Did you know? List of Facts about Guinea Pigs

Facts are statements which are held to be true and often contrasted with opinions and beliefs. Our unusual and interesting facts about Guinea Pig, trivia and information, including some useful statistics about animals will fascinate everyone from kids and children to adults. Interesting Facts about Guinea Pig are as follows:

Fact 1 - Definition: The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), stout-bodied nearly tail-less domesticated rodent which can be trained and is often kept as a pet. Often called a 'cavy'
Fact 2 - There are 3 basic types of domestic guinea pigs:
The American/English guinea pig has short hair with a smooth coat
The Abyssinian guinea pig has a wiry coat with hair that swirls into rosettes
The Peruvian guinea pig has straight hair that is long and silky
Fact 3 - Guinea Pigs are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea! Guinea refers to Guyana and their short robust bodies gives them a piggish appearance
Fact 4 - Guinea Pigs originated in the Andes
Fact 5 - The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is not found naturally in the wild although some of the domestic species have turned feral after being reintroduced into the wild
Fact 6 - They are most active during daylight hours
Fact 7 - They like to spend time grooming themselves and each other
Fact 8 - Guinea Pig stats and facts
Weight: 700 and 1200 g (1.5–2.5 pounds)
Length: 20 and 25 cm (8–10 inches)
Habitat: Grassy plains and semi-arid desert
Lifespan: 4 - 5 years
Diet: Guinea Pig are Herbivores eating mainly grass and hay
Fact 9 - The guinea pig makes a variety of noises including squealing, chirping, chattering, rumbling and purring
Fact 10 - Common health problems in the domestic guinea pig include respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, scurvy and abscesses
Fact 11 - They make ideal pets as they are easy to handle, soft and furry, look cute and do not bite or scratch
Fact 12 - Guinea Pigs are highly sociable animals and are happiest if kept in groups
Fact 13 - Females are called "sows" and males are called "boars".
Fact 14 - The offspring of guinea pigs are called pups
Fact 15 - The teeth of the guinea pig never stop growing and they need to constantly gnaw on something hard to wear them down
Fact 16 - The pups are born with lots of fur and open eyes