Guinea+Pigs

= ~Guinea Pigs~ = = =

= = = = = History: = Guinea pigs are originally from South America. They were domesticated by the Indios. The Indios used them as pets, food, and victims in their ceremonies. In the 16th century they were introduced to Europe by the Spanish. They were sold to Europe in Holland, where they then became popular. (1)

= Name: = There are many reasons why Guinea Pigs have gotten their name. One reasons is that they were sold for one "guinea". Another reason is that people believed that the animals originated from Guinea in South Africa, because ships usually sailed from South America to Guinea in Europe. The last reason is that the name guineas sounded like Guyana in South America from where many animals had been transported. (1)

= Anatomy: = The length of a full grown guinea pig is about 20 centimeters. The weight of a female is 600 to 1200 grams. The weight of a male is 800 to 1800 grams. Guinea Pigs have hairless ears and dark eyes. They have two sharp incisors and eight molars. They can also breath 120 times a minute. Guinea pigs have a good sense of smell and a very good sense of hearing. (1) Their body temperature can vary between 99 degrees and 103 degrees fahrenheit. Their teeth are open-rooted, which means they continue to grow all the time. (4)

= Age: = The average life span for guinea pigs is about 5 to 6 years. If you take good care of your guinea pig and other postive points such as genotype, cleanliness, and no illnesses, your guinea pig may live up to 8 to 10 years. (1)

= Keeping: = - General - Guinea pigs tend to be extremely social and should never be left alone. Two males in one cage isn't the best thing, because they'll tend to fight each other. Two or more females together is fine though. (1)

- Cage - The bigger the cage, the better. They need plenty of room to run around and play. The cage should remain clean, and you should wash it when necessary. (1) The cage should be at least 18 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 25 inches deep. (2) Hay and wood shavings with some layers of newspaper underneath is good too. A little house for them would be great. (1)

- Food - Guinea pigs are herbivores. (4) They eat hay and pellets on a daily basis. (1) They'll also eat lettuce, different kinds of fruits and veggies. In the summer they love to eat grass and dandelions. And obviously, they need water. (1) They also need vitamin C. (6)

= Breeds: = -Short haired - English Self, Crested, Satin, Dutch, Tortoiseshell, Himalayan, Abyssinian, English Rex, and Teddy. -Long haired - Peruvian, Sheltie, Coronet, Texil, Alpaka, and Merino. (1)

= Relatives: = Genus Cavia, Cavia Aperea, Genus Kerodon Rupestris, Genus Dolichotis Patagonum, Galea Musteloides, Microcavia Australis, Genus Hydrochaeris, Family Dasyproctdae-Agutis, Pacas, Genus Aguti Paca-Paca, and Genus Myocastor Coypus-Nutria. (1)

= Diseases: = Cancer - Cancer for guinea pigs is rare, but it still happens. It usually effects older guinea pigs. Most tumors involve the skin and respiratory tract lining. Cancer can also be found in the reproductive tract, mammary glands, and in the blood. Cervical Lymphadenitis "Lumps" - Under the lower jaw, in the upper neck, there's separating of the lymph nodes. Rough foods, such as timothy hay injure the inside of the mouth. (3)

= Buying Guinea Pigs: = Guinea pigs require a lot of commitment and a lot of care. You need to make sure that if you were to go on vacation for awhile, you'll need to have somebody feed your guinea pigs. (5) Recommended sizes for cages- 1 guinea pig- 7.5 sq. feet, 2 guinea pigs- 10.5 sq. feet, 3 guinea pigs- 13 sq. feet, 4 guinea pigs- 13 or larger sq. feet. Try not to buy cages with grids larger than 1.5 inches. (4)

