The natural habitat of guinea pigs is South America. Rodents were first described by Christopher Columbus. These small animals with brownish fur looked like rabbits, and local residents eagerly ate their tasty meat. The homeland of wild pigs is Peru and Chile; over time, their distribution area on the mainland has expanded greatly. Now these rodents can be found in many countries of the continent, such as Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia. The animals live in forests, savannas, sandy and rocky areas, where they hide behind rocks to escape predators.
Guinea pigs live in forests, savannas, sandy and rocky areas of South America. Real name
In biology, guinea pigs have the Latin name Cavia, which includes several subspecies of South American rodents. The closest species to the domesticated ornamental pig is called kui. - this is what the Germans called the cute, pig-like animals brought from overseas, then the Poles adopted this name, and from them the Russians. The British call guinea pigs “Guinea” - this is a common noun for any phenomenon from exotic countries.
Appearance
Wild guinea pigs are slightly different in appearance from the usual proportions of their domesticated relatives. The cavy's body is smaller and lighter, looks more elongated, and its legs are also longer. , so they rarely get fractures even after falling from a height. Wild cavias are strong, agile, run fast, are able to jump, even climb onto ledges and dig shelters in the sand. This is a lively and nimble animal, instantly takes off at the sound of danger, and has sufficient endurance to cover long distances.
The color of the fur of wild pigs differs most noticeably - forest inhabitants cannot boast of such bright coats as their domesticated counterparts. Cavia's fur is brownish or grayish with a reddish tint; this color helps them hide from enemies in the savannah and remain unnoticed even by the keen eyes of birds of prey. The peculiarity of the wool allows animals to withstand extreme heat up to 45 degrees, and also survive cold snaps.
Wild guinea pig color grayish with reddish REFERENCE: Cavias are able to withstand even slight frosts; usually low temperatures lead to the death of only weakened, sick animals.
How do wild guinea pigs live?
Cavias are herbivores; most of their life consists of searching for and absorbing plant food. Therefore, guinea pigs usually live in nature in areas where there is plenty of food suitable for them:
- seeds and cereal plants;
- various types of wild herbs, flowers;
- roots, branches of bushes;
- leaves, tree bark, their fruits.
If the food runs out or is not enough to feed the flock, cavias go in search of a better place, sometimes moving long distances. The life of guinea pigs in the wild is a constant movement forward, exploration of new terrain. , small rivers, but not very fond of water. Only some subspecies of cavia settle on the banks of water bodies, feeding on aquatic plants.
IMPORTANT: Wild guinea pigs do not require constant proximity to a body of water to quench their thirst. They have enough moisture obtained from juicy fruits, herbs, as well as dew and raindrops collecting on plants.
Rodents move in small flocks of 10-15 adult females, the leader is always the male. Some females look after the cubs during the day, others look for food and guard the territory, then they change roles. The ability to make high-pitched sounds allows pigs to communicate over fairly long distances, warning each other about the approach of an enemy.
Wild guinea pigs differ from domestic ones in having a more elongated body and long legs. When males from a new generation grow up, an inevitable struggle for power occurs, after which the strongest takes the place of leader, and defeated males leave the pack. Conflicts with other populations are also common when there is a struggle for territory rich in food. But for the most part, kavias are peaceful; clashes within the flock rarely occur; usually, showdowns are limited.
Enemies of guinea pigs in nature
Cavias do not have any means of defense against predatory animals and birds, so their only salvation is to hide well and quickly run away. To hide from view, a rodent can dig a shelter for itself, but kavias cannot really be called burrowing animals. They prefer to use ready-made shelters - caves and crevices in rocks, empty burrows and tree hollows.
Pigs flee from their enemies REFERENCE: One of the effective means of protection in the wild is the absence of odor. That’s why cavias take such careful care of themselves and their habitat - the smell can show the enemy the path to the pig’s hiding place.
To avoid death, furry rodents come out of hiding mainly at night and at dawn, when most predators are sleeping. Also, the eyes often remain slightly open. A sleeping pig remains in full readiness to escape, so it can instantly take off at any sound that indicates danger.
Due to the abundance of enemies, wild guinea pigs live much shorter than domestic ones. The lifespan of cavy varies from one to five years, but due to their high reproductive capacity, population sizes do not decrease. Each year, each female brings up to four litters, each of which has up to eight cubs. Little pigs achieve independence very quickly - after just a few days they begin to look for food on their own, and after two weeks they become completely independent.
