GUINEA PIG

GENUS AND HISTORY

• C. Porcellus
• First domesticated in 5000 BC
• Domesticated for food by tribes in south america
• Brought to europe in 1547
• The queen was the first to own a guinea pig as a pet

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

• Types-abssynian, american, crested, coronet,
• Peruvian, silkie, skinny pig, teddy, texel
• Colors-self, dutch, brindle, tortuiseshell, tortuiseshell
• And white, roan, agouti, albino, dalmation, himalayan

FOOD AND HANDLING

• Lots of greens and lots of vitamen c.
• Occasionally a bit of fruit and pellets
• Very social and easy to be held
• They bite occasionally because they think
• Your hand is food

HUSBANDRY

• Solid bottom cages with bedding
• Houses should be made of durable materials
• Clean cage every two weeks
• Water bottle and food dish should be cleaned weekly
• Can buy food at any pet store or even wlamart

HEALTH PROBLEMS

• Ulcerated and swollen foot pads
• When fed innapropriately can have dental problems
• Scurvy is lack of vitamen c
• Ringworm is common between guinea pigs
• Can liveup to 14 years

BREEDING INFO

• Litter average of three pups
• Gestation period is 59-72 days
• Can have pups at two months old
• But best to wait till 6 months
• Can breed 3-4 times a year

SOURCES

• www.merckmanuals.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/guinea_pigs
• www.animals.pawnation.com
• Companion Animals Disease Book
• Companion Animals Textbook