Guinea pigs live for around four to eight years, so their care is a longterm commitment. Guinea pigs are social companion animals that need daily interaction. The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors only, and no responsibility will be taken for the use of, or accuracy of, the information contained therein. The great adventures of piggy the peruvian pig is based a true story about piggy, a peruvian guinea pig, who is lost in the virginia wilderness. So, if you lack the time to spend in your peruvian guinea pig, or if you have small children that could harshly handle the little furry friend then is better to abstain from buying a peruvian guinea pig. The project gutenberg ebook of the raising and care of guinea. Many pet care books will list guinea pigs as rodents, but this isconfusing and often.
The peruvian guinea pig is one of the oldest breeds around and they boast wonderful full, flowing soft coats. Cavies cannot manufacture their own vitamin c and require 10 to 30 mg daily to prevent scurvy. Peruvian guinea pigs are a very social breed, so they fair best when housed with others. Keep in mind, however, that what works best in a home isnt necessarily what works best in a shelter environment. If you have ever considered keeping guinea pigs as pets, the peruvian guinea pig is a unique and beautiful breed to consider. Guinea pigs are herbivores, so their diet should be one based on highquality guinea pig hay, pelleted guinea pig food and limited amounts of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. However, i always differentiate guinea pigs from rodents simply because their care and lifestyle is more closely aligned with rabbits instead of rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils.
They also like it when you gently stroke their head. They differ slightly between regions, but there is a sense of continuity, as well. The cuy peruano peruvian guinea pig is related to another animal called a cavy, a large rodent found in south america. Being one of the most beautiful breeds of guinea pigs, the peruvian is quite rare to find. These little rodents are so domesticated today that none exist in the wild. Compared to the common american guinea pig, the peruvian is almost like an unicorn cavy. An imbalance in nutrition can cause chronic diarrhea, obesity and diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys. A pair of females is your best choice, as a pair of males may be prone to fighting especially if they are not neutered. Cuy is a delicious delicacy best served with potatoes and salsa. Enter your email address to receive alerts when we have new listings available for peruvian guinea pig for sale. In addition to fibrous greens, the diet should include a small number of highquality pellets. Animal careguinea pig wikibooks, open books for an open. They originated in the andes of south america, and studies based.
The cage needs to be spotcleaned daily and completely cleaned weekly. Remember to clean their water dropper every day and refill it with fresh water. The dense, soft coat of the peruvian requires a great deal of grooming, and many owners of peruvian guinea pigs end up trimming the hair to keep it manageable. Home comforts peruvian guinea pig cavy longhaired black vivid imagery laminated poster print 24 x 36. The great adventures of piggy the peruvian guinea pig.
This longer lifespan is important for families to consider if they are thinking of adopting a guinea pig, as you need to be prepared to care for your pig even after the kids have grown up and moved out. Peruvian guinea pigs, however, cannot groom in the same way due to the sheer length of their fur. Peruvian guinea pigs originate from argentina, bolivia, and, of course, peru. Buy the proper care of guinea pigs new edition by gurney, peter isbn. Oct 17, 2016 since 2000, the nonprofits peruvian program has donated 23,000 guinea pigs to 2,300 families, according to jason woods, heifer internationals senior communications director. Breeds such as the peruvian guinea pig have stunning tresses that can grow up to 20 inches long. Choosy breeding of peruvian guinea pigs started around the year 1200. A shorthaired guinea pig whose cage is properly cleaned shouldnt ever need a bath. The hairs of the peruvian guinea pig breed require additional care, but their loveliness is ahead of compare. Despite their common name, guinea pigs are not native to guinea, nor are they closely biologically related to pigs, and the origin of the name is still unclear.
They are believed to have come over to this country from south america via france. These long haired little beauties love being petted and groomed carefully and lovingly by their human owners. See more ideas about guinea pigs, cavy and cute guinea pigs. For the price of a bag of guinea pig food you can learn all that kim has to teach you in this concise and informative book and ensure your new best friend has a rich and rewarding life. This breed of guinea pig is born with shorter hair, however grows long once they reach adulthood, as a matter of fact their hair could reach up to 50 cm. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Known for its long, flowing coat and friendly personality, the peruvian guinea pig makes a wonderful pet for adults and children alike. Give your guinea pig 15 minutes and then try again. The peruvian guinea pig is the ultimate icebreaker for friends and family coming over for dinner. Native from peru, argentina and bolivia, they are a classified kind of breed and a nonself variety of guinea pigs. History of the breed comparison to other guinea pig breeds cost of care pros and cons habitat requirements daily care teaching your guinea pig simple commands.
