The guinea pig is a docile rodent native to the Andes Mountains
of South America. They were first domesticated by the Andean Indians of Peru and were used as a food source and
as a sacrificial offering to the Incan gods. Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs to Europe in the 16th century.
Because of their docile nature, clean, quiet behavior, guinea pigs became popular pets. Selective breeding has given
us the five varieties most commonly seen today. They are:
American (or English) which has a uniformly short and smooth coat
Abyssinian which has whorls
in a short rough coat
Silkie which as a long silky coat that falls into rear and side sweeps
Peruvian which as a long
flowing coat but also has whorls that direct the hair
Teddy which has a short upright kinky coat that is very resilient
when touched.
DIET
Quality food and fresh clean water must be available to the guinea pig at all times.
Pelleted guinea pig chow is specifically formulated for guinea pigs and contains all of the essential nutrients required.
DO NOT give guinea pigs rabbit food. They are not the same. Guinea pigs require high levels of folic acid
and Vitamin C which they must receive from their food.
Even when stored properly in a cool dry place, guinea pig food looses about 1/2 of its Vitamin
C content within 6 weeks after manufacturing. Therefore, it is recommended add a Vitamin C supplement to the guinea
pigs water. 50 milligrams of liquid Vitamin C added to 1 cup of drinking water is sufficient, but must be made up fresh
every 12 hours. Alternately, a handful of fresh kale, cabbage or 1/4 orange offered daily will give enough vitamin C.
Any change to the animals diet should be made gradually as they have very sensitive digestive systems.
Guinea Pigs also tend to be creatures of habit. It is common for them to refuse food and water if there is any abrupt
change in its taste, odor, texture or form.
Foods should be provided in heavy ceramic bowls or feeders. The feeders should be high enough
to keep bedding and feces out of the food, but low enough for easy access by the animal. A water bottle equipped with
a sipper tube works well for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs tend to contaminate and clog their water bottles.
It is necessary to clean and disinfect all food and water containers daily.
HANDLING
Guinea pigs are not aggressive animals. They rarely bite or scratch when handed.
Instead, they protest with a high-pitched squeal. When handling, place one hand under the guinea pig's chest and abdomen,
while the other hand supports its hindquarters.
