Since its arrival to Europe and North America by European traders in the 16th century, the guinea pig has become a common pet in Western culture. Guinea pigs have remained a common household pet due to their docile behavior, comfortable responsiveness to handling and eating, and relative ease of care. Guinea pig competitive breeding organizations have sprung up all over the country. Breeders choose a variety of specialized breeds with different hair colors and textures.
Domestic
guinea pigs have been used in biological experiments since the 17th century. In
the 19th and 20th centuries, animals were used as model organisms so often
that the term "guinea pig" was coined to describe a human research
subject. Other rodents, such as mice and rats, have mostly displaced them since
then.
Description
Guinea
pigs are massive mammals, weighing between 700 and 1,200 g (1.5 and 2.6 lb) and
measuring between 20 and 25 cm (8 and 10 in) in length once fully developed.
When fully grown, some livestock breeds weigh 3 kg (6.6 lb). Pet breeds have an
average lifespan of four to five years, but they can live up to eight years.
Many guinea pigs have fur, but the lean pig, a laboratory breed favored by
some pet owners, is largely furless. Some breeds, such as the Peruvian, Silkie,
and Texel, have long coats.
Behavior
Guinea pigs are capable of learning specific routes to food and remembering them for months. Motion is their most effective problem-solving approach. Guinea pigs will climb over small hurdles, but not very far. Most of them are weak climbers and lack agility. They are quickly startled, and when they detect a threat, they either freeze for long stretches of time or bolt for cover in quick, darting movements. Larger numbers of startled guinea pigs will "stampede," fleeing in random directions to confuse predators.
Guinea
pigs, like all mammals, engage in group grooming and self-grooming on a daily
basis. During grooming, a milky-white liquid is secreted from their eyes and
rubbed into their scalp. Guinea pig vision isn't as sharp as a human's in terms
of distance and color, but they have a larger field of view (around 340°) and
can see in partial color (dichromacy). They have highly evolved hearing,
scent, and touch senses.
Difference between a guinea pig and a hamster
|
S. No. |
Guinea Pig |
Hamster |
|
|
Usually, a fully developed guinea
pig will measure between 20 to 30 cm tall. |
The hamster can only grow to be
between 5-15cm tall. While there are several different hamster types and
sizes, this chart is based on two of the most common breeds available in pet
stores: Syrian hamsters and Dwarf hamsters. |
|
|
If you keep your guinea pig fit
and healthy, you should expect it to live for 5-8 years. |
A hamster's lifespan is typically
between two and three years. |
|
|
Guinea pigs are vegans and will
not consume meat until it is absolutely necessary. |
A hamster can consume meat, but it
is more likely to consist of insects than a full-fledged roast dinner! |
|
|
Guinea pig pups are born with
hair, a complete set of teeth, wide-open eyes, and the ability to run around.
A litter typically consists of 2-4 puppies. |
The offspring of a hamster are
born blind and hairless, and their litters may be as high as 20 (although
probably more like 6-12 pups). |
|
|
Your guinea pig will be able to
scale a low-sided playpen or mount a staircase, but they are not successful
climbers. |
Climbing is a favorite activity
for hamsters, and they sometimes scale the cage bars. |
|
|
Guinea pigs cannot run in a wheel;
it is both technically impractical and very dangerous for them. |
Our hamster mates, on the other
hand, would happily run in a wheel all day. |
|
|
Guinea pigs do not have the
capacity to carry food with them. Therefore, they tend to eat their food in one go and then
demand more! |
While hamsters carry food on
their cheeks. Though it may be funny, it's just a hamster's way of hoarding
food. |
|
|
Guinea pigs are known for napping
whenever they feel like it! So, in spite of resting at night or during the
day, they are masters of the power nap and can remain awake for almost 20
hours in a 24-hour cycle. |
The majority of hamsters'
scurrying and feeding occurs at night. This is a simple defense strategy
against predators, which would have a harder time seeing them in the dark
than they will in the daytime. |
Below
is the list of 10 popular guinea pig accessories applicable in India.
10 Popular Guinea Pig Accessories (India)
- Amazon
Basics Habitat Pet Cage, Black
Description - The AmazonBasics Canvas Bottom Pet
Cage allows the guinea pig to run about freely. This simple-to-assemble habitat
is made for delicate little feet, with a textural canvas foundation for
traction and comfort. The cage is lightweight and easy to carry when needed, so
you can put it in the living room, a child's room, a sunny spot in the kitchen,
or even bring it outside for some fresh air and playtime.
The
AmazonBasics Canvas Bottom Pet Cage makes it easy to clean up after your pet.
Remove the iron wire cage frame from the canvas floor, dump it, and wash it
with soap and water.
Features -
● Pet messes and water leaks are
contained thanks to the leak-proof system.
● Setup is simple and requires no
tools; it's also easy to disassemble and store or clean when needed.
● The cage is made of iron wire to
keep the pet secure and contained.
https://www.amazon.in/AmazonBasics-Canvas-Bottom-Cage-Black/dp/B07KB4C1QS/
- Boltz
Premium Guinea Pig Food, Nutritionist Choice
Description - Our nutritionist creates Boltz
Guinea pig food in an ISO 9001-certified facility. Natural ingredients are used
to create a good and nutritious diet for your pet. Pellets for guinea pigs that
are really tasty and crispy. Contains alpha meal, amino acids, acidifiers, and
other ingredients. Vitamin and mineral fortified for good eyes, skin, and coat.
