Guinea Pigs or Cavies

Background

The scientific name of guinea pigs is cavies. In western culture the guinea pig is a popular pet. They are also believed to be supernatural agents for diagnosing diseases.

The European traders introduced the creature in the 16th century. It is docile, does not need much caring and responds to human contact. Worldwide organizations have started selective breeding of guinea pigs permuting and computing coat colours.

In common English the words “guinea pig” refers to an object of experiment. Since the 17th century scientific experiments are being carried out on these animals but of late their role has been taken over by rodents like mice and rates. But some amount of experimentation is still being carried on with guinea pigs in the field of diabetes, tuberculosis pregnancy complexities and scurvy.

Characteristics

These large rodents weigh about 1/ 2.5 pounds and measure 8” to 10”. Their life span is close to 5 years. These excellent swimmers have a penchant for grass and grassland. Guinea pigs live in groups consisting of many females called sows and one male or boar. They do not store food or burrow but seek shelter in burrows made by others. Guinea pigs are most active at dawn and dusk. House pets usually live in cages lined with wood shavings. They tend to mess up their surroundings by jumping into food bowls. Crystallization of their urine makes removal of the same problematic.

History says that 5000 years ago mountain tribes were the first ones to domesticate the guinea pig in the Andes. They were integrated in their art and were worshipped. Many communities still rear the animals here as a source of food supply..

Black guinea pigs are specially veneered. In Peru about 65 million guinea pigs are consumed annually. There is a famous painting of the Last Supper showing Christ eating this delicacy. In the religious festival of jac tsariy in eastern Peru door-to-door collections of guinea pigs are made. Mock fights between creatures are often held.

Cooked guinea pigs are a vital part of the celebrations. Dancers prance about dressed as the animal. Peruvian immigrants in USA continue with the practice and sell the animals as food in some special eateries. A university in Peru is researching on the possibilities of guinea pig rearing and selling the same as meat on a regular basis.

Care

There are many plus points in keeping the guinea pig as a pet. It does not need to be walked like dogs. They do not kill birds. They do not eat ravenously like rabbits and are content to stay indoors. They do not require extra heat, are not noisy and unlike fish they can return affection. The vet hardly has to be called and so they are fairly cheap to maintain.

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