The guinea pig or Caviar Porcellos as it is scientifically defined is an animal that originates from the Andean region of South America and adjacent countries. In some countries, such as Peru, it is known in colloquial language as “guinea pig”. A name derived from the onomatopoeic sound produced by said animal. There are certain regions where it is known as a Guinea pig, sea pig, or guinea pig, meanwhile, in Spain, it is called guinea pig or guinea pig. A somewhat sad fact for many is that it is one of the animals most used at the request of science and scientific research and for that reason is that popularly when someone acts as an experimental subject is called a guinea pig.
The species in particular was described for the first time in the year 1554, by the naturalist of Swiss origin, Conrad von Gesner. Through the centuries the guinea pig has been related to human beings in various areas, one of them is its relationship with man as a pet, likewise in certain regions of the planet they are used as food for people and finally in the field of science are used for experimentation in biomedical research.
Something that for many is a crime, is the fact that millions of animals like this have given their lives in favor of science, however there are those who defend this position since it has been of great help to humanity, for that reason they deserve all our respect.
Regarding the Guinea Pigs as a pet, it is mainly due to its calm and collected nature , which makes it an ideal companion for children, with the appropriate age usually being after 8 years. For those people who are looking for a pet , but do not have enough space and time to give them attention, without a doubt the guinea pig is the most suitable option.
As for their morphological characteristics, they have a weight that generally does not exceed one kilo , their average lifespan is six years and their habitat in nature is usually open areas, where they use holes or burrows to protect themselves from predators. and also the weather .
Description
Guinea pigs are large rodents, weighing 1.5 to 2.5 pounds (700 to 1,200 g) and measuring 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in length. They usually live an average of four to five years, but can live up to eight years. According to the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records one guinea pig survived 14 years, 10.5 months.
In the 1990s, a minority scientific opinion suggested that caviomorphs, such as guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus, are not rodents and should be reclassified to another order like lagomorphs, who already are not considered rodents. Subsequent research using larger sampling has restored consensus among biologists that it is correct that they are considered rodents.
The fur of guinea pigs can be black, white, brown, gray, or light brown, it is normal for them to be multicolored, meaning that one has more than one color. The coat can be short, long, curly, or rough. The fur is the color of the skin, where the fur is black for example, the skin in that area is black.
Feeding
Guinea pigs are gluttons, they love to eat and this is one of the reasons they tend to be obese. Its natural food is grass. Their molars are adapted to perfectly grind grass and continue to grow continuously for the rest of their lives. The digestive system of herbivorous mammals is long, but in guinea pigs, the colon is quite long for a rodent.
Their diet is supplemented by their feces. They don’t eat it all the time, but it’s necessary because they produce special soft granules, called cecotropes, that recycle B-complex vitamins, fiber, and bacteria needed for digestion. They consume it directly from the anus, unless it is a pregnant female or an obese guinea pig.
They benefit from eating fresh hay, such as Fleo Hay. Alfalfa is also a popular food for them, guinea pigs tend to eat large amounts of alfalfa when offered, although there is some controversy about feeding alfalfa to adults. Some pet owners and veterinary organizations have reported that large amounts of alfalfa can lead to guinea pig obesity, as well as bladder stones due to excess calcium. However, some publications from scientific sources indicate that alfalfa is a good source of protein, amino acids, and fiber.
Like humans, but unlike other mammals, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C, so they have to obtain this vital nutrient from food. If guinea pigs do not get enough vitamin C, they could potentially suffer from scurvy. Guinea pigs need 10 mg of vitamin C per day (20 mg if pregnant), which can be obtained through fresh fruits and vegetables (such as broccoli, apples, cabbage, carrots, celery and spinach) ) or dietary supplements. Healthy guinea pig diets require a complex balance of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and hydrogen ion; adequate amounts of vitamins E, A and D.