Features -
● This guinea pig food helps to
increase the immune system of the animal.
● It is easily digestible and helps in
maintaining the body weight of the guinea pig.
● This food is rich in vitamin C which
is beneficial for guinea pigs' health.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07NGP157H/
- Leak
Proof Cage Attachment Water Bottle And Feeder for Guinea Pigs
Description - Allow your little friend to have a
lovely water source. It has an attachment hook that allows it to be attached to
the cage walls. It has a small footprint, allowing you to save room for your
little one. It is based on the Law of Gravity. It has a watertight seal.
Features -
● This fantastic water bottle securely
attaches to the side of a cage, ensuring that your pet does not lose it.
● There will be no more muddy floors
or hours of washing and drying what has been soaked by the spilled water.
● It is lightweight, easy to use, and
also easily gets installed.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B079SYGPQ8/
- KSK
Wooden Ladder Bridge, Small Animal Chew Toy
Description - KSK Wooden Ladder Bridge is
specially designed for guinea pigs. In any cage or on a cage rack, this curved
roof house looks fantastic. The joints are made of natural teak wood with no
nails or metal brackets. For insect protection, we have not used any chemical
preservatives. To keep wood safe from insects, we use natural therapy. No
chemical polish is used in the polishing process since it is done by hand.
Features -
● To enter elevated places, it easily
bends to match a variety of shapes and sizes; it promotes exploration and
exercise.
● Safe to chew to fulfill her natural
desires while still keeping her incisor teeth trimmed and protected.
● Curl it into a domed shelter for
your furry friend to use as a hot, cozy nest.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B019L906MC/
- ULTECHNOVO
Hamster Tunnels Telescopic Pet Tube Tunnel Fun Toys for Guinea Pigs
Description - This item is a fun pet guinea pig
tent tunnel plaything that is made of high-quality materials and is both clean
and odorless. Develop a creative look that is really attractive,
exclusive, and intriguing. Suitable for use at home or in a pet shop, it is
both useful and amusing, and it can attract your pet.
Features -
● A nice spot for your pet to rest or
play indoors that is both comfortable and entertaining.
● Assist in the creation of a happy
and safe pet by making it happier and more comfortable.
● Delightful and nice, trendy and
fresh, as well as nice home decor.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09376DL7B/
- Western
Era Wood Shaving Bedding for Guinea Pig
Description - Western Era Wood Shavings offers
your pet the best bedding available for extra comfort and safe life,
including strong absorption of small animal urine, elimination of feces and
urine odors, and the maintenance of a warm atmosphere. Guinea pigs and other
small animals will enjoy it.
Features -
● Dust-free to protect the respiratory
systems of small animals.
● Hygienic for improved health, made
of natural wood.
● Your small pet will feel at ease in
this softwood shaving environment.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B081V78DFM/
- Pet
Plush Mat, Hamster Cushion Hedgehog Blanket Guinea Pig
Description - Made of high-quality fluffy cotton
that is both soft and comfortable, this blanket will keep your little animal
warm during the cold winter months.
Features -
● Small pets, such as mice and guinea
pigs, are suitable.
● The small animal mats are easy to
wash.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07BZQYBWB/
- Niteangel
Wood House with Window, Guinea Pigs Hut Hideout
Description - The Niteangel Hut Hideout offers
small animals the best solid-wood hideouts. Provides pets with a natural sense
of protection, as it is made of high-quality pine wood.
Features -
● Your guinea pig and other small
animals will love this natural, solid-wood hideaway.
● Constructed from quality timber, it
provides pets with a natural sense of security.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07F3H1SF5/
- Paraben
Free Guinea Pig Shampoo Enriched with Natural Herbs Herbal Scent for Small
Animal Care
Description - Do you consider your pets to be
members of your family? We feel the same way! We are pet lovers who want the
best for our furry children, so we set out to develop not only the most
affordable but also the safest products that we would be proud to use on our
own pets and recommend to others.
Features -
● Organic Aloe Vera Aids in the
moisturization of the skin and the well-being of the hair. Reduce the amount of
odor. Removes greasy stains from the pores.
● Without the use of massage cream
or conditioner, hair becomes smooth. Rejuvenate and treat skin conditions
including rashes and leptospirosis.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07RRJDJWP/
- KSK
Wooden Chew Toy Teeth Grinding for Guinea Pig
Description -
Guinea pigs, and parrots will enjoy this chew toy. Designed to grit the
teeth of small animals and birds.
Features -
● Beautiful with a sense of security
and well-being. Chewing and playtime fun that lasts a long time.
● Guinea pigs and parrots will enjoy
this chew toy.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0768J8X6K/
Guinea
pigs, often known as cavies, are members of the Caviidae family, which
comprises many South American rodent species. Guinea pigs are popular pets,
especially among families, thanks to their kind personalities. Even when
agitated, they are gregarious, retain a daily schedule, and rarely bite. They
are different from hamsters in a variety of ways such as appearance, size, life
span, sleeping pattern, and probably their accessories.
Guinea
pigs come in a variety of sizes and forms, but they all have one thing in
common: they're always quite playful. Of course, you should carefully consider
whether a toy is appropriate for your guinea pig and constantly keep an eye on
them while they play, you can have a look at them in this article!
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