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Habitat and lifestyle of guinea pigs in the wild
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The guinea pig (Latin: Cavia procellus) is a domesticated mammalian rodent belonging to the genus Guinea and the family Gilts. Even despite its very original name, this species of mammal is not related to pigs or marine life.
Origin story
The domestication of guinea pigs occurred in the fifth millennium, even before our era, with the active participation of Andean tribes in South America. Such animals were actively used as food by the ancestors of modern inhabitants of southern Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. It is generally accepted that wild guinea pigs themselves sought warmth and protection in human housing.
Among the Incas, the guinea pig was a sacrificial animal for a long time, so such mammals were often sacrificed to the Sun God. Particularly popular were animals with variegated brown or pure white colors. The ancestor of modern domesticated guinea pigs was Cavia arerea tschudi, which is found in the southern regions of Chile, in places located at an altitude of no more than 4.2 thousand meters above sea level.
This is interesting! Mammals of this species form small groups and settle in fairly spacious underground burrows.
In its appearance and body structure, C. arerea tschudi differs markedly from the currently known domestic guinea pigs, which is determined by the food supply, poor in water and rich in cellulose compounds.
Description of the guinea pig
In accordance with zoological taxonomy, guinea pigs (Cavis cobaya) are prominent representatives of the family of semi-ungulate rodents and have a characteristic appearance, as well as a special structure.
Appearance
The body structure of guinea pigs is very similar to the basic anatomical parameters and characteristics characteristic of most domesticated animals. However, there are a number of noticeable differences:
- the guinea pig has a pronounced cylindrical body shape, as well as a total length, usually in the range of 20-22 cm, but some mature individuals may be slightly longer;
- the animal's spine is represented by seven cervical, twelve thoracic, six lumbar, four sacral and seven caudal vertebrae;
- the guinea pig, as such, lacks a tail, and such an animal is almost completely devoid of collarbones;
- male guinea pigs are slightly heavier than females, and the weight of an adult animal can vary between 0.7-1.8 kg;
- guinea pigs have very short legs, with both forelimbs noticeably shorter than the hind limbs;
- there are four toes on the front paws, and three on the hind paws, which with their external characteristics resemble miniature hooves;
- the guinea pig's coat grows at an average rate of 0.2-0.5 cm within one week;
- the sacrum area is characterized by the presence of sebaceous glands, and the skin folds near the genitals and anus have paranal glands with a specific secretion;
- The head of an adult guinea pig is quite large, with a fairly well-developed brain;
- the incisors of a mammal grow throughout its life, and the average rate of growth processes is approximately one and a half millimeters per week;
- The difference between the lower jaw of a guinea pig is the ability to move freely, regardless of direction;
- The total length of the intestine significantly exceeds the size of the mammal’s body, so the digestion process can be delayed for a week.
Color, structural parameters and coat length can be very different, which is directly dependent on the main breed characteristics. There are individuals with both very short and incredibly long, wavy or straight hair.
Character and lifestyle
Under natural conditions, wild guinea pigs prefer to be most active in the morning or immediately after dusk. The mammal is quite agile, can run quickly and always tries to remain on the alert. You can see wild pigs not only in the mountains, but also in forest areas. Guinea pigs are not fans of digging holes and prefer to build a nest in a quiet and secluded place. To create a reliable and safe shelter, dry grass, fluff and fairly thin twigs are used.
This is interesting! Domesticated guinea pigs have become widespread not only as low-maintenance pets, but are also bred in vivariums at various research institutes.
The wild animal is very social, therefore it lives in a common territory in a large flock, among its relatives. Each flock or family is characterized by the presence of one male, who can have from ten to twenty females. At home, guinea pigs are kept in ordinary cages with sufficient space for walking, which is due to the activity of the animal. Such pets sleep several times a day, and if necessary, a guinea pig can rest without even closing its eyes.
How long does a guinea pig live?
The average life expectancy of a wild guinea pig, as a rule, does not exceed seven years, and a domestic mammal, subject to the rules of care and proper nutrition, can live for about fifteen years.
