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*Rapid weight gain/shifting of bodily weight (may indicated ovarian cysts, etc.) *Rapid weight gain/shifting of bodily weight (may indicated ovarian cysts, etc.)
*Increased water intake or deeper breaths (may indicate diabetes, etc.) *Increased water intake or deeper breaths (may indicate diabetes, etc.)
*they also might eat their own poo

*NOTE: Guinea pigs normally secrete a milky-white fluid near their eyes. Upon secretion of this fluid, the cavy will usually raise his front paws and groom himself. *NOTE: Guinea pigs normally secrete a milky-white fluid near their eyes. Upon secretion of this fluid, the cavy will usually raise his front paws and groom himself.


Revision as of 12:53, 19 May 2006

For the series of Japanese horror films, see Guinea Pig (film series).

Guinea pigs
Temporal range: Middle Pleistocene - Recent
Cavia porcellus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Caviidae
Genus: Cavia
Pallas, 1766
Species

Cavia porcellus
Cavia aperea
Cavia tschudii
Cavia guianae
Cavia anolaimae
Cavia nana
Cavia fulgida
Cavia magna
Cavia intermedia

Guinea pigs (also called cavies) are rodents belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Guinea pigs are classified in order Rodentia, although there is a minority belief in the scientific community that evidence from mitochondrial DNA indicates that the Hystricognathi may belong to a different evolutionary offshoot, and therefore a different order .

Despite their common name, the animals are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea. Although there are from six to nine different species, the one most familiar to people is C. porcellus, the common guinea pig. The majority of information in this article is about the common guinea pig.

Species of Guinea pig

History

Black guinea pigs are considered especially holy

The common guinea pig was first domesticated in about 2000 BC for food by the mountain Tribes, in the Andean region of South America, in what is now Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. They continue to be a food source in the region, subsisting off a family's vegetable scraps as a half pet/half future meal. They also play the role of evil-spirit collector in traditional healing rituals. Guinea pigs are called quwi in Quechua and cuy (pl. cuyes) in Spanish of Ecuador, Perú and Bolivia.

Dutch and English traders brought guinea pigs to Europe, where they quickly became popular as exotic pets. How they came to be thought of as "pigs" is not clear. One thought is that some of the sounds they make reminded people of pigs. They are also built somewhat like a pig, with a large head relative to the body, a stout neck, and a rounded rump with no tail of any consequence and also spend a large amount of time eating. In South America they are often served in their skins much like pigs are as pork.

Name

Whatever the reason, this perception of pigginess occurred in many languages other than English; the German word for them is Meerschweinchen, literally "Little Sea Pigs" (sailing ships stopping to reprovision in the New World would pick up stores of guinea pigs, which provided an easily transportable source of fresh meat), the Russian and Polish word for them is similar, "morskaya svinka" (Морская свинка) and "świnka morska" respectively, meaning also "Little Sea Pig" (it comes from archaic use of the word to mean "overseas"). The French word is Cochon d'Inde, (Indian pig), the Dutch used to call it guinees biggetje (Guinean piglet), and in Norway, Sweden and Denmark they are called marsvin (a combination of the Latin word mare for ocean, and Norwegian/Swedish/Danish svin which means pig). In Greek they are called 'indika xoiridia' (Small Indian Pigs ; ινδικά χοιρίδια), and in Portuguese, the term is "porquinho da Índia", literally "little pig of the Indies". In Italian the term is either "Porcellino D'India" (Little Indian Pig) or "Cavia Peruviana" (Peruvian Cavy). However, this perception of pigginess is not universal to all languages or cultures. For example, the common Spanish word is 'conejillo de Indias' (Indian bunny rabbit).

The scientific name of a common species is Cavia porcellus, with porcellus being Latin for "little pig".

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. Another theory suggests that "Guinea" in the case of the guinea pig is a corruption of "Guiana", an area in South America. A common misconception is that they were so named because they were sold as the closest thing to a pig one could get for a guinea (an old British coin with a value of 21 shillings, or 1.05 GBP in modern decimal currency). However, evidence does not support this conjecture: for example, the Dutch name refers to the country of Guinea rather than the British coin, and the first guinea pig was described in 1554 by the Swiss naturalist Konrad Gesner more than a hundred years before the first guinea was struck.

