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Guinea Pig Cavia aperea
Hausmeerschweinchen / Marsvin
Facts: Food in the wild: Most plants
Food in captivity: Roots, fruit, vegetables, grain, grass and hay
Sexual maturity: 1 month
Gestation period: 9 weeks
Number of offspring per litter: Rarely less than 3
Life expectancy: 7–8 years in captivity
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The guinea pig is a small South American rodent that has become a popular pet.
Their are some 12 different species of wild guinea pigs living throughout South America, except for the southern tip of the continent. The species range in size from 20 to 35 cm. Breeding of domesticated guinea pigs focuses on three main categories, with separate fur characteristics: a short-haired variety, a coarse-haired Abyssinian and a long-haired Peruvian.
In the wild, guinea pigs dig burrows and live in colonies, similar to rabbits. Their digging abilities have disappeared during the process of breeding various colours and fur varieties.
Guinea pigs do not give birth to many offspring compared to other rodents, such as mice. Guinea pigs also have a longer gestation period. On the other hand, baby guinea pigs are more fully developed at birth. They have hair, their eyes and ears are open and they can run around a few hours after they are born!
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