Choosing the Perfect

Guinea Pig Name

Guinea pigs - we're all familiar with this small rodent. We know what they look like and what they're used for. They're cute little rodents and they are pets. As far as most of us in the western world are concerned, that's the complete story. But there is much more to the tale of this cute little animal's history and its contribution to human society across the globe.

In the United States and Europe these little pigs have become popular pets. Known and revered for their docile and friendly nature and for their cute demeanor, guinea pigs are adored by children and adults alike in the west. They have become the family pet of choice in thousands of households. They are relatively easy to care for and inexpensive to own. They are generally good natured and rarely bite.

Fun Facts About Guinea Pig

Pets

Guinea pigs live an average of about five years and may even live to seven years. They are best kept indoors in a temperature-controlled environment. They do best in a standard "room temperature" setting (65 to 75 degrees). In addition, serious cavy breeders raise these animals as show animals. These show animals are exhibited in sanctioned events across the nation.

The American Rabbit Breeders Association is the official registry for cavies in the United States.Unfortunately, the common usage of the "guinea pig" label in our English language is derived from one of our poor cavy's more unpleasant roles - that of the laboratory test subject. They were used extensively in the 1800's and 1900's as research test animals.

Guinea Pig Diseases You Should Know About

So much so that the name guinea pig gradually became a popular idiom denoting a test or sacrificial subject. Fortunately for the cavy, this usage is decreasing as laboratories turn increasingly more to other rodents - most notably rats and mice. In South America, the story is very much different and bleaker for our furry little friend. The cavy has a completely different history in this area of the world.

The guinea pig originated in South America. Today there are no guinea pigs left in the wild. However, in years past when they did live in the wild - South America was their stomping ground. The originally came from in the Andean region of South America. Nowadays this region is made up of modern day Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.

Breeding Guinea Pigs

The Inca Indians domesticated this little beast around 5000 B.C. and raised it for food. Because of this unfortunate precedent, the cavy is still eaten today in this region of the world. In small Indian villages, people still raise the little rodent for food just as western farmers raise and eat barnyard animals. Yes, we think of the cavy as only a pet - as a companion for our children and for us.

But this creature has other roles - some familiar and some extremely foreign to us. They are raised and sold by breeders to be used as show animals.Some guinea pigs are specially bred and sold to research companies to be used as laboratory test subjects. And in South America, they are a food source. We should be grateful for the guinea pig. Over the years, this seemingly insignificant little rodent has contributed to the human race in many ways.

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Guine Pig Health Information

For any questions about guinea pig health of course consult a veterinarian preferably one that specializes in exotic animals, which includes guinea pigs, but here are some good things to know.


Vitamin C

While most mammals make their own vitamin C oddly enough guinea pigs are like humans, neither of us can make our own vitamin C and must get it from food. If they don't get it they will get scurvy just as we do (I am talking to other humans, yes?) (just an attempt at humor couldn't resist) and it can cause stiffness in their joints or even be deadly to the pig. They get vitamin C from eating fresh, raw fruits such as apples and vegetables like spinach, celery, cabbage and carrots or they can get it through supplements.


Urine

Guinea pig urine is slightly white if it's red or pink it indicates blood in the urine which could mean stones in the bladder and of course get him to the vet. If the urine is very white or there is a thickness to the urine it may be too much calcium.


Diarrhea

It's no laughing matter when your guinea pig gets diarrhea as it could throw off his electrolyte balance and make him sick and even be deadly if it continues.It can be brought on by antibiotics which wipes out all the good bacteria in the intestines or it could be you are just feeding him too many vegetables or wet foods in which case just give him more hay. Also acidophilus or lactobacillus can be helpful. Get it at the health food store in capsule form.


Feces

Along with their usual feces both rabbits and guinea pigs also produce soft pellets which contain bacteria, the good kind of bacteria which are needed for proper digestion, B vitamins and fiber. These animals consume these pellets directly from their anus. So should you think your pet is so hungry he is eating feces don't be alarmed he is eating a supplement made by his body and is necessary for good guinea pig health.


Bugs

Mange mites will cause hair loss, scratching or pain on touching him. Mites can drill through the skin and sometimes affect the nervous system and cause seizures where his head goes straight up in the air without a tilt. If there is a head tilt as with some seizures it's probably not from mites.

Eggs from lice can attach to his hair appearing as white or black specks on his coat. If he has running lice they can be seen running through his hair. Bathing him with gentle neem oil soap will effectively get rid of lice.

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