Traits and environment

Guinea pigs are large for rodents, weighing between 0.5 (as juveniles) and 1.5 kg (1-3 pounds), and measuring 25-40 cm (10-15 inches) long. They live an average of four to eight years. According to the 1997 Guinness Book of Records the longest living Guinea pig lived 15 years. They are social, living in the wild in small groups which consist of sows (females), a boar (male), and the young (which in a break with the preceding porcine nomenclature are called pups).

In their wild state, Guinea pigs are found on grassy plains and occupy an ecological niche similar to that of the cow. They move together in small groups (herds) eating grass or whatever other plants they come across. They are crepuscular, tending to be most active during dawn and dusk, when it is harder for predators to spot them. If startled they can run for cover with surprising speed. Domesticated Guinea pigs have developed a different rhythm, and have longer periods of activity followed by short periods of sleep in between. Activity is scattered randomly over the 24 hours of the day.

Unlike many rodents such as mice, rats, or squirrels, Guinea pigs are not very athletic. Jumping gaps, climbing, and fearlessness in the face of heights were not skills Guinea pigs needed in their environment, although they can hop over small obstacles with agility. When excited, Guinea pigs tend to do little jumps in the air (known as "popcorning"). Even so, they can perform feats such as climbing stairs, of certain heights, if prompted.

Guinea pigs are vocal animals, with a fairly large vocabulary. Some sounds are:

  • The "Wheek". A loud noise that sounds about the same as its written form. An expression of general excitement, it can mean "feed me", "pay attention", or possibly "I'm hurt". It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are in a run. If a guinea is lost, it will "wheek" for assistance.
  • "Rumbling". This sound is related to Guinea pig dominance or in response to an unfamiliar sound. It can also come as a response to comfort or content. Whilst courting, a male usually purrs deeply, while swaying from side to side, nearly lifting the rear feet.
  • "Chattering". This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth together—it's a warning to others to keep away. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound so as to look more dangerous (it doesn't work—they still look like Guinea pigs).
  • "Tribbling". This rather pleasant sound is made when the Guinea pig is enjoying itself, usually when being petted or brushed. They may also make this sound when grooming.
  • "Popcorning". "Popcorning" refers to a particularly loud "wheek" that is accompanied by a hop, either high or short. A guinea pig that "popcorns" is feeling full of energy, or is very pleased.
Guinea pig pup at 8 hours old
Guinea pig pups can walk soon after birth and run within a few hours

Young

The gestation lasts from 63-72 days, which is quite long for such a small animal. As a consequence pups are already well developed (including fur, teeth, claws and full eyesight) when they are born. The young are mobile from birth, and depending on the environment, will usually venture outdoors within a week. Pups begin eating solid food after a couple of days, though continue to suckle also. Males may demonstrate courtship behavior (following young females and making a "warbling" sound) in the second or third week after birth. Females can breed when only three weeks old. Litters vary from two or three young to as many as eight or more. In smaller litters, difficulties may occur during labour, due to oversized pups. Up to half the young may be lost in larger litters, as the mother cannot attend to the newborns fast enough. If a large number survive, it is likely that the weakest (or runts of the litter), will be insufficiently nursed, resulting occasionally in the death of one or two pups.

Domestic guinea pigs

A long-haired lilac, orange and white Satin Peruvian Guinea pig

Domesticated guinea pigs come in many breeds which have been developed since their arrival in Europe and North America. These varieties vary widely in hair and color composition. The most common breeds found in pet stores are the English Short Hair (also called American) which has a smooth, glossy, short coat, and the Abyssinian which has a rough coat made of cowlicks, crests, and swirls called rosettes. Each of these breeds come in a number of colors and color patterns. The rarer Peruvian has very long hair, hanging all the way to the ground. A rare new breed known as the Texel has long hair like the Peruvian, but this hair is curly and does not come over their face.

All over the world there are Cavy Clubs and Associations dedicated to the showing and breeding of guinea pigs. ACBA (American Cavy Breeders Association) is the governing body in the United States. In Canada, the OCC (Ontario Cavy Club) is the most prominent club, and many others exist. Each club publishes its own Standard of Perfection and determines what breeds are eligible for showing.

