Guinea PigsMegan and Alyssa

History of the Guinea Pig

Guinea Pigs were first domesticated in 5000BC

The Moche people of Peru worshipped them

They continued to be a food source in the region

Since ca. 1200 AD there have been many varieties of domestic guinea pigs

History of the guinea pig

In folklore traditions, guinea pigs played a role in traditional healing by being rubbed on the sick

Spanish, Dutch, and English traders made guinea pigs exotic

The earliest known account of the guinea pig is from 1547

Description

They are large rodents Short and robust body Large head No tail Colors range from black to golden to

white

Housing and equipment

Bigger housing is better They need exercise daily. The guinea pigs need to be let out

cages once in a while Most guinea pigs need companions

Breeds

COMMON BREEDS

Short haired Abyssinian Himalayan Peruvian Silkie Rex Teddy Texel

8 common breeds

RARE OR EMERGING BREEDS Alpaca Lunkarya Crested Coronet English Merino Hairless Ridgeback Sheba mini Yak

8 uncommon breeds

Guinea Pig Anatomy

Reproduction

Female guinea pigs(sows) must be bred before 7 months

Females will only allow breeding for 8 hours

Pregnancy last for about 63 days Their body weight normally doubles Contractions start and dialation begins If there aren’t contractions, there must

be a c section

Food

Fresh hay Mixed Grass or Timothy

¼ cup of pellets 3 servings of vegetables 1-2 tbs fruit per 2lbs of food

Training

When training guinea pigs, always use favorite treats.

Things you can train your guinea pig to do: Sit up and beg Come when it’s called Using a litter box

Supplies

Food Water Cage Bedding Toys

Balls, tunnels, ramps, house

Facts About Guinea Pigs

Don’t have visible tails Born with fur and the eyes are open Need to gnaw on things to wear down

teeth Eat a lot of food Came from South America

Members of the Cavy family Happy guinea pigs jump up and down

“Popcorning” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_EfikYzj

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Sources

Text Book Wikipedia Google Images Youtube