Guinea Pig Fact and Fiction
by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger
11 Apr 2008 01:45 PM
After talking with fantasy author Joshua Palmatier about his guinea pigs, I noticed that we don't have a whole lot of info here at the Pets Blog about the breed! Time to remedy that.
Here are some basics about guinea pigs (also known as cavies).
- The average body temperature of a guinea pig is between 99 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Like many other house pets with fur, that's warmer than the average human!
- An average adult male guinea pig weighs (called a boar) between two and three pounds.
- An average adult female guinea pig (called a sow) weighs between one and two pounds.
- Guinea pigs are strictly herbivorous -- they only eat plants.
- A guinea pig's teeth are open rooted. That means they continue to grow and must be gnawed or ground down through chewing. Rabbits have the same kind of teeth.
Some common misconceptions about guinea pigs:
- Two males together will fight. WRONG! It depends on the personalities, but many guinea pig owners find that their males live happily and peacefully with no fighting. This is not true with other species (rabbits come to mind -- two males together will usually fight).
- Keeping more than one guinea pig means that your pets will bond with each other and not with you. WRONG! Guinea pigs are social herd animals, and are happier and healthier in pairs or trios. But that doesn't mean the pigs won't love you too! Spending time with your guinea pigs separately and together will ensure that you all get a chance to bond.
- Guinea pigs are smelly. WRONG! If your pigs are stinky, they may need a bigger cage and/or more frequent cleaning.
- The best place to buy a guinea pig is at the pet store. Not always. Check with your local shelters and animal rescues, too. Just like there are lots of homeless dogs and cats around the country -- there are lots of homeless guinea pigs, too.
guinea pigs
