Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pig Facts
Scientific Name Cavia porcellus
Life Span 4 – 5 years
Environment
Temperature Range 65F - 75F
Relative Humidity Range 40 – 70%
Breeding Range 3 –4 Months (male)
3-7 months (female)
Gestation Period 63 – 70 days
Litter Size 1 – 6 range
3 - 4 average
Weaning Age 2-3 weeks
The guinea pig, or cavy, is a docile rodent native to the Andes Mountain area of South America. They were first domesticated by the Andean Indians of Peru, who used them as a food source and as a sacrificial offering to Incan gods. During the 16th century, Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs to Europe, where fanciers selectively bred them.
The guinea pig entered the research laboratory in the 18th century and have since made significant contributions to the scientific community. To this day, the guinea pig remains a favorite pet among children due to their docile behavior, ease of handling and clean, quiet nature.

Through selective breeding efforts, guinea pigs are found in an array of colors and coat types from which to choose. Five primary varieties are encountered in the pet industry. The Shorthair or English is characterized by having a uniformly short hair coat. The Abyssinian has whorls or rosettes in their short, rough, wiry coat. The Peruvian is recognized by its very long, silky hair. These three types are most commonly kept as pets. The Silky and Teddy Bear varieties are encountered less frequently. The Silky is a large variety distinguished by its medium length silky hair. The Teddy Bear has medium length hair of normal consistency.

Diet
Good quality food and fresh, clean water must be readily available at all times. Commercially available pelleted chows provide all the essential nutrients required by guinea pigs, as long as the pellets are fresh and wholesome when offered. These pellets contain 18-20% protein, 16% fiber and approximately 1 gram of vitamin C per kilogram of ration. Adult guinea pigs should be limited to 1 tablespoon of pellets daily.

Do not feed rabbit pellets as a substitute for guinea pig pellets. They are not equivalent in nutritive value. Unlike rabbits, and most mammals for that matter, guinea pigs require a high level of folic acid and vitamin C. Guinea pig diets are uniquely formulated with these requirements in mind, whereas rabbit pellets are not.

Unlike most mammals, guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, therefore they must receive it from an outside source. Pelleted guinea pig diets are supplemented with this essential vitamin. However, even when properly stored in a cool, dry place, fresh pellets lose about one-half of the vitamin C content due to degradation within six weeks of manufacture. For this reason, we also recommend further vitamin C supplementation in the diet. The following supplemental foods are listed starting with the highest vitamin C content: turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsley, collard greens, guavas, broccoli leaf, beet greens, cauliflower, kohlrabi, strawberries, honeydew melon, broccoli florets, spinach, raspberries, rutabaga, oranges, cabbage. In addition, water supplementation can be provided as follows: 50 milligrams ascorbic acid (human vitamin C syrup) added to 1 cup of drinking water, made up fresh every 12 hours.

The guinea pig’s diet should be composed of fresh guinea pig pellets, fresh greens or fruit and good quality timothy or grass hay. As mentioned above, the pelleted diet should be restricted to 1 tablespoon daily for adults otherwise the pet may become obese. Guinea pigs less than 4 months old can be fed unlimited pellets. Fresh produce with a high vitamin C content should be offered at 1/2 to 1 cup daily. The fresh items must be thoroughly washed to avoid exposing your pet to pesticide residues or bacterial contamination. See the Table included with this writing for details on vitamin C content of common produce items. The remainder of the diet is composed of good quality timothy or grass hay. This portion of the diet provides the necessary fiber for digestion. Any change in the guinea pig’s diet should be made gradually due to their sensitive digestive systems.

Guinea pigs tend to be creatures of habit, and therefore do not tolerate changes in the presentation of their food or water, nor changes in the taste, odor, texture or form of the food itself. Pet owners should avoid making radical changes in the food or water containers as well. Any sudden change in routine can result in the pet refusing its food and water, which can be disconcerting and ultimately dangerous.

All foods should be provided in heavy, ceramic crocks that resist both tipping and chewing. The crocks should be high enough to keep bedding and fecal pellets out of the food, but low enough for easy access by the animal.

Water is most easily made available by the use of a water bottle equipped with a “sipper” tube. Guinea pigs tend to contaminate and clog their water bottles by chewing on the end of the sipper tube and “backwashing” food particles into it. For this reason, it is imperative that all food and water containers be cleaned and disinfected daily.

Handling
Generally, guinea pigs are docile, non-aggressive animals. They rarely bite or scratch when handled. They usually voice their protest simply by letting out a high-pitched squeal. They may, however, struggle when being picked up or restrained. Extreme care should be taken not to injure them during handling. The guinea pig should be approached with both hands. One hand is placed under the guinea pig’s chest and abdomen, while the other hand supports its hindquarters. Adults, and especially pregnant females, should receive careful attention and gentle, yet firm and total support.
© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital