{"id":4191,"date":"2014-10-01T01:07:41","date_gmt":"2014-10-01T01:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lafeber.com\/staging\/vet\/?p=4191"},"modified":"2025-11-18T18:09:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T00:09:52","slug":"basic-information-for-guinea-pigs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/basic-information-for-guinea-pigs\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Information Sheet: Guinea Pig"},"content":{"rendered":"

Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus<\/em>)<\/h1>\n

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Natural history<\/h2>\n

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\nThe guinea pig is a native of Peru, Brazil, and Argentina that was domesticated by the Inca Indians. Guinea pigs are also known as “cavies”, a term derived from the South American vernacular. Male guinea pigs are called “boars” and females are “sows”.<\/p>\n

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Taxonomy<\/h2>\n

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\nClass<\/strong>: Mammalia<\/em><\/p>\n

Order<\/strong>: Rodentia<\/em><\/p>\n

Suborder<\/strong>: Hystricomorpha<\/em><\/p>\n

Family<\/strong>: Caviidae<\/em><\/p>\n

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Breeds<\/h2>\n

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\nOver 20 breeds<\/a> of guinea pig are recognized with the three most popular being:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Peruvian:<\/td>\nLong hair<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
American or English:<\/td>\nShort hair<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abyssinian:<\/td>\nWhorled or rough hair<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Diet<\/h2>\n

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\nGuinea pigs are strict herbivores<\/a>. A sound diet consists of high-quality hay<\/a>, fresh foods, and water. Offer unlimited grass hay, as guinea pigs eat small portions throughout the day. Alfalfa or clover hay should only be given to juvenile animals as the high calcium content can predispose adults to renal calcification. Fresh food can consist of grasses, herbs, leafy greens, peppers, and other vegetables. Avoid or limit fruits in the diet. Too many simple carbohydrates can lead to diarrhea and\/or dysbiosis.<\/p>\n

Guinea pigs of all ages require a dietary source of vitamin C<\/a> (10-30 mg\/kg per day). Fresh foods rich in vitamin C can provide sufficient levels of this nutrient. Additionally, commercial guinea pig pellets often contain vitamin C and small amounts of pellets (about \u00bc cup a day) can be offered alongside hay and fresh food. Pellets should be fresh and relatively high in fiber, low in sugars and calcium, and grain free. The stability of vitamin C decreases over time and the vitamin C content of pellets is also reduced by exposure to dampness, heat, and light.
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Husbandry<\/h2>\n

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