Ranges in size from 8" to 13". Adult males weigh
about 4 pounds; females weigh a little over 2 pounds.
Originally from Central and South America
Domesticated long before Columbus discovered America - as
early as 9000 B.C.
A very social animal. Loves attention and to be petted.
Can live up to ten years.
Remarkably fast breeding. A pair can have offspring five
or more times a year.
Baby guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, a full coat
of fur and teeth.
Can hear extremely well. React much more to sound than to
sight.
Can see very well, from the front, sides and above. Can also
distinguish colors.
Communicates with sounds. Squeals to beg for food and attention.
A social non-aggressive pet that loves to be petted and cuddled.
Becomes more animated the more attention it gets.
There are three main breeds:
Smooth or short hair - has shining-smooth, straight, short
hair.
Abyssinian - has longer hair that grows in whorls. Also called
rough-haired.
Long-haired or Angora - has long, silky fur up to 6"
long. Requires intensive grooming. Two varieties: Peruvian and
Sheltie.
What Your Guinea Pig Needs
Large cage. At least 26" x 14" x 13"
for one (much larger for 2 or more), with a plastic floor pan
4" to 6" deep, and a removable wire cage top. DO NOT
use aquariums - they do not provide enough ventilation. Avoid
cages with sharp edges or points.
Good quality gravity-flow water bottle. Heavy duty
plastic bottle provides your pet with clean, fresh water when
he wants it. Stainless steel drinking tube with stainless steel
balls keeps cage clean and dry. Get a metal bottle guard to keep
your pet from chewing on the bottle.
Two feed racks. One for hay, one for greens. Anything
put on the floor becomes soiled by urine and droppings.
Small feeding dish. Keeps food from becoming contaminated.
Glazed clay or porcelain is best - plastic tips over.
Small animal litter. We recommend Carefresh Litter. Very absorbent
and non-toxic. Place 2" to 3" on bottom of cage.
Vitamin C Food or water must be supplimented with Vitamin C.
Other Guinea Pig Tips
the best place to keep your guinea pig is in a bright , not
too warm, draft free room with no television, no radio, and no
smoking.
Guinea pigs don't like noise and loud music. They have sensitive
ears and hear sounds we can't perceive.
Drafts can make your guinea pig sick. Keep the cage off the
floor, away from any drafts, on a table or chest.
Do not place the cage in direct sunlight or too close to
a heating vent. Guinea pigs can't stand extreme heat. Room temperature
should be between 70 and 80F.
Do not keep your guinea pig in a dark, damp basement or cellar.
Guinea pigs are not aggressive. Do not leave them with animals
that can be dangerous to them, including dogs, cats, gerbils,
deer mice, hamsters, parrots. and large parakeets.
Give your guinea pig regular exercise - he'll thrive on it.
Turn him loose under a watchful eye inside or outdoors in your
back yard.
Keep your guinea pig cage clean. Pick out droppings regularly
and change bedding every week. Wash out the plastic floor tray
with warm water and mild household cleaner. Rinse food containers
out every other day, and scrub the water bottle with a bottle
brush to prevent algae.
