Guinea pigs are cute and cuddly pets that make great companions for animal lovers of all ages. They’re social creatures that love attention and playtime, and with their adorable looks and quirky personalities, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face.
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Did you know that guinea pigs were first domesticated by the Incas over 3,000 years ago? Yup, that’s right, these little furballs have been around for a while! The Incas originally used guinea pigs for food and as a sacrificial offering to their gods (not the best start for our beloved pets, but we’ve come a long way since then!). Eventually, guinea pigs became popular pets and were even used for medicinal purposes. Today, guinea pigs are beloved pets all around the world and bring joy and laughter to people’s lives every day. Who would have thought that something that started out as a meal could turn into such a lovable and cherished companion?
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Guinea pigs may be small, but they’re a big part of the rodent family! They belong to the Caviidae family, which also includes capybaras and chinchillas. These furry little critters are social creatures and love to be around their fellow guinea pigs, just like their larger capybara cousins who are known to hang out in groups of up to 20! And let’s not forget about their adorable chinchilla cousins, known for their soft, velvety fur, love of dust baths, and impressive jumping skills. So whether you’re a fan of guinea pigs, capybaras, chinchillas, or all of the above, there’s no denying that the Caviidae family is full of fun and fascinating animals!
Did you know that guinea pigs are social animals that love to play and cuddle? They’re also known for their vocalizations, which can range from purring to wheeking. With their adorable looks and lovable personalities, it’s no wonder that guinea pigs make such great pets.
– Did you know that your guinea pig can’t produce vitamin C on their own? That’s why it’s so important to make sure they have plenty of sources of vitamin C in their diet, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
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– Scientific name is Cavia Porcellus (Latin for little pig)
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– You would be able to find a guinea pig living in the wild. They are only known to be domestic pets.Â
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– The longest guinea pig lifespan was recorded at 14 years and 10.5 months!
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– Why the epithet for a test subject? – Well they were used as model organisms in the 19-20th century but now we use mice and rats.
– They have 4 toes on their front paws, but only 3 toes on their back paws!
– Babies only take a couple of hours after birth to get fully formed with the ability to move around and feed themselves
Auditory:Â Speak softly as they are sensitive to high frequencies. They love the quiet background music.
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Visual: Â Your guinea pig lacks depth perception, so make sure to approach them from the front, they do have a 340-degree range of vision, and only the ability to see 33 images per second (so no movies or flickering lights).
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Smell:Â With their sensitive sniffers, odors like perfumes and unnatural smells will irritate their respiratory system.
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Taste:Â They are part of the animals that have the highest amount of taste buds (around 17,000! We humans have around 9,000).
Are you thinking about getting a new pet but can’t decide what to choose? Look no further than the guinea pig! These cute and cuddly creatures make fantastic pets for people of all ages.
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First and foremost, guinea pigs are just downright adorable. From their little squeaks to their wiggly noses, there’s just something about guinea pigs that is guaranteed to make you smile. And let’s not forget about their soft and fluffy coats, perfect for snuggling up with on a lazy afternoon.
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But guinea pigs aren’t just cute, they’re also a lot of fun! These social creatures love to interact with their owners and play with toys, such as tunnels and balls. Watching a group of guinea pigs play together is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
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Another great thing about guinea pigs is that they’re relatively low maintenance compared to other pets. They don’t require as much space as a dog or cat and are much easier to take care of than, say, a bird or fish. Plus, they’re gentle creatures that are great for children to handle and learn responsibility with.
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And let’s not forget about the health benefits of having a pet guinea pig. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can help lower stress levels and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plus, guinea pigs are known to have a calming effect on their owners, making them the perfect companion for anyone looking for a little relaxation and comfort.
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Overall, there are plenty of reasons to consider getting a guinea pig. From their adorable looks to their playful personalities, these furry little creatures are sure to bring joy and happiness into your life. So why wait? Head to your local pet store and start your guinea pig journey today!
Guinea pigs are known for their lovable personalities and cute looks, but have you ever wondered how long they’ll be around to entertain you? On average, guinea pigs live between 4 to 8 years, but with proper care and attention, they can live up to 10 years or more!
When it comes to guinea pig price, it can vary depending on where you live and the type of guinea pig you’re looking to adopt. Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 to $50 for a guinea pig, but some breeds can cost up to $100 or more.
Consider adopting guinea pigs instead of buying. There are many guinea pigs in shelters and rescues waiting for a loving home. Not only will you be giving a great pet a second chance at life, but you’ll also be helping to reduce the demand for guinea pigs from mills.Â
Other Guinea Pig Costs To Consider
Brush & Nail Trimmers – $10
Healthcare For 2 Pigs = $300
Check Up Per Year $50-2100
Insurance Per Year $120-240
Emergencies – $100-5,000
Neuter – $120-200
Before bringing home a new guinea pig, make sure you have all the essentials they need for a happy and healthy life. This includes a spacious cage, fresh hay and bedding, a well-balanced diet, and plenty of toys and enrichment activities to keep them entertained. Don’t forget to provide them with lots of love and attention too!
A healthy diet with plenty of hay, fresh veggies, and a limited amount of pellets is essential for your guinea pig’s long-term health. Your guinea pig’s diet should consist of about 80% hay or grass.
Regular grooming is important for your guinea pig’s hygiene and health. Brush your guinea pig’s hair at least once a week to prevent tangles and matting. You should also trim their nails when they get too long. Remember to praise your guinea pig and give them a treat for being good during grooming time!
You’ll need a cage that’s at least 7.5 square feet (per 2 pigs), bedding, feeding hay, a water bottle, a few sources of vitamin C, and food pellets.Â
The bigger the space, the better. They have a high sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, such as being placed by a window or in direct sunlight. Keep this in mind when finding the perfect spot for their cage.Â
You can use wood, hay, shredded paper, and towels as bedding for guinea pigs. Each guinea pig has their own preference in bedding, too. But, the both of you are looking to keep the bedding dry and odor-free.
Hiding places are essential in your guinea pig’s home. They have skittish behavior and a natural defense mechanism of hiding. Take a look at these awesome guinea pig hideouts and houses they will love.
Hammocks are the luxury your guinea pig deserves. These corner hammocks are perfect for when you want to maximize their cage space.
You will also want to grab some guinea pig toys or games to keep them entertained and enriched!
Learn more about guinea pig cages, cage accessories, bedding for guinea pigs, and toys by tapping into each of those categories.
Unlimited amounts of grass hay. always. 24/7/365 it is a non-negotiable.
1/4 – 1/8 cup of plain, dye-free pellets is a healthy recommended amount.Â
Opt for a heavy ceramic bowl to set inside the cage, plastic bowls tend to get chewed on and flipped over frequently.Â
Fresh water in a no drip bottle that attaches from the outside of the cage for easy fillings. Be sure to give the water bottle a good weekly clean with a bottle cleaning brush.
SAFE Vegetables: green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, escarole, red leaf lettuce, curly endive, cilantro, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, bok choy, califlower, celery, corn, cucumbers, kale, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, zucchini.
UNSAFE Vegetables: cabbage family, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, beet greens, radishes.
Learn more about guinea pig food here and see some of our favorite products.
Learn even more about our favorite little guinea pigs on the blog.