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media type="youtube" key="hL9xcOdwYfE" height="285" width="340" = Figure 3: Guinea Pigs eating grass = = Just for fun: = = media type="youtube" key="F1GKM0zuf7U" height="285" width="340" Figure 4: Guinea Pig Song  = = Facts in the video: = Hay: Timothy hay is recommended for guinea pigs. (7) Fruits & veggies: red pepper (green/yellow), carrots, apples, oranges, leafy greens, cucumbers, broccoli, green beans, grapes, bananas, dandelion greens, & strawberries. (8) Fruit & veggies they should NOT eat: iceberg lettuce, any type of cabbage, caoliflower, potato peelings, raw beans, shelled nuts or seeds, rhubarb, meat or fish, dairy products, chocolate or other caffeine products, alcohol (obviously), cookies, bread, corn kernels, popcorn, ice cream, cheese, any processed or fried foods, and food meant for hamsters and rabbits. (8)

= Wild Guinea Pigs: = Wild guinea pigs can be found in South America's rocky area's, savannas, forest edeges, and swamps. (9) Have you ever wondered what a guinea pig eats in the wild? Well, guinea pigs eat (in the wild) grass, leaves, little bugs, plant stems, and seeds. (10)

media type="youtube" key="wHV3cdyGgHE" height="364" width="445" = Figure 5: Guinea Pig yawning = = =

=Works Cited:= 1__: BBC__. MMIX. 06 Feb 2009 . __2: Humane Society of the United States.__ 2009. Humane Soceity of the United States. 09 Feb 2009 http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/rabbit_horse_and_other_pet_care/how_to_care_for_guinea_pigs.html>. __3: Animal Hopsitals-USA.__ 2008. Sandpipers Design. 09 Feb 2009 . __4: Cavy Spirit,__ 2006. Cavy Spirit Inc. 09 Feb 2009 http://www.cavyspirit.com/care.htm>. __5: Ezine Articles.__ 2009. Ezine Articles. 09 Feb 2009 <[|http://ezinearticles.com/?Caring-for-Guinea-Pigs&id=891690|http://ezinearticles.com/?Caring-for-Guinea-Pigs&id=891690>.0|http://ezinearticles.com/?Caring-for-Guinea-Pigs&id=891690>.__6: North Forty News.__ 2006. North Forty News & Fossil Creek Current. 09 Feb 2009 .__7: Cavy Cages.__ 2006. Cavy Spirit Inc. 10 Feb 2009 .__8: Animals & Nature.__ 2009. Squidoo. 10 Feb 2009 .__9: Public Bookshelf.__ 2008. Publish Bookshelf Corporation. 10 Feb 2009 .10: __Guinea Pigs.__ 2009. Joomla. 22 Feb 2009 . =Figures Cited= 1: Mrozek, Andrea. "Guinea pig." 2009. picture. __Pro Woman Profile.__ < http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.prowomanprolife.org/wp-//content/uploads/2008/04/guinea_pig_1-759711.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.prowomanprolife.org/%3Fp%3D465&usg=__RUKDPMflyfw4jJLitfhSqL_CdU=&h=333&w=500&sz=164&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=or2UpT1EMvU4qM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dguinea%2Bpigs%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN__ 2: __"guinea pigs outside." 2009. picture.__ Moggil Pet Motel. < __http://www.moggillpetmotel.com.au/Portals/8/guinea%2520pigs.jpg&imgrefurl=http:www.moggillpetmotel.com.au/OurAviary.aspx&usg=__lP4BUuze_soMTqK47XnTBzV20AA=&h=390&w=520&sz=48&hl=en&start=37&um=1&tbnid=A-HKAEN4LFCnyM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dguinea%2Bpigs%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN> 3: "guinea pigs eating grass." 2008. video. __Youtube. <__[[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL9xcOdwYf>.E|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL9xcOdwYf|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL9xcOdwYf]>.E|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL9xcOdwYf>. 4: "guinea pig song." 2007. video. __Youtube. <__[|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1GKM0zuf7U&feature=related>.] 5: "guinea pig yawning." 2008. video. __Youtube. .__ 6: Krecik, Mandi. "Rudy Bear." 2009. picture.

 Created By: Mandi Jo & Brittany