| Guinea Pig | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Range | South America |
| Estimated Population | 1000,000 long-haired,90-100,000 short-haired |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Caviidae |
| Genus | Cavia |
| Species | Cavia Porcellus |
| Conservation Status | |
 Domesticated | |
The Guinea pig (Cavia Porcellus) Is an animal apart of the rodentia order native to South America. They are extremely close relatives to Capybaras. Over time, they have been taken out of their forest homes and kept as pets. They also are a food source.
Appearance[]
Guinea pigs have a robust body with short limbs, large head and eyes, and short ears. The fur varies in length, texture, and colour. The feet have hairless soles and short sharp claws. There are four toes on the forefeet and three on the hind feet.
Habitat[]
The Guinea pigs were originally native to South America. However, they have been popular for thousands of years as pets and as food, and this species no longer exists in the wild. Therefore, Guinea pigs technically don’t have a habitat, unless they’re adopted.
Behaviour[]
Guinea pigs are usually very expressive, vocal animals that will whistle or grunt when they're excited, and squeak with delight when they see their favorite people enter the room. They are generally gentle and not prone to biting, but they will nip at threatening animals or people that are mishandling them.
Diet[]
Guinea pigs will eat any fruit or vegetables. However, a guinea pigs diet should be based on high-quality hay, and available pelleted food.
Reproduction[]
The estrous cycle length is 16 days. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common.
Lifespan[]
Guinea pigs usually live to about 7-10 years.
Towards Humans[]
Guinea pigs are usually shy and anxious creatures, as is there insticts as prey animals. When owning a guinea pig you need time so that they can trust you. Each Guinea pig has its own personality such as shy, angry and dominant. Towards new humans they are usually shy and will run away.
Branches[]
Needs Information
Gallery[]
Facts[]
- The Incas domesticated Guinea pigs more than 3,000 years ago.
- They bred them as pets and for food and offered them as sacrifices to their gods
Source[]
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/classification.htm