Guinea Pig
Guinea Pig Facts
| Size | 7.8-13.6 in (20-35 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 5.5 mph (9 km/h) |
| Weight | 1.5-3.3 lb (0.7-1.2 kg) |
| Lifespan | 4-7 years |
| Food | Seeds, plants, leaves |
| Predators | Wolves, snakes |
| Habitat | Worldwide |
| Order | Rodents |
| Family | Guinea Pigs |
| Scientific name | Cavia porcellus |
| Characteristics | Rodent with a long nose, makes funny squeaks, popular pet |
Main Characteristics
Guinea pigs are small rodents with large eyes, a long nose, a short neck, and a round body. They originally come from South America, specifically from the Andes, a mountain range that stretches across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Domestic guinea pigs are descended from wild, free-living guinea pigs. They are very popular pets because they are calm, gentle, make funny squeaks, and "popcorn". However, they can easily get startled and then dash away in a flash.
Name
The name guinea pigs originates most likely from "Guiana" (Region in South America). The "pig" part of their name comes from the sounds they make, which resemble the squealing of pigs.
Distribution and Habitat
Wild guinea pigs inhabit South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Most species prefer open grasslands, savannas, and forests. However, there are exceptions. Some species, like the patagonian mara, thrive in arid regions. The capybara is found in tropical rainforests, swamps, and along riverbanks.
Species
Wild Guinea Pigs
There are about 20 species of guinea pigs, including the Brazilian guinea pig, greater guinea pig, yellow-toothed guinea pig, mountain cavy, and shiny guinea pig. The Patagonian mara is also a type of guinea pig, even though it has long legs and resembles a hare. The largest guinea pig is the capybara, also known as the water pig.
Pets
Guinea pigs are primarily known to us as pets. They were domesticated as livestock for meat and fur between 5000 BC and 2000 BC. By around 500 BC, people likely kept the first domestic guinea pigs. Today, there are approximately 20 breeds of guinea pigs due to selective breeding. Their fur varies in length, texture, and can be curly or smooth, with or without swirls.
Way of Life
Guinea pigs are diurnal and live in stable social groups. They spend most of their time foraging for grasses, herbs, and other plants. A portion of the group always keeps watch for predators to alert the rest of the group in time.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Pet guinea pigs typically measure between 7.8-13.7 inches (20-35 cm) in length and weigh between 1.5-2.6 pounds (700-1,200 grams). They are noticeably larger and heavier than most wild guinea pigs, although there are exceptions. The patagonian mara can grow to be 23.6-29.5 inches (60-75 cm) long and weigh between 18-35 pounds (8-16 kg). The largest guinea pig is the capybara, also known as the water pig. It can reach lengths of 3.2-4.3 feet (100-134 cm) and weigh up to 165 pounds (75 kg), making it the largest rodent in the world.
Regrowing Teeth
Guinea pig teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. They can grow up to 0.05 inches (1.5 mm) in just one week, and up to 0.2 inches (6 mm) in a month. Their teeth naturally wear down as they gnaw on food.
Diet
Guinea pigs are herbivores. Wild ones primarily eat grasses, herbs, leaves, bark, twigs, and roots. Domestic guinea pigs are mainly fed hay, leafy greens (such as lettuce, cucumbers, and bell peppers), herbs, and fresh grass.
Behavior
Popcorning
What Is Popcorning?
Guinea pigs have a fun hobby: they jump into the air with all four feet at the same time. They can leap up to 10 inches (25 cm) high! When they do this, they look like they are making little bouncy jumps. They are often compared to popcorn that pops and jumps up on a hot stove. This amusing hopping around is why it’s called "popcorning."
Why Do Guinea Pigs Popcorn?
There are many reasons for this. For instance, they popcorn when they discover something new and feel excited. They also do it just for fun and playfulness. Tasty food brings both joy and excitement, which is why they popcorn while eating. You can often see young animals engaging in this hobby.
Hiccups
Not only humans can get hiccups. Guinea pigs can experience them too. This usually happens when they get startled or eat too quickly. Typically, the hiccups go away once they calm down.
Sounds
Guinea pigs produce a variety of sounds. They squeak with joy – or when they are hungry. When they feel comfortable, they purr. They squeal and chirp when they are stressed. If they feel threatened, they start to chatter their teeth.
Sweating
Guinea pigs cannot sweat. They do not have sweat glands. To cool down, they lie on cool surfaces.
Guinea Pigs in Numbers
| Body temperature | 99-103 °F (37.4-39.5 °C) |
| Breathing frequency | 100-150 breaths per minute |
| Heart frequency | 230-380 beats per minute |
| Youngs per litter | 1-8 babies |
| Feed requirements | 0.2-0.3 oz per 3.5 oz body weight per day (6-10 grams per 100 grams) |
| Water consumption | 0.3 fl oz per 3.5 oz body weight per day (10 ml per 100 grams) |
Senses and Abilities
Sense of Vision
Guinea pigs have their eyes positioned far to the sides of their heads, allowing them to have a perfect panoramic view. This enables them to detect when a predator approaches from behind. They are also very good at noticing movements. However, their vision is not particularly sharp, especially in low light conditions where they struggle to see clearly.
Sense of Hearing
Guinea pigs possess a very keen sense of hearing and are especially adept at perceiving high-pitched sounds.
Sense of Smell
Guinea pigs have an excellent sense of smell. They rely on it to locate food, recognize fellow guinea pigs, and navigate their environment through scent markings.
Life Expectancy
In the wild, guinea pigs typically live for about 3-5 years. As pets, they can live 5-7 years. The oldest recorded pet guinea pig lived to be 14 years and 10.5 months old.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
Wild guinea pigs face numerous threats. On the ground, they are preyed upon by foxes, wildcats, pumas, martens, snakes, and feral dogs. From the sky, they are at risk from birds of prey and owls.
Human Impact
In South America, wild guinea pigs are not considered pets but rather livestock. While it is illegal to eat them in Europe, they are a traditional national dish in South America. Additionally, they are killed for their fur.
Reproduction
Mating
Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity within just a few weeks and reproduce very quickly. Therefore, if they are kept as pets, it is important to monitor the genders that are housed together.
Babies
At birth, the babies weigh between 2.1-4.2 ounces (60-120 grams). They are already covered in fur, can see, and are able to walk within a few hours.
The Guinea Pig Is Related To:
Animals in the Same Biome:
Sources:
- „Longest jump by a guinea pig“ (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)
- „Oldest guinea pig ever“ (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)
Find Out More:
- Guinea Pig Breeds (Pet Section)
