Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs

Male – Boar, Female – Sow

The domestic Guinea Pig originated from the South American burrowing Guinea Pig that still inhabits South America today. It is thought to have been domesticated since pre Inca times, approximately 1450 AD. The Guinea Pig was first introduced to Europe from South America by the Spaniards in the 16th Century, where it became a pet.

The four main breeds of Guinea Pig generally recognized are:

1. English Short Haired (short smooth hair).
2. Abyssinian Short rough hair (rosetted hair patterns).
3. Peruvian (long rough hair).
4. Rex Guinea Pig (rough bristly coat).

In the wild, Guinea Pigs live in small groups of 5 - 10 in burrows that have been abandoned by other animals. The domestic Guinea Pig although timid is usually docile and easily handled. The rarely scratch or bite and respond well to frequent handling.

Guinea Pigs live on average 5 - 6 years and have a relatively long gestation period of 62 - 72 days. Due to the long gestation period, young are often born very highly developed with eyes open, body covered in hair and teeth well developed. A newborn Guinea Pig can eat solid food and survive independently.

The average litter size is 4 - 5 Guinea Pigs with a sow producing 3 - 7 litters annually. Guinea Pigs are naturally herbivorous in the wild and live on a variety of green foods, seeds and roots. They do not produce their own vitamin C, so it must therefore be provided in their diets.

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Other Animals at
Buttermilk Farm:

Kunekune Pigs

Chickens

Rabbits

Guinea pigs

Cockatoos

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