Guinea pig breeds
Decorative guinea pigs are among the very popular pets, which has become the reason for the breeding of an incredible number of original and unusual breeds of this unpretentious animal:
- The breed is distinguished by thick and beautiful, curly and long hair. Pigs have two rosettes on the back, as well as one, irregular in shape, on the forehead. The hair growing forward in the muzzle area forms whiskers, and the limbs are covered with hair exclusively from the bottom up;
- The Texel breed has a very beautiful and curly coat, which looks a little like a wet perm. Thanks to its very unusual and attractive hair, the Texel breed is one of the most popular in many countries;
- The Abyssinian breed is one of the most beautiful and oldest, distinguished by its hard coat with several rosettes in the form of fairly long hairs. Pigs of this breed are incredibly active and have an excellent appetite;
- The Merino breed has long and curly hair, as well as distinctive, well-developed cheeks and sideburns. The breed's characteristic features are large eyes and ears, a short head, as well as a strong and compact build. On the pig’s head there is a symmetrical and noticeably raised “Crown”;
- The Peruvian breed is distinguished by long and beautiful hair that does not require special or too complex care. Owners of a guinea pig of this breed often use special curlers for their pet’s fur, which prevent excessive contamination of the long hair;
- The Rex breed is a short-haired breed, so the fur is distinguished by an unusual hair structure that visually makes the domestic pig look like a cute plush toy. In the area of the head and back the coat is rougher;
- The Cornet breed in some countries is called “Crested” or “Crown-Wearing”, which is explained by the presence of a special rosette between the ears. The breed is distinguished by the presence of long hair throughout the body. The ancestors of the Cornet were the Sheltie and Crested breeds;
- The breed is characterized by long and straight, very silky hair, as well as the presence of a kind of mane in the head area, flowing down to the shoulders and back area of the pig. Animals that are short-haired from birth receive their full coat only by the age of six months.
This is interesting! Guinea pigs of the Baldwin breed look very exotic and unusual, having soft and elastic, completely bare skin, and several barely noticeable and not too long hairs can be present only on the animal’s knees.
During the first few days after purchase, a pet guinea pig tends to behave lethargically and very quietly, which is explained by the standard adaptation of a pet. At this time, the animal is very timid, has a poor appetite and sits for a long time, frozen in one place. To make the adaptation period easier for the rodent, it is necessary to create an absolutely calm and friendly atmosphere in the room.
Cage, filling
By their nature, guinea pigs are shy animals, reacting heavily to any change in environment or too loud sounds. To keep them, you can use a terrarium or a cage with a tray, but the second option is preferable. The cage houses a house for sleeping or resting, as well as play attributes, feeders and drinking bowls. The dimensions of the house are selected taking into account the size of the animal.
Care, hygiene
Your pet needs to be protected not only from drafts, but also from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Water treatments are carried out as needed, and the coat is brushed weekly. A couple of times a year, you can trim claws that are not naturally sharpened.
Exhibition animals, which from an early age are taught to sit in a motionless, strictly defined position, will require increased attention. Long-haired pets must be accustomed to the daily process of combing, as well as winding their hair on special curlers. Smooth-haired and wire-haired pigs should be trimmed periodically.
Guinea pig diet
In their natural habitat, guinea pigs feed on roots and seeds of plants, leaves, berries and fruits that have fallen from trees or shrubs. The main food for a domestic guinea pig can be high-quality hay, which normalizes the condition of the digestive tract and allows the animal to grind down its teeth. Due to the special structure of the digestive system, such pets eat food quite often, but in relatively small portions.
Various succulent foods are very relevant in the rodent’s diet, which can be represented by apples, lettuce, carrots and other vegetables. Sweet fruits, fruits and berries are given as treats. To effectively grind down the teeth, the animal is given apple or cherry twigs, celery or dandelion root. A drinking bowl with clean and fresh water must be installed in the pig's cage, which must be replaced daily.
It is important to remember that guinea pigs are herbivores, so any food of animal origin should be excluded from the diet of such a pet. Among other things, adult animals cannot digest lactose, so supplementing such a pet’s diet with milk can cause the development of digestive disorders. Any low-quality feed and sudden changes in diet cause severe illness and sometimes become the main cause of death.
Health, disease and prevention
An unbalanced diet or overfeeding can cause your pet to quickly develop severe obesity.
Reproduction and offspring
It is best to mate guinea pigs for the first time when they are six months old. The female's estrus period lasts sixteen days, but fertilization is possible only for eight hours, after which pregnancy occurs, ending two months later with the appearance of offspring.
A week before the onset of labor, the female’s pelvic part expands. In a litter there are most often from two to three to five cubs. Newborn guinea pigs are well developed and are quite capable of moving independently. The female most often feeds her offspring for no longer than two months.
