Pig, Guinea (Cavia porcellus)
Animal facts
Size
Guinea pigs commonly reach a length of 8 inches to 10 inches (20cm to 25cm) with weights of 700g to 1.2Kg.
Habitat and Distribution
The domestic guinea pig is not found in the wild in its domestic form, and it would unlikely survive if it did due to the colour types and fur variations which have now been bred in to them, which would make them easy targets for predators. The cavies which the domestic guinea pig has been bred from naturally occur in South America.
Age
The average age of these animals is 4 to 5 years although 8 years is not uncommon. The record age however was recorded as 14 years and 10 months.
Diet
Their natural diet is made up of grass and other low vegetation which is a trait which can still be seen clearly with domestic guinea pigs which still graze readily when placed in areas of grass. However the domestic variety of guinea pig is widely fed on prefabricated dried food.
Groups and Breeding
These animals are social, living in the wild in small groups called herds which will graze together and huddle up in the burrows of other animals for shelter while they rest. This has also translated in to the habits of the domestic guinea pig which can be kept happily in groups. A female guinea pig can produce litters of 1 to 6 babies, which can be produced up to 5 times per year. The gestation is 59 to 72 days, which even though long for a rodent means the babies are born with their eyes open and able to fend for themselves straight away, although they will suckle from the mother.
Threats
As this is not a naturally occurring species it has no threats to its existence, and if nothing else is extensively bred to supply the huge commercial demand for this excellent pet species.
Interesting fact's
Females of this species are fertile as young as 4 weeks of age whilst males are fertile even sooner from the age of 3 weeks, however pregnancies at a very early age would almost certainly cause major health problems. The guinea pig was originally not domesticated for its companionship qualities but instead as a food source in the Andes, where it is mainly a ceremonial food.