Longhaired peruvian guinea pigs require more care than. A pet guinea pig is a member of your family and will benefit from the most interaction available. Little dreams caviary is the place to come if you want peruvian or silkie guinea pig. These peruvian guinea pig breeds were first developed for food, and after some years, the focus was shifted to producing suitable show animals and pets around the. The peruvian has long sleak hair which grows over their face. See the fact file below for more information on the guinea pigs or alternatively, you can download our 25page guinea pigs worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
From the different breeds of guinea pig to consider, like the american, silkie, peruvian or teddy guinea pig, to their proper care and maintenance, theres a lot to know before adding one to your family. This section contains articles with advice about caring for your cavy guinea pig. Guinea pigs may be successfully raised on wire mesh floors. Peruvian guinea pig, boomerang books, jennifer grey, condor, christmas. Peruvians often remind star trek geeks of tribbles, for their hair grows. Speak with your veterinarian about the best way to achieve the right levels of vitamin c for your pet.
A short guide to the peruvian guinea pig pets4homes. It teaches children that the greatest adventures come when least expected, and that you have to be courageous even when you are afraid. Guinea pigs love a good cuddle but on the first day home, but make sure to give your guinea pig time to settle in. The peruvian guinea pig is generally obtained as a show animal. Guinea pigs are small pets, but they require plenty of space, time, effort, and human interaction. The great adventures of piggy the peruvian guinea pig morgan.
The peruvian is one of the oldest breeds of guinea pigs, having been established in this country for well over 100 years. In this book you will find a wealth of information about the peruvian guinea pig as well as information about caring for guinea pigs in general. Their lovely looks and personalities has made them incredibly popular pets, but they are not the ideal choice as a childrens pet because of the amount of care and grooming they need to keep their gorgeous locks looking so good. The abnormally long fur of the peruvian guinea pig is due to an autosomal recessive gene. Then, refill the food dishes daily and clean them out once a week. Guinea pigs in the andean region of south america are often kept outside on roofs or in milk crates. By proceeding, you consent to our legal notice and.
Each book is individually written by a trainer, breeder, veterinarian, or other animal specialist. Just like plant and herbal medicine, there are countless medicinal practices used by healers in the peruvian andes. Its tresses require extra care, but their beauty is beyond compare. Why they are called guinea pigs, no one seems to know, unless their shape suggests a small pig and the name guinea is a corruption of guiana, a country in south america. They communicate by making various sounds that have different meanings. A male abyssinian guinea pig the abyssinian is a breed of guinea pig that is relatively common as both a pet and show animal.
Peruvian for sale guinea pigs breed information omlet. Guinea pigs are social animals, and you should consider keeping a samesex pair so they have someone to socialize with. Peruvian guinea pigs need a little more attention than most other breeds of. M 1007 maple avenue lisle, il 60532 630 7371281 guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly rodents from south america that cavia porcellus were domesticated between 500 and a. Kims bred peruvian, smooth, abyssinians and alpacas with her pedigree peruvian guinea pigs still winning awards in south african guinea pig shows. This is when the guinea pig chews the hair of other guinea pigs. Peruvian farmers, chefs yes, chefs cash in on guinea pig. If you are willing to give your guinea pig a good home with proper food, attention, living space, grooming, and veterinary care, you will be rewarded with a happy, healthy, cute, and fun guinea pig.
They are native to argentina, peru and bolivia in the andes region. Peruvian guinea pig as the name suggests, is native from peru and a classified type and nonselfrange of guinea pigs. The guinea pig is a species of rodent that belongs to the cavy family. Never trust a squirrel by patrick cooper, guinea pig in the garage by ben m. Find guinea pigs for sale at your local petsmart store. While most hamsters, gerbils and rats live only two to three years, on average, most guinea pigs live five to seven years and some have even lived into their teens. The great adventure of piggy the peruvian guinea pig is based on a true story where a cousins guinea pig was lost for three weeks until neighbors safely returned it. This means they cannot quite partake in the same style of social grooming.
