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This is one pet that I haven't had but have often had kids bring their guinea pigs to class for show and tell and they are cute little creatures. Guinea pigs are often called cavies after their scientific name Cavia porcellus but are not from Guinea or a type of pig. They are originally from the Andes in South America and feature in folk tales from that region and where also a food source! I also found that there have been moves to have them eaten in other countries as well but I hope that doesn't catch on!! Be heaps of upset kids having their pet for tea!!
 
QUICK FACTS:

Life Span - 4 - 7 years
Care - Medium maintenance
Food - Quality hay, pellets and vegetables
Housing - Guinea pig cage or hutch, water and bedding
GENERAL INFO:
Guinea pigs have been popular pets in Western societies since it was  introduced by European traders in the sixteenth century. They have a docile nature, are relatively easy to look after, and are responsive to handling and feeding. Guinea Pigs are inquisitive, friendly animals that enjoy being handled and rarely bite or scratch – making them ideal pets for young children. They are active during the daytime, they are fun to watch and play with, and they communicate vocally, with different noises having different meanings!

The term "guinea pig" is used to describe a subject of experiments and this came about because guinea pigs were frequently used for biological experiments in the 19th and 20th centuries. Rats and mice are used more frequently these days but some are still used as models for human conditions such as juvenile diabetes, scurvy, tuberculosis and pregnancy complications.

Guinea pigs have delicate bones. Since some guinea pigs have a tendency to jump (especially when you are returning them to their cage), it is important to learn how to hold and carry them safely. Falls and jumps can result in broken bones, injury, and sometimes death.
Young children should not be allowed to carry a guinea pig. They may squeeze too tightly or accidentally drop a cavy with tragic consequences.

Guinea pigs can breed from an early age but should not be mated until 6 months for males and 10 months for females. Having a pair the same sex will guarantee no unwanted increases in the guinea pig population at your house!!
 
SETTING UP THE CAGE OR HUTCH:
  • As a general rule the cage or hutch should be at least 4 times the length of the guinea pig stretched out when it is full grown. The longer the time periods that the guinea pig is expected to remain contained in the cage or hutch or the larger the number of guinea pigs to be kept together, the larger the cage or hutch should be.
  • A wooden hutch is ideal although a wire cage can also be used provided it is fitted with a plastic floor to avoid injury. Your hutch must be weatherproof with a separate nest area for each Guinea Pig and plenty of dry bedding - shredded paper or wheat straw are ideal but don't use fluffy bedding. A louvered door can be fitted over a wire door to offer protection in cold weather. Two Guinea Pigs should ideally be housed in a hutch or cage around 120 x 60 x 45cm. If using a smaller hutch, consider adding a separate run in the garden or allow your pets some daily supervised exercise outside their cage. The hutch should allow shade during the heat of the day and shelter from strong winds. A grass run can be built into the hutch or located elsewhere in your garden to give them sunshine and fresh air– again with a nest area protected from the sun.
  • Guinea pigs need bedding, experiment and see what your guinea pig likes best. Try wood shavings, paper but not newspaper, hay but not straw, or even soft material.
  • Attach a water bottle to the side of the cage that the guinea pig can sip from. They are available at pet stores for mice and in a larger size for rats and cavies.
  • Give your guinea pig plenty of things to keep them occupied, they don't particularly like toys but enjoy exploring cardboard boxes, tubes, or pipes and obstacles to play with which will encourage exercise.
  • Make sure there are plenty of hiding places as well to make them feel safe. Brown paper bags with the lip folded over for stability, soda can and tissue boxes with holes cut in the sides work well. You can also include a few pieces of PVC pipe fittings for him/her to race through, as well as a brick or rock as obstacles to run over (useful for wearing down their nails).
PRO & CONS
  • As the days and night get colder, remember to look after your guinea pigs as well. Make sure that they are kept warm and that their water bottle doesn't freeze but ensure they have a fresh air supply as well.
  • Guinea pigs have large front teeth and need to gnaw constantly to keep them from getting too big.
  • Unlike dogs you don't have to walk them daily, and unlike dogs you can go out all day leaving them safely behind.
  • Unlike cats they do not destroy the local wild bird population.
  • Unlike rabbits they eat little, can be handled easily, and can even stay indoors.
  • Guinea pigs are low cost to buy, low cost of upkeep, not noisy, do not demand constant attention, yet are affectionate, cuddly, and can be bred easily.
  • Guinea pigs need daily exercise to maintain health so need to be let out of the cage regularly. This could be a problem for people wishing to go away.
  • A healthy guinea pig will be alert, have bright eyes and a shiny coat. Breathing should be quiet and regular. If you are worried about any aspect of your pet’s health, seek veterinary advice.

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