An Introduction to Guinea Pig

Guinea Pig or Cavy?
The use of the word cavy when referring to these animals is scientifically correct, and is favoured by the fanciers who run Cavy Clubs throughout the country. The general public, however, still clings to the more popular guinea pig, and either name is acceptable.

The use of the word 'guinea', however, is curious, and has not been satisfactorily explained. There are several possibilities, and die most acceptable suggests that it is a corruption of Guiana. Originally guinea pigs were exported from the (then) Guiana coast of South America, from which the animals were first brought to Europe by Spanish sailors.

Cavia porcellus is the scientific name, meaning the 'piglike cavy', and the smooth breeds, which are most like the wild cavies, do rather resemble pigs in outline. There is also a similarity of movement: sometimes, like pigs, these cavies 'trot', with the body lifted well clear of the ground, and moving more slowly than in their normal low, scurrying run.

The Right Pet?
The guinea pig is a grassland animal by nature and is quite easy to care for when the right facilities are available. The short-haired breeds need little more than warm, dry accommodation, a good herbivorous diet, and regular access to a grazing and exercise area. Long-haired types have exotic appeal but of course need regular and frequent grooming.

In their native grasslands, guinea pigs live as social animals, in family colonies, and when kept as pets they should be housed together, if at all possible, in small compatible groups. For breeding purposes one male is usually kept with several females, but as pets it is recommended that two or more females be kept together. Adult males will usually not share accommodation without fighting.

Those deprived of the company of other guinea pigs will suffer from an unnatural isolation, and in particular circumstances the loss can even be physically harmful. A case in point is the problem of exposure. It sometimes happens, that an unexpected cold snap will take owners unawares, and guinea pigs will be found suffering from exposure, having been left in an unprotected hutch, perhaps with too small a quantity of bedding. In such circumstances, several guinea pigs would huddle together for warmth, and perhaps survive quite well; in very similar circumstances, a lone guinea pig could well succumb.

As guinea pigs are not hardy enough to endure draughts, damp and very cold weather, you will need to be able to provide extra shelter in the winter. A well-built shed or outbuilding will be suitable if it is warmed, when necessary, with a small heater such as those used for greenhouses and garages.