Guinea Pigs

About me

Order:

Rodentia

Family:

Caviidae

Group:

Cavia

Lifespan:

3-8 years

Gestation:

58-72 days

Habitat:

Grassland and mountain slopes

Diet:

Hay, grasses, vegetables, small amounts of fruit, commercial pellets

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Male:

Boar

Female:

Sow

Young:

Pup

Did You Know

Guinea Pigs have very poor eyesight but their great sense of smell, hearing and touch make up for their lousy eyesight.

Fun Facts!

Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) are nosey creatures but are very friendly and are related to the rodent family like rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters but are more closely related to porcupines, capybara and chinchillas. Guinea Pigs were first domesticated by the Incas more than 3,000 years ago in the Andean region of South America. They will give birth up to 6 pups at a time, but 3 is the average. When the babies are born they are born with their eyes open and their fur on and are able to eat solid food within a few hours of being born although mother’s milk is still more important.