ACBA has many accepted breeds. These include:

  • Abyssinian: The Abyssinian cavy has 10 rosettes, one on each shoulder, four across the "saddle", one on each hip, and two on the rump. An ideal Abyssinian has a harsh textured coat that stands on end in straight ridges, forming the rosette pattern. Rosettes should have pinpoint centers.
  • American (AKA Smooth Coat): The American cavy has short smooth hair all over the body.
  • Crested: A Crested is like an American, but has a single rosette on the top of the head. According to ACBA standards, the Crest must be white coloured with no white present on the body of the animal. Other clubs allow the crest to be any colour.
  • Teddy: A Teddy guinea pig has short, rough hair that stands on end all over the body, resembling a plush teddy bear.
  • Silkie: A Silkie has long hair, sometimes up to 60 cm, that flows back over its body. When viewed from above it should be a teardrop shape.
  • Peruvian: A Peruvian cavy has long hair like a Silkie, but the hair flows over the whole body from the center and spreads out, covering the face. When viewed from above it should look like an oval and the head cannot be distinguished from the rear.
  • Coronet: A Coronet cavy has long hair like a Silkie, and a crest like a Crested.
A Tortoiseshell and white Boucle Guinea Pig
  • Texel: A Texel is like a Silkie, but with curls. The curls should ideally be tightly wound corkscrew curls.
  • Merino and Boucle: Merino is the curly equivalent of a Coronet and a Boucle is the curly equivalent of a Peruvian. These breeds are not yet accepted according to ACBA regulations.

In Australia the governing body for the showing of pedigree cavies is the ANCC (Australian National Cavy Council). Alternative names given to breeds of cavies are:

Rex (Teddy in the US): a rough coated cavy, with short, wiry hair. This cavy comes in all colours.

Merino (also known as the English Merino): same as the US standard for Merino. A longhair cavy with a crest in between the ears on the centre of the head.

Peruvian: A Peruvian is a longhair cavy, which has only two rump rosettes which push the hair forward over the face. When viewed from above the coat should be a perfect circle.

Alpaca: A curly coated Peruvian. Hair grows over face like a Peruvian.

Sheltie (Silkie in the US): Longhair cavy, the coat of which should be even all around. It should not form a tear drop, but rather a circle.

Selfs: This category includes all short hair cavies of one colour, e.g. self black, self red, etc.

All breeds also come in a Satin variety. A satin cavy has a different type of hair shaft that reflects light, giving it a shiny appearance.

Cavies come in many colours, including Black, White, Red, Buff/Cream (blonde), Chocolate and Beige.
Agouti coloured cavies have a hair tip and root that are different colours, much like someone whose roots are showing from dyeing their hair. Golden Agouti has a red tip and black root, Silver Agouti has a white tip and black root and Dilute Agouti can have a variety of different combinations.
Parti coloured cavies have two or more colours on the body, often white and another colour. To be eligible for showing, each colour must be present in at least a one inch by one inch patch. An ideal cavy has several patches of each color on its body, evenly distributed so that the animal has an equal amount of each color no matter what angle the animal is viewed from.
Tortoiseshell coloured cavies are black and red.
Roan cavies have white and one or more coloured hair intermixed throughout the body.
Brindle cavies have two different colour hair intermixed throughout the body like a Roan.
Dalmatian cavies have white hair and black spots. Dalmations also have a unique eye colour — blue with a red rim.
Skinny pigs are a hairless variety of cavy with sparse hair only on their heads and feet.
Baldwins are a newer hairless variety in which the young are born fully-furred, but lose their hair over the first month of life, and are usually considered to be completely hairless.

Two abyssinian guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are widely considered to be good pets. They are generally easy to care for, and while they do require frequent cage cleaning and companionship, with a little diligence all their needs can easily be met. They are considered by many to be very cute and are very verbal (they squeak) in contact with humans. Guinea pigs who become familiar with their human seem to consider them part of their herd, and become distraught when separated for long periods.

All guinea pigs have different food preferences.