Guinea pigs are fluffy, kind, harmless creatures with pleasant smooth fur and an intelligent look. Having arrived in Europe from South America, they quickly spread throughout the world. At one time, guinea pig meat was even eaten. Today these are pets, the care of which is minimal, but the emotional return is very high. Children love pigs for their warmth and good-natured disposition. And if you set a goal to breed these animals, you can get up to one hundred cubs a year.
History of Guinea Pigs
Many people wonder why guinea pigs are called that way. They have nothing to do with the sea or pigs. However, there is a version that they were called sea animals because the animals spread from west to east, and were brought to Russia on ships. This name came into the Russian language from Germany, but in other countries rodents are called “Indian”. And they were called pigs by the Spaniards, who first came to Peru and saw animals on the market that, in their opinion, looked like suckling pigs. These animals came to Europe in the 16th century; according to one version they were very expensive, but according to another, on the contrary, they were cheap and were even used as food. The facts are reliable that many owners in those days put poor pigs in jars of water and aquariums, assuming that these animals would swim.
The homeland of guinea pigs is South America. According to scientists, the history of these animals goes back more than thirty-five million years. The Incas sacrificed animals to the Sun God, and some tribes used the meat of pigs for food. Modern pigs in their natural habitat live in swampy lowlands and rocky places. They are more active at night, going for food. There are different breeds of guinea pigs, each with their own type of coat. The most common are American or short-haired animals, Shelties with long hair, Koropets with a rosette on the head, and Tessels with wavy hair. Each breed comes in many color variations. Red, yellow, chestnut, apricot, brown and black - the choice of coat color is huge.
Rules for keeping and caring for guinea pigs
All guinea pigs, regardless of breed, are non-aggressive, which is why children love them so much. Animals do not bite, love affection and attention, are friendly and smart. You can feed them grass and cheap plant food. However, like any other animal, guinea pigs also have their drawbacks, such as the presence of a specific odor and the need for careful care if the pet has long hair. But they can easily tolerate separation if the owners suddenly go on vacation and temporarily give the pet into the wrong hands. Guinea pigs must be kept in specially equipped cages. In the first few days, the animal will most likely hide in a corner and hide under the straw, which is understandable in an unfamiliar environment. Guinea pigs are very shy and quickly panic, so you should wait until the animal gets used to its new home. Very little time will pass and he will begin to recognize his owners, especially those who will feed him.
Do not forget that guinea pigs cannot tolerate bathing. You can only dip them in water in exceptional cases, using mild baby shampoo. These animals need to regularly trim their nails, otherwise they begin to grow incorrectly, forming bends and sagging, and sometimes even corkscrew curls. Those who are thinking about breeding guinea pigs should keep in mind that these animals are very fertile. Already a month after birth, females become sexually mature, and the gestation period for pets is about seventy days. During the year, one female guinea pig can give birth to up to one hundred cubs. Two females get along best in one cage. They behave calmly, without showing any aggression. But two males will definitely fight, causing severe injuries to each other. Of course, a guinea pig requires attentive attention and careful care, but in return it gives warmth and love to those who take care of it.
Anastasia Rylova
Domestic guinea pig(from Latin Cavia porcellus) is a mammal from the rodent order and belongs to the pig family. These animals were domesticated in ancient times by the Incas. Nowadays, there are more than 20 types of guinea pigs kept at home: Angora (long hair), rosette (Abyssinian) (hair grows on the head in the form of a rosette), English shorthair, etc. The height of the animals does not exceed 35 cm, and the body is covered with fur. They have four toes on their front paws and three on their hind paws. The lifespan of animals is six to eight years. Puberty in males occurs at two months, in females at five. Pregnancy varies from 60 to 65 days. One litter can have from one to seven cubs, depending on the breed (multiple and low-fertility).
Guinea pigs got their name because they live in the sea. In fact, they were so nicknamed due to the fact that these animals came to Europe from South America, which, as you know, is located overseas. By the way, these animals live there to this day, moreover, in the form of wild animals. Once in Europe, the animals were called overseas pigs, and a little later the prefix “for” was cut off and the name “sea pigs” was obtained.
Pet guinea pigs should live in an aquarium with water. Well, this is complete absurdity! In such a “house” they will not last long, they will drown. Pigs are kept in regular cages specifically designed for domesticated rodents (hamsters, mice, etc.).
These animals were nicknamed "pigs" because they were unclean. In fact, these animals make a sound very similar to the grunting of a real pig. That's why the animals are called "pigs". Also, there is a version that they were so nicknamed because of the special structure of the head.
