GUINEA PIGS - Cavia porcellus

Introduction

Native to the Andes (mountains), Guinea pigs have been farmed for years by the indigenous peoples; ancient ruins in fact have evidence of this practice.  In the United States, Guinea pigs (cavies) are bred for the show ring, as 4 - H projects, and for pets. There are three main breeds: Peruvian (silky, with long straight hair), English (fine, straight, short hair), and Abyssinian (wiry, rough hair in whorls, rosettes). Following are some qualities and fun facts regarding guinea pigs:

• Docile, friendly, and rarely bite (must really be provoked, scared, or under-socialized).

• Run about quickly and may be very difficult to catch, particularly if not well-socialized.

• A stressed guinea pig may "freeze" in a corner of an enclosure quivering, and will not eat, drink, or move. This may become a fatal event.

• Well-socialized and relaxed guinea pigs are friendly little animals and often are familiar with the sound of the refrigerator door.

• Cool weather animals, overheat easily.

• Lifespan averages 5 - 8 years

• Temperature = 101.5 - 103 F

  Pulse = 230 - 300 beats per minute
  Respirations = 70 - 130 respirations per minutes
  Body weight ranging from 750 - 1200 grams (obese animals are not uncommon in practice)

• Sexually mature at 6 - 10 weeks of age (look out)! We do not recommend breeding guinea pigs; however if the intention is to make more guinea pigs, females need to be bred before 3 - 6 months of age as the pubic symphysis (pelvis) fuses and the likelihood of a cesarean section increases. Gestation is ~ 59 - 72 days; larger litters are at the shorter end of range. The young are precocial (look like miniature adults) and can eat solid foods.

• Teeth are open-rooted and grow continuously through life.

Husbandry

Diet/dietary requirements

Cavies are herbivorous, like rabbits. The intestinal tract is very sensitive to change; a sudden change in diet can be catastrophic for the cavy. 

• Guinea pigs don't manufacture vitamin C, and require an exogenous source of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).  Vitamin C is relatively unstable, and although commercial feeds are supplemented, levels deteriorate. Therefore supplementation is recommended at the dose of 50 mg/cup (8oz) daily, plus foods (1/4 orange per day, green pepper, or kale).
• Commercial foods (those that do not contain seeds and nuts) should be a good quality pelleted diet with a nutritional balance of protein 20%, fiber 16%, supplemented with Vitamin C.
• Treats should be limited to 1 - 2 tbsp/day (green vegetables and carrot tops are two examples).
• Sipper tubes should be thoroughly cleaned daily, with a water change. The bottle, tube, and sipper can be taken apart and run through the dishwasher.

Housing/Environment

• As large as enclosure as possible constructed of wire mesh with some solid flooring provided.
• Bedding:  hardwood shavings, recycled paper material, or shredded paper. Bedding needs to be changed frequently.
• Cage furniture should include a hide box.
• Environmental temperature should be between 55 - 70 F.

Health Care

• Annual physical exam (a complete exam of molars requires anesthesia) with a review of husbandry and diet.
• Fecal exam.
• Guinea pigs older than 3 years need baseline bloodwork, urinalysis, and radiographs.
• Heart disease and arthritis are two conditions which may occur in the older guinea pig.

Links

Association of exotic mammal veterinarians - www.aemv.org
American Cavy Breeders Association - www.acbaonline.com