Most shorthaired cavies are excellent selfgroomers. Female guinea pig for sale live small pets petsmart. Being inside your home will make it easier and more appealing to care for and play with your guinea pig. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. General care is covered in the frequently asked questions page. How to care for guinea pigs with pictures wikihow pet. Female guinea pigs are shy at first but they will develop an intense affection for their pet parents and may whistle to signal their happiness. They are one of the oldest guides pig breeds in the world, having been brought to europe in the late 1800s. Peruvian guinea pigs need a little more attention than most other breeds of guinea pig, mainly due to their long hair. They are not pigs either and dont live in the wild, being purely bred for food by the people of the andes. He toured the usa to promote the sex life of guinea pigs.
It has long, flowing hair that makes it a favorite of show judges. May 10, 2019 pet cavies, rabbits and rodents, and books about them. This majesticlooking guinea pig with long, flowing hair is truly a unique breed of guinea pig and not your average household pet. Everything about the peruvian guinea pig care, and much more. About abyssinian guinea pigs information about abyssinian guinea pigs, including the abyssinian personality, care tips, colour guide, types, the history of the breed and what makes them the ideal pet for both children and adults. This story will be a wonderful addition to any home or library. Guinea pigs under 350 g require a mesh of approximately 10 mm 38 in made of 1012. If the guinea pig is to be shown, wraps can be used to keep the hair from getting tangled or soiled. They originate from south america and there are eight species, but only one the domestic cavy is kept as a pet.
The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig cavia porcellus, also known as cavy or domestic cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the family caviidae and the genus cavia. Our smaller pets like mice, rabbits and guinea pigs, can really struggle when the temperature peaks and there are some read more winter care guide. Shorthair and longhair guinea pigs have vastly different grooming needs. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and a small amount of pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs, plus a vitamin c supplement each day. Care of guinea pigs ness exotic wellness center 1007 maple ave. Caring for your guinea pig involves providing the proper diet, housing, and toys, and having the right supplies to clean up after your small pet. Sep 25, 2019 peruvian guinea pigs are not for rookies owners. Guinea pigs may be nervous at first but rarely bite and generally become very tame with frequent handling. Introduction the guinea pig or cavy belongs to the rabbit family and is a native of south america.
Guinea pigs need horizontal space for running, much like rabbits. See more ideas about guinea pigs, peruvian guinea pig and cute guinea pigs. Whether youre taking a guinea pig home for your kids or for yourself, the act of bringing one into your life requires the same due diligence that taking any other pet home would. From basic care guide to comprehensive links list, messageboard, and gift shop. Sep 08, 2016 they are not pigs either and dont live in the wild, being purely bred for food by the people of the andes. A truly informative guinea pig book, the complete cavy, by kim traicos is a complete guinea pig pet care guide teaching you how to care for pet guinea pigs. Guinea pigs may be seen as pets in the uk, but in peru they are an increasingly popular delicacy. Therefore, the peruvian guinea pig breed is the most difficult breed to care for due to the long hair. They are born with short hair, but it grows long and until they reach maturity, their hair can measure up to 50 cm.
They are one of the most popular breeds in the world due to their amazing coats. They were raised by the incas and used as food and in religious ceremonies. The peruvian guinea pig is part of the nonself variety of guinea pigs. Guinea pigs stay clean and rarely need baths, but can be spotcleaned with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes if needed. Animal careguinea pig wikibooks, open books for an open world. Guinea pigs need constant access to clean, fresh water. Most people see them as fluffy adorable pets, but in peru guinea pigs or cuy as they are known locally are a delicacy. Click through to see how much they will cost and see plenty of tips around how to care for your new furry friends.
They have long hair, two rosettes on the rump and one on the head. Hairless guinea pigs benefit from a small amount of nontoxic aloebased lotion rubbed onto skin to keep it soft. Most guinea pigs found as pets were either found undesirable clarification needed by breeders or were bred to be pleasant pets regardless of how well they meet the breed standard of perfection. Gordons guide to caring for your guinea pigs pets guides. Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin c, so they need supplementation.
However, when using this type of flooring, it is important that the wire should be smooth and of a mesh small enough to preclude injuries to the feet and legs of animals of various ages and sizes. Peruvian guinea pig the complete guide for owner luxy home. Speak with your new furry friend in soft, soothing tones. Peruvian guinea pigs are unable to groom themselves adequately because of the length of their fur and their coats are prone to becoming matted which can lead to skin infections. Jul 02, 2006 books written by peter gurney gurney wrote several books