Guinea pigs give off an unpleasant odor and a lot of dirt. If, say, you don’t put things in order in an animal’s cage for a month, then of course it will smell bad. If you periodically clean up after him and clean the cage, then there will be no unpleasant smell. The only thing animals can smell is sawdust (which serves them as bedding) and hay (food). In addition, pigs wash themselves with their front paws every day, which indicates their cleanliness.
Pigs can bite. In most cases, these animals are not aggressive and treat others peacefully. The guinea pig prefers to run and hide from danger rather than defend itself. If she has nowhere to hide, then she hides in the far corner and you can hear her teeth chattering. In order for this animal to bite, you need to “get it” very hard.
Guinea pigs don't make much noise. Controversial statement. At the slightest rustle, the animal can make a sound that is not at all quiet, with which it is trying to communicate its condition (joy, greeting, fear...). Moreover, sounds can be in the form of whistling, squealing, gurgling, grunting, etc.
Guinea pigs do not need to drink water; they get the required amount of liquid from fruits and vegetables. On our earth, not a single living creature, including a guinea pig, can live without water. Therefore, a drinking bowl with water must be present in the cage. A pregnant guinea pig especially needs water, since in such an “interesting” position she needs twice as much liquid as usual.
About a week before giving birth, a pregnant guinea pig needs to reduce its food intake, otherwise it will not be able to give birth. Not feeding an animal enough, especially a pregnant one, is a real mockery! This approach can negatively affect the health of the female and her offspring. On the contrary, during this period the female needs double care and triple nutrition, because she so needs nutrients and vitamins.
Pigs tend to give birth early in the morning when it's quiet. Is not a fact. They can just as easily give birth during the afternoon, in the evening, or at night. As for silence, at the moment of childbirth the female is focused on the process itself, so she is of little interest to the surrounding environment.
These animals feed on scraps from the “master's table” and food waste. Such a “menu” will quickly bring the animal “to the grave.” Guinea pigs are very gentle creatures that require a complete, balanced diet. Their diet must include various vegetables, grain mixture and hay.
These are uninteresting animals, since you can’t teach them anything, and therefore they don’t know how to do anything except eat and sleep. This is debatable. Guinea pigs are very easy to train. They are quite capable of recognizing their bowl by color, ringing a bell, responding to their name, guessing a melody, and much more. The main thing here is to be patient (as with any other animal) and the result will not take long to arrive.
Guinea pigs should not be overfed with carrots. That's what you can't do, that's what you can't do. And this is due to the fact that the beta-carotene contained in carrots is processed by the animal’s liver into vitamin A, which pigs already have more than enough of. As a result, an “overdose” may occur, which will negatively affect the animal’s liver.
Probably, almost every person in childhood was interested in the question: why is a guinea pig called that? It seems to have nothing to do with artiodactyls. And why then sea? It is unlikely that salt water is its element, and the animal does not seem to be able to swim. There is an explanation and it is quite prosaic.
To understand why the guinea pig was called a guinea pig, you need to look at history. The Latin name of this funny animal is Cavia porcellus, from the pig family. Other names: cavy and Guinea pig. By the way, here is another incident that is worth dealing with; the animals also have nothing to do with Guinea.
These rodents have been known to man since ancient times and were domesticated by the tribes of South America. The Incas and other representatives of the continent ate animals for food. They worshiped them, depicting them on objects of art, and also used them as ritual sacrifices. From archaeological excavations in Ecuador and Peru, statues of these animals have survived to this day.
Guinea pigs are so called because their ancestors were used as food. Furry animals became known to residents of the European continent in the 16th century after the conquest of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru by the Spanish conquistadors. Later, trading ships from England, Holland and Spain began to bring unusual animals to their homeland, where they spread among the aristocracy as pets.
Where does the name guinea pig come from?
The term cavia in its scientific name comes from cabiai. This is what the representatives of the Galibi tribes, who lived in Guiana (South America), called the animal. The literal translation from Latin porcellus means “little pig.” In different countries it is customary to call the animal differently. The more common name, abbreviated from cavia, is cavy or kewi. In their homeland they are called kui (gui) and aparea, in Great Britain - Indian pigs, and in Western Europe - Peruvian pigs.
The wild guinea pig is called "little pig" in Guiana Why still “sea”?
