15 Random Facts About Guinea Pigs!

Did You Know?

• Guinea Pigs Are Not Pigs, Nor Are They From Guinea

Guinea pigs are rodents and hail from South America.

• Guinea Pigs Are Also Commonly Called “Cavies”

Guinea pigs are members of the Caviidae family under the genus Cavia, hence “cavy”.

• The American Cavy Breeders Association Recognizes 13 Breeds of Guinea Pig

They are: Abyssinian, Abyssinian Satin, American, American Satin, Coronet, Peruvian, Peruvian Satin, Silkie, Silkie Satin, Teddy, Teddy Satin, Texel, and White Crested.

• Guinea Pigs Are Extremely Social and Do Best in Groups of 2 or More

If you’re thinking of adding a guinea pig to your family, please keep in mind that it is almost always best to get at least two for the comfort of the animals.

• Guinea Pigs Require a Diet of 80-90% Hay

Guinea pigs depend on hay for proper digestion to keep their GI tract balanced and their teeth worn down.

• Guinea Pigs Have 2 Types of Stool

The first is the standard dropping a guinea pig owner will see in the litterbox; semi-firm and oval shaped with rounded ends. The second is called a cecotrope and looks slightly darker, softer, and is clumped. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see any cecotropes in your guinea pig’s litterbox…. they actually consume these droppings immediately upon making them, allowing food to pass through their systems a second time, pulling even more nutrients from it. This might sound gross, but it’s actually quite normal and healthy for your pet!

• Guinea Pigs Use Vocalizations to Express Themselves

While guinea pigs do have their own unique body language, they are known for their adorable vocalizations, most notably their famous “wheeking” sound.

• Guinea Pigs Have 4 Toes on Their Front Feet and 3 Toes on Their Back Feet

• Guinea Pigs Secrete a Milky White Discharge From Their Eyes

This discharge is used to lubricate the eyes and clean their faces.

• Guinea Pigs Can’t Produce Their Own Vitamin C

Like humans, but unlike most other mammals, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin c and therefore need supplements to prevent scurvy.

• Guinea Pigs Have a Grease Gland

Located at the base of the spine where the tail would be (if they had one!), this gland is used for scent marking. The thick, oily secretion turns into a gum-like consistency as it dries. Boars especially can accumulate a build-up of grease and may need regular cleaning of this area.

• Guinea Pigs Actually Need A Lot of Space

Guinea pigs are not climbers by nature, and get their exercise through zoomies (yup- just like dogs!). This means they need ample space to run around and most commercial cages are absolutely not sufficient for one piggy, let alone two. But not to worry, a homemade C&C cage is actually quite simple to make and can be completely customized!

• Guinea Pigs Are Born Like Mini Adults

Unlike other rodents, guinea pigs are born completely covered in hair, have teeth, can see and hear, and are capable of moving around on their own immediately after birth.

• Male Guinea Pigs Are Called “Boars”, Females Are Called “Sows”, and Babies Are Called “Pups”

• Happy Guinea Pigs Will “Popcorn”!

“Popcorning” is a behavior guinea pigs do when they’re exceptionally happy, like when the food bag is opened.They’ll suddenly jump up in the air, maybe do a little body twist and zoom off again. It is absolutely adorable and one of the best parts of guinea pig ownership!