- Fact 2 - There are 3 basic types of
domestic guinea pigs:
- The American/English guinea pig has
short hair with a smooth coat
- The Abyssinian guinea pig has a
wiry coat with hair that swirls into rosettes
- The Peruvian guinea pig has
straight hair that is long and silky
- Fact 3 - Guinea Pigs are not pigs,
nor do they come from Guinea! Guinea refers to Guyana and their
short robust bodies gives them a piggish appearance
- Fact 4 - Guinea Pigs originated in
the Andes
- Fact 5 - The guinea pig (Cavia
porcellus) is not found naturally in the wild although some of
the domestic species have turned feral after being reintroduced
into the wild
- Fact 6 - They are most active
during daylight hours
- Fact 7 - They like to spend time
grooming themselves and each other
- Fact 8 - Guinea Pig stats and
facts
- Weight: 700 and 1200 g (1.5–2.5
pounds)
- Length: 20 and 25 cm (8–10 inches)
- Habitat:
Grassy plains and semi-arid desert
- Lifespan: 4 - 5 years
- Diet: Guinea Pig are Herbivores eating mainly
grass and hay
- Fact 9 - The guinea pig makes a
variety of noises including squealing, chirping, chattering,
rumbling and purring
- Fact 10 - Common health problems in
the domestic guinea pig include respiratory tract infections,
diarrhea, scurvy and abscesses
- Fact 11 - They make ideal pets as
they are easy to handle, soft and furry, look cute and do not
bite or scratch
- Fact 12 - Guinea Pigs are highly
sociable animals and are happiest if kept in groups
- Fact 13 - Females are called "sows"
and males are called "boars".
- Fact 14 - The offspring of guinea
pigs are called pups
- Fact 15 - The teeth of the guinea
pig never stop growing and they need to constantly gnaw on
something hard to wear them down
- Fact 16 - The pups are born with
lots of fur and open eyes
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