The animal received this name only in Russia, Poland (Swinka morska) and Germany (Meerschweinchen). made them frequent companions of sailors. And animals arrived in Europe at that time only by sea. Probably for this reason, associations of small rodents with water appeared. As for Russia, this name was probably borrowed from the Polish name. This option cannot be ruled out: overseas, i.e. strange animals arrived from afar, and subsequently shrank, throwing away the prefix.
There is also such a version: in order to circumvent the ban on eating meat during fasting days, Catholic priests classified capybaras (capybaras), and at the same time these rodents as fish. It is quite possible that this is why they were called guinea pigs.
Why pig?
The mention of pig in the name can be heard among the Portuguese (small Indian pig), the Dutch (Guinea pig), the French and the Chinese.
The reason for the connection with the famous artiodactyl should probably be sought in external similarity. A thick barrel-shaped body on low legs, a short neck and a large head relative to the body resemble a pig. The sounds that a rodent makes can also be associated with a pig. In a calm state, they vaguely resemble grunting, and in case of danger, their whistle is similar to a pig's squeal. The animals are also similar in their contents: both of them constantly chew something while sitting in small pens.
The animal is called a pig because of its resemblance to a pig. Another reason lies in the culinary preferences of the aborigines in the homeland of the animals. Domesticated animals were raised for slaughter, just like pigs. The appearance and taste, reminiscent of a suckling pig, was recognized by the first Spanish colonizers, and gave them the opportunity to call the animals that name.
In their homeland, rodents are still eaten today. Peruvians and Ecuadorians eat them in large quantities, rubbed with spices and salt, and then fried in oil or over charcoal. And, by the way, the carcass cooked on a spit actually looks very similar to a small suckling pig.
The Spaniards called the guinea pig the Indian rabbit By the way, these animals are associated in different countries not only with pigs, but also with other animals. In Germany, there is another name, merswin (dolphin), probably for the similar sounds it makes. The Spanish name translates as small Indian rabbit, and the Japanese call them morumotto (from English “marmot”).
Where did the word “Guinean” come from in the name?
Here, too, a strange confusion has crept in, because Guinea is located in West Africa, and not in South America, where guinea pigs originated.
There are also several explanations for this discrepancy:
- Pronunciation error: Guiana (South America) and Guinea (West Africa) sound very similar. In addition, both territories are former French colonies;
- ships importing animals from Guiana to Europe traveled through Africa and, accordingly, Guinea;
- both “overseas” in Russian and “guinea” in English mean, in meaning, everything brought from unknown distant countries;
- guinea is the currency for which exotic animals were sold.
Ancestors of guinea pigs and their domestication
Suspected and distributed almost everywhere in South America. They can be found both in savannas and on the edges of forests, on rocky areas of mountains and even in swampy areas. Often uniting in groups of up to ten individuals, the animals dig holes for themselves or occupy the homes of other animals. They feed exclusively on plant foods, are most active at night and at dusk, and reproduce all year round. The color is gray-brown with a light belly.
The Inca peoples began domesticating peaceful rodents around the 13th century. When animals appeared in European countries, at first they were in demand in scientific laboratories for conducting experiments. Good-looking appearance, good nature and sociability gradually won the attention of connoisseurs. And now these funny little animals have settled securely in homes around the world as beloved pets.
Guinea pigs are diverse To date, breeders have bred over 20 breeds, which are distinguished by a variety of colors, coat structure, length and even partial or complete absence.
They are usually divided into groups:
- long-haired (Angora, Merino, Texel, Sheltie, Peruvian and others);
- shorthaired (Crested, Selfie);
- Wire-haired (Rex, American Teddy, Abyssinian);
- hairless (skinny, baldwin).
In contrast to the natural wild color, you can now find pets of black, red, white color and all their various shades. From monochromatic colors, breeders bred spotted and even tri-colored animals. Long-haired animals with rosette hair look very funny, having a funny disheveled appearance. , weight varies from 600 to 1500 g. Small pets live from 5 to 8 years.
The ancestors of the guinea pig began to be domesticated Here are some about the history of guinea pigs and why they are called that. However, an animal with such a cute, original appearance should have an unusual name.
Video: why is a guinea pig called that?
Why was the guinea pig called a guinea pig and where did it come from?
5 (100%) 1 voteREAD ALSO:
Habitat and lifestyle of guinea pigs in the wild
Guinea pig vision
Why does a guinea pig chew on its cage?
Why do guinea pigs chatter their teeth?
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