Habitat

Guinea pigs require ample space to run, jump, play, hide and rest. Their cage should ideally be as large as possible; 0.7 square metres (7.5 square feet), just 75 by 90 cm (30 by 36 inches) for one guinea pig and 2 square feet per additional guinea pig is about the minimum to allow space for moving about, exercise, and exploration, as they are naturally curious animals. If the guinea pig is kept in a smaller cage such as those sold commonly in pet stores, it is essential to allow them daily time to move outside the cage (and this is always a good idea no matter how big the cage is.) Wire floors should not be used unless the gaps between the wire are very small; most wire-floor cages sold in pet stores are unacceptable. Guinea pigs do not have hair on the soles of their feet. It is possible that wire-floored caging may be associated with a foot infection commonly known as "bumblefoot" (ulcerative pododermatitis). More importantly, wired flooring is usually spaced too large for guinea pigs' small feet, and may cause injuries if a foot gets caught while running or jumping in the air (as happy pigs will do from time to time). Most commercially built guinea pig cages are now built with solid floors.

"Cubes and Coroplast" style cages are now a common choice. They were conceived by Teresa Murphy, founder of Cavy Spirit cavy rescue in San Mateo, California. This inexpensive, DIY design constructed from corrugated plastic (Coroplast) and wire square shelving (Creative Cubes, etc.) has also been adapted to rabbit and other small animal owners around the world.

Guinea pigs are herd animals and in general, do best in groups of two or more. Groups of sows, or groups of sow(s) and a neutered boar are common combinations. Groups of boars may also get along, provided their cage has enough space, they are not introduced to a female (most of the time), and proper introduction techniques are employed.

It is not advisable to keep guinea pigs and rabbits together as it is not uncommon for a guinea pig to be badly, if not fatally, injured by a rabbit suddenly kicking out with its paws or an "overly-romantic" (dominant or in-heat) rabbit repeatedly trying to mount a guinea pig. However there are exceptions to every rule and some rabbit/cavy pairs have been known to co-exist peacefully. Guinea pigs should not be kept in the same cage or enclosure with domesticated rats (or any other species of rodents for that matter). Guinea pigs have a natural fear of rats and although their friendly appearance does not show it, a threatened cavy can seriously injure a domesticated rat, and vice versa.

Domestic guinea pigs' cages are often lined with wood shavings or a similar material. Bedding made from redcedar and pine, both softwoods, were commonly used in past decades but are now believed to contain harmful phenols (aromatic hydrocarbons) and oils (particularly redcedar). These phenols have been suggested to cause and/or exacerbate upper respiratory infections (a serious and life-threatening problem in cavies). Part of redcedar and pine's historical popularity was likely due to their cheap price and the fact that the same phenols which may harm some animals are known to repell certain insects. Redcedar shavings are known to cause liver problems in rabbits. Many retail stores and manufacturers still advertise softwood beddings as safe for guinea pigs, but there is growing pressure to stop the practice as well as a wider array of safer products being produced. Safer beddings include those made from hardwoods (such as aspen), hemp, paper, or grain. Avoid dusty beddings that could also contribute to respiratory problems. Many guinea pig owners prefer to use newspaper and straw for bedding.

Diet

Guinea pigs should be fed fresh grass, hay, fresh vegetables, and a commercial food made for guinea pigs. Rabbit food should not be fed as it is not fortified with vitamin C and may contain hormones and/or antibiotics.

Like humans but unlike most other mammals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and must obtain this vital nutrient from food. Also like humans, if guinea pigs cannot get enough vitamin C they will suffer from scurvy and ultimately die. Cavies should receive between 25-50mg of vitamin C daily. Vitamin C does not have a long shelf life; commercial pellets may not be a reliable source of this vitamin. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C are a reliable source. Vitamin C tablets made especially for small animals are also suitable. There are several approaches for feeding the pills, but in practice most guinea pigs quickly learn to like them. After a brief period of 'friendly-force-feeding', many animals start eating the pills from their owners' hands, making it an ideal source of essential vitamin C. Vitamin C supplements should not be put into water. Especially with multiple cavies, this method makes it difficult to determine how much vitamin C is consumed. Also, vitamin C is unstable in sunlight and in the presence of oxygen and warm temperatures.

