Guinea pigs are popular pets all over the world due to their availability, placid personalities, and clean habits. They are small, sociable, and chatty creatures, making them ideal first pets for children. However, their name often confuses people with its association to Guinea and pigs. In reality, they originated from the South America grasslands and lower Andes mountain ranges where they were raised by the Incas and other people who lived along the Andes Mountains, from northwest Venezuela to central Chile. Guinea pigs played a significant role in Peruvian society as they were raised for food by many families, usually traded as gifts for newlywed partners starting their new lives together and were given breeding pairs to start breeding colonies of their own.
Although there isn’t a population of guinea pigs that naturally live in the wild today, guinea pigs are thought to have been domesticated in Peru over 3,000 years ago. They remained a sustainable food source for the indigenous people who either kept them in their homes or left them to roam outdoors, where they could scratch around for food. In the 16th century, guinea pigs were introduced to Europe, where they were quickly domesticated and became popular among wealthy residents. Additionally, they are utilized extensively for research in the fields of pathology, toxicity, nutrition, anatomy, and genetics.
The source of the name “guinea pig” is still a mystery. They are not pigs nor are they from Guinea. There are many theories about where the term originated, each somewhat unique. One theory suggests that the first word of the name may have been inspired by the animal’s price in England in the 16th and 17th centuries, which was one Guinea, or the fact that the animals were transported to various markets in Europe after being loaded into ships in Guinean ports. The location where some guinea pigs were collected from was Guiana, which was often mispronounced and could also be the source of the name. Boats from the transatlantic slave trade that sailed into ports in West Africa that carried guinea pigs were known as Guinea men, which is another possible explanation from history. The second component of the name was also first used by Europeans, who thought the animal’s squeaking noise and the flavor of its cooked meat were similar to the taste of pork.
Guinea pigs played a significant role in Peru’s medical care and religious practices as they were believed to identify the underlying cause of an ailment. Usually, they were rubbed against a sick relative, and later on, the guinea pig involved was executed and had a local medicine man examining its intestines to identify the disease. Guinea pigs were used in laboratories since the 1800s to research nutrition, genetics, toxicity, and pathology. They have contributed a great deal to medical research, as well as to the health and welfare of people and animals throughout the world.
Today, guinea pigs remain popular pets all over the world due to their friendly and docile nature. Here are some care tips and facts about guinea pigs to help you decide if it is the right pet for you:
1. Guinea pigs typically live for 5 to 6 years, though some may live even longer.
2. Guinea pigs only sleep for short periods and are active for up to 20 hours a day.
3. Guinea pigs are highly sociable. They get lonely, so they shouldn’t be kept alone.
4. They need a secure space big enough to exercise and high enough to stand on their back legs. They should feel safe where they can rest and feel protected from predators.
5. Their housing will need to be cleaned often.
6. The majority of their diet should consist of high-quality hay, and they should always have access to it. They should also get access to new grass as often as possible, ideally daily.
7. Make sure they always have access to clean, fresh drinking water, and check it twice daily. If you detect any changes in their feeding, drinking, or toileting routines, consult your veterinarian.
Guinea pigs are fascinating creatures with a rich and intriguing history. They have been important to Peruvian society, medical care, and scientific research. Today, they make great pets due to their gentle nature and ease of care. Keep these facts in mind if you are considering adopting one of these charming little cavies as a new addition to your family.
