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14. CHAPTER. Guinea Pigs. History of Guinea Pigs. Exact history of domestic cavy unknown May come from C. aperea, C. tschudii, or C. fulgida Does not come from Guinea Bred for meat production in South America for at least 3,000 years. Brought to Europe in 16th century

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  1. 14 CHAPTER Guinea Pigs

  2. History of Guinea Pigs • Exact history of domestic cavy unknown • May come from C. aperea, C. tschudii, or C. fulgida • Does not come from Guinea • Bred for meat production in South America for at least 3,000 years

  3. Brought to Europe in 16th century • Since mid-1800s, used for pathology, nutrition, genetics, and toxicology research, as well as serum development

  4. Common Guinea Pig Varieties • Abyssinian • American • Peruvian • Satin • Silkie • Teddy • White Crested • naked

  5. Abyssinian Guinea Pig • Rough, wiry hair coat • Hair made of rosettes (swirls or cowlicks) • More rosettes are desirable • Found in all colors and color combinations

  6. American Guinea Pig • Most common variety • Short, very glossy, fine hair • Short hair eases care • Found in widely varied colors and color combinations

  7. Peruvian Guinea Pig • Longhaired variety • Hair length, evenness, and balance are deciding features • Hair requires much upkeep (can be 20” long) • Lacks a tail • Found in many of the colors and color combinations as American variety

  8. Satin Guinea Pig • Fur is distinguishing feature • Fine, dense, and soft • Luxurious and shiny • Found in colors and color combinations of other varieties

  9. Silkie Guinea Pig • Longhaired variety • Unlike Peruvian, no long frontal sweepover head • Manesweeps back from head, between ears, over the back, and down the sides • Sometimes called the Sheltie • Found in colors and color combinations of other varieties

  10. Teddy Guinea Pig • Short, kinky hair • Short, resilient strands • Lies thick and close to the body • Whiskers also kinked • Found in colors and color combinations of other varieties

  11. White Crested • Shorthaired variety • Resembles American shorthair except for crest • Crest is white rosette that radiates evenly from center of forehead • Found mainly in self, solid, and agouti colors • Breeds video

  12. Characteristics of Guinea Pigs • Physical makeup • Adult length of 8 to 10”, weight of 1 to 2 pounds • Short, stocky build with short legs • Short, blunt, rounded nose • Short ears with little fur • Agouti, self, solid, and marked colors

  13. Skills • Very sensitive hearing • Highly developed sense of smell • Excellent peripheral vision

  14. Behaviors • Live in colonies or clans • One dominant male and 5 to 10 females

  15. Desired Qualities ofGuinea Pig Housing • At least 12” x 24” • Plastic bottom that is 3 or 4” deep • Sides of vertical wire bars or glass • Heavy glass or earthenware food bowls • Vacuum-type water bottle • When housed outside • Portable house or run-in (3 square feet/pig) • Temperatures above 50°F

  16. Basics of Guinea Pig Feeding • Vegetarian diet • Must consume vitamin C • Foods tailored to age/state • Young or pregnant pigs: High-alfalfa pellets and dry alfalfa hay • Adults: Clover and grass hay pellets and low-protein dry clover and grass hays

  17. Other food sources • Romaine or green leaf lettuce (no iceberg), kale, carrots, apples, pears, turnips, beets, cucumbers • Wheat, corn, and oats • Constant source of fresh water

  18. Basic Care of Guinea Pigs • Regular grooming • Shorthaired: Daily brushing • Longhaired: Combing and brushing, clipping • Occasional bathing • Use mild shampoo • Avoid chills • Regular nail clipping

  19. Handling Methods for Guinea Pigs • Acclimation process • In new home, allow long exploration time • Offer treats (fresh greens, carrots, apples) • Pet and lift to overcome shyness • Lifting technique • Grasp firmly around front shoulders with one hand, support rear with other • Cradle in palm and forearm close to body

  20. Guinea Pig Diseases and Ailments • Respiratory diseases • Neck swellings • Toxemia (pregnant females) • Mites and biting lice • Overgrown or maloccluded teeth • Genital-area obstructions

  21. Guinea Pig Reproduction • Sexual maturity • Females at 2 months • Males at 3 months • First breeding before female is 7 months • Pair breeding • Colony breeding • One male with 2-20 females

  22. Gestation period from 56 to 74 days • Up to 5 litters yearly (2 to 4 average) • Young fully developed at birth • Weigh 1½ to 4½ ounces • Have open eyes and full fur • Running and eating solid food in 24 hours • Day old babies

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