Guinea pigs are probably the smallest grass-eating mammals. Grass is the guinea pigs' natural diet and where available should be fed in large quantities, as an addition, not a substitute for fresh vegetables and a good quality commercial grain mix. Grass digestion requires a special digestive system; whereas most grass-eating mammals are quite large and have a long digestive tract, guinea pigs use a more unusual method, practicing coprophagy, the eating of their own feces. However, they do not consume their feces indiscriminately. They produce special soft pellets, called "cecotropes", which contain the B vitamins and bacteria required for proper digestion. These pellets are not the same as regular feces. They share this behaviour with rabbits.

Cavies need unlimited grass hay such as timothy hay. Alfalfa hay, a legume hay richer in calcium and protein, may be appropriate in addition to free-fed grass hay for young guinea pigs (under 8 months to a year). Hay provides roughage and long-strand fiber needed in their diet which pellets alone do not provide. Alfalfa and other foods rich in calcium (such as spinach) should only be fed to adults in moderation. Diets with imbalanced Ca:P ratios may result in health problems and may possibly contribute to the formation of certain types of bladder stones and bladder sludge.

Cavies should be fed approximately one cup of fresh vegetables daily. Favorites include parsley, apples, bell peppers, runner beans, pears, grapes, bananas (with skin on) and dark leafy greens such as lettuce and kale. Oranges can be fed, but some guinea pigs will develop irritations on their lips from the acid. Foods higher in sugar, calcium and oxalic acid should be limited. Cavies should not be fed "watery" vegetables such as celery stalks or iceberg lettuce, as these are low in nutritional value and can give them diarrhea.

Pelleted food is available under many different brand names, however most experts feel many brands are unacceptable to meet a cavy's needs. Seed mixes often have artificial colorings or animal products that are not suitable for guinea pigs. Seeds are high in fat and seed mixes may encourage selective eating habits. Alfalfa-based pellets (the most common pellet based food available) should be fed only to cavies one year of age or younger. Timothy-based should be fed to cavies older than one year. A number of brands of commercially prepared pellets exist that are based on dehydrated timothy hay, ideal for guinea pigs over six months that are not pregnant or lactating.

Vitamin supplements available through pet stores, unless directed for use by your veterinarian, are typically unnecessary for the pet cavy receiving an adequate diet. As previously mentioned, more reliable methods of providing vitamin C exist; in addition, many supplements contain fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, E) which in excessive amounts may have detrimental health effects.

Milk products made from cow's milk, grains, or milk of other species are not an appropriate addition to the guinea pig diet. Guinea pigs are strict herbivores. The composition of cow's milk or of other species' milk varies significantly from that produced by lactating cavies and from the general nutritional requirements of guinea pigs. Because pups are relatively developed when they are born, they are quickly able to eat and benefit from solid food. Oxbow's unique Critical Care may be appropriate to carefully handfeed orphaned pups. If choosing to feed a dairy-based substitute to replace a lactating mother's milk for orphaned guinea pig pups, the 1992 edition of Richardson's Diseases of Domestic Guinea Pigs suggests removing the milk replacer from the pup's diet as soon as possible and that excessive feeding of a milk replacer could result in the development of cataracts.

The following foods are poisonous and should not be given to a guinea pig under any circumstances: bracken; buttercup; bryony; charlock; deadly nightshade; hemlock; lily of the valley; privet; scarlet pimpernel; ragwort; toadflax; tomato leaves. Additionally any plant which grows from a bulb e.g., tulip and onion should be considered poisonous.

Health

Guinea pigs need to be seen by a vet just like any other pet. Be sure the vet is "cavy savvy" and knows about the special needs of guinea pigs. A lot of antibiotic medications, like those that are penicillin based, are toxic to guinea pigs.

Common ailments in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency, symptoms include hindleg paralysis), abscesses (large amounts of a thick pus that create a bulge, often in their neck, due to infected internal scratches from hay that is too hard or infected external scratches received in a variety of ways), and infections by lice, mites or fungus.

