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Guinea Pig
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cavidae
Genus: Cavia
Species: porcellus
Range & Habitat
South America. In the 16th century Dutch sailors introduced them to Europe. They were brought to the U.S. in the early part of the 17th century.
Reproduction & Growth
Guinea pigs have a 68 day gestation period. There are 2-6 babies born, which have hair and are able to groom themselves immediately. At one day old, they are able to eat solid food. As adults they reach 10-12 inches long and weigh about two pounds.
Diet
In the Wild: Vegetation
In the Zoo: Pellets, carrots, apples, oranges and kale
General Information
Guinea pigs are rodents. They are also known as cavies. Cavy is from an aboriginal American word, probably "cabiai," which is from the Carib tribe known as Galibi. Porcellus means "little pig" and they do squeal. Guinea pig comes from Guyana, not Guinea (Old or New) and from the animal's "piggish appearance" and taste. They were commonly eaten by the natives and, ultimately, starving explorers. They were domesticated first by the Andean Indians many hundreds of years ago. They are no longer found in the wild and are rarely exhibited in zoos. They are often raised for the pet trade and are considered a good pet for children. They are also used as a food source in South America. Captive guinea pigs prove gentle and entertaining. They vocalize an enchanting "bweep-uueeep" whenever they catch sight of their person. They always play "catch the piggy" when one tries to pick them up, but they are tractable and gentle when handled from weaning. They groom mutually and may begin grooming the arm or leg of their human when lap-sitting. Stroking the pig or one-finger scratching behind the ear will often elicit grooming. One problem with this is our thin human skin. Even easy skin-scraping with those rodent teeth will result in pinches that hurt. Wild cavies live in small groups using underground refuges. Guinea pigs seldom dig and probably occupied rock piles, much like the North American animal sometimes called the "rock cavy," better known as the pika. Captive guinea pigs, kept on the ground but provided with ample boxes and hay stacks, will not dig out.
In the Zoo
We currently have two female Guinea Pigs at the Brandywine Zoo.
Click here to learn about Animal Care.
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