cedar and pine , both softwoods , were commonly used in past decades but are now believed to contain harmful phenols (aromatic hydrocarbons) and oils. Guinea pigs tend to be messy within their cages; they often jump into their food bowls or kick bedding and feces into them, and their urine crystallizes on cage surfaces and can be difficult to remove. Never use a glass aquarium, due to the poor ventilation that it provides. Plastic-bottom tub cages with wire tops also make great guinea pig homes. Guinea pigs are social animals who prefer to live in small groups. For the health and well-being of your guinea pigs, beyond the minimums, provide as large a living area as you can manage. A larger cage is easier tp clean and an easier to clean cage for you means you'll love your guinea pigs that much more over the years.
Guinea pigs are excellent starter pets for older children who have mastered proper handling techniques but these animals must be supervised when they are loose because they will chew on anything in their paths including electrical wires.
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