Mange mites (Trixacarus caviae) are a common cause of hairloss, whose symptoms also may include excessive scratching, unusually aggressive behavior when touched (due to pain), and in some instances, seizures. If not treated, mange mites can be fatal. Mange mites are not visible to the naked eye. Vets may perform a "skin scraping" to determine the presence of mites (or a fungal infection), although this procedure is often painful and may result in a false negative result. Mange mites are commonly treated with several doses of ivermectin, available through a veterinarian. Other cavies who have come in contact with the animal suspected of carrying mites should also be treated. Note that cavies normally have bald patches behind their ears.

Guinea pigs may also suffer from "running lice" (Gliricola porcelli) a small white insect which can be seen running through fur. Ivermectin or Advantage (imidacloprid), available through a veterinarian, are often used to treat these and other types of lice.

Consult with a veterinarian experienced in treating guinea pigs before using any over-the-counter parasite treatment.

Other causes of hairloss can be due to hormonal upsets caused by underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts. Other signs of ovarian cysts include enlarged nipples and sexually aggressive behavior. Ovarian cysts are frequently diagnosed via ultrasound and treated by spaying the sow. If left untreated, cysts may fatally rupture.

Guinea pigs are "prey animals" whose survival instinct is to mask pain and signs of illness. Many times signs of illness may not be apparent until a problem is severe or in its advanced stages. Hence owners should take signs of possible problems very seriously and consult with a vet if illness is suspected. General signs and symptoms of health problems include:

A red and white texel with a head tilt, or wry neck
  • Lethargy (reduced activity)
  • Inability to move
  • Blood present in cage or on animal
  • Sitting in a hunched position with fur puffed out
  • Discharge from eyes (see note below), nose or ears
  • Raspy-sounding vocalizations
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Limping
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of feces output (older, unneutered boars may suffer from impaction — see )
  • Head tilt or loss of balance (may indicate an ear infection)
  • Wheeking while urinating (may indicate bladder infection or bladder stones/sludge)
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Hairloss
  • Excessive scratching
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid weight gain/shifting of bodily weight (may indicated ovarian cysts, etc.)
  • Increased water intake or deeper breaths (may indicate diabetes, etc.)
  • they also might eat their own poo
  • NOTE: Guinea pigs normally secrete a milky-white fluid near their eyes. Upon secretion of this fluid, the cavy will usually raise his front paws and groom himself.

Breeding

Pregnant sow 1 week before delivering 3 pups

Pregnancy toxemia is common and kills many pregnant females, so breeding is not recommended for the casual owner. Signs of toxemia include anorexia, lack of energy, excessive salivation, and a ketone breath odor, and in advanced cases seizures and death. Pregnancy toxemia appears to be most common in hot climates . Encouraging a pregnant cavy to exercise regularly by increasing cage size and/or moving food and water to opposite sides of the cage may help prevent toxemia. Other serious complications of pregnancy can include a prolapsed uterus and hypocalcemia.

Females (sows) should never be bred if they are older than 8 months and have never previously given birth, due to the irreversible fusing of their pelvic joint. Females can be fertile as early as 3 weeks and can carry litters before they themselves are adults. This can seriously affect the growth of the young mother, as her unborn pups compete with her for nutrition. Males (boars) have been known to be fertile as early as 3-4 weeks of age but more typically around 5-6; therefore, to reduce the risk of unintentional pregnancy, it is recommended and certainly safe for males be separated at three weeks.

Males are not known to attack their own pups. However, females can become pregnant in less than 12 hours after giving birth, so a pregnant sow should not be housed with a fertile male. It is not healthy for a female sow to be in virtually a constant state of pregnancy. Cohabitating females may assist in mothering duties, although it is important to monitor behavior of every pig, including the mother, toward the pups.

Because of the long gestation period and the large size of the pups, pregnant females may become large and eggplant-shaped, although the change in size and shape varies among individual animals. Breeding males produce a strong musk that smells much like bee's wax.

The gestation period is between nine and ten weeks long. Litter size is generally between one and four pups, but may be as large as seven. Pups are born fully-formed, with fur and their eyes open and ready to walk within minutes, and weighing between 150-200 grams. Sometimes when the mother is young and pregnant with many babies, some may be lost in the process of birth if the sow isn't strong enough. You should spend the last few weeks before birth feeding the mother to be a lot of fresh foods. Then her babies can weigh between 70-100 grams if there are four. In most cases the weakest one will have as much chances as its brothers and sisters to suckle their mother and will get strong quickly, if a day behind in weight. A young animal who is not nursing should be brought to a vet immediately. Lactating mothers' milk consists of approximately 3.9% fat, 8.1% protein, and 3.0% lactose. Many nursing supplements intended for other small animals may not match guinea pig milk's composition; in addition to immediate veterinary care, pups not nursing may be handfed Oxbow's Critical Care (available through a veterinarian). Supplements intended for dogs and cats such as Nutrical should never be used.

In scientific research

"Guinea pig" is often used as a metaphor for a subject of scientific experimentation. This notion persists even though guinea pigs are no longer commonly used as modern experimental animals. In the past they had been used to isolate different bacterial strains, but in modern labs they have been replaced by mice and rats, which reproduce more quickly.

Their main value to medical research is that they are one of the few animals which, like humans, cannot synthesize Vitamin C but must obtain it from diet.

On 24 August 2005 Darley Oaks Farm in the UK announced that it was ceasing breeding guinea pigs for scientific research and animal testing, after a campaign by the Save the Newchurch Guinea Pigs animal rights group, which carried out protests and attacks, including death threats, and arson. The group was also accused of stealing a relative's body from a cemetery.

Guinea pigs as food

Guinea pigs, or cuy, cuye, curí, were originally domesticated for their meat in the Andes.

As food, the guinea pig is described as a combination of rabbit and the dark meat on chicken, though in colour, taste, and the fineness of bones the gourmet will be reminded of quail. It is high in protein (21%) and low in fat (8%). Due to the fact that they require much less room than traditional livestock and reproduce extremely quickly when compared to traditional stock animals, they can be raised as a source of food in an urban environment—unlike most western livestock animals.

To this day, cuyes continue to be a major part of the diet in Peru and Bolivia, particularly in the Andes Mountains highlands, where they are an important source of protein and a mainstay of Andean folk medicine. Peruvians consume an estimated 65 million Guinea pigs each year, and the animal is so entrenched in the culture that one famous painting of the Last Supper in the main cathedral in Cusco, Peru shows Christ and the twelve disciples dining on guinea pig.

Guinea pigs are also consumed in Ecuador, mainly in the Sierra region of the country, but are not depended upon as a staple source of protein.

Guinea pigs in the popular imagination

Guinea pigs have received much less attention from writers, artists, or the popular media than other similar animals. Recently there have been more appearances of guinea pigs in books, film, television and other media.

Literature

  • Olga da Polga, a guinea pig with a wild imagination and adventurous spirit, is the main character in a number of books written by Michael Bond.
  • Fluffy The Classroom Guinea Pig stars in a series of early reader books written by Kate McMullan and illustrated by Mavis Smith.
  • In The Magician's Nephew (Book 1 of The Chronicles of Narnia) it is a guinea pig which Diggory and Polly go to find after it has been transported to the Wood between Worlds - thus a guinea pig is the catalyst which sets off all of the adventures in Narnia.
  • The picture book "John Willy and Freddy McGee" by Holly Meade tells of the adventures of two bored guinea pigs who escape from their cage and explore their house.
  • The short story Pigs is Pigs by Ellis Parker Butler is a tale of bureacratic incompetence as two guinea pigs held at a train station breed unchecked while humans argue as to whether they are "pigs" for the purpose of determining freight charges (this story probably was the inspiration for Robert A. Heinlein's flatcats, and is reminiscent of the infamous tribbles of Star Trek).
  • The Fairy Caravan is a novel by Beatrix Potter which follows the adventures of Tuppenny, a young guinea pig who runs away from home to join a travelling circus.
  • Do Wrong Ron, written by Steven Herrick and illustrated by Caroline Magerl, is a story about a boy named Ron who can't do anything right. He has a Guinea pig named Charlie, and the story is puncuated with sections written from Charlie's point of view.

Film and television

Language

In English, the term guinea pig is often used to refer to an object of experimentation (see In scientific research). This usage extends beyond scientific bounds and can be used if an item, object, or person is used to test out an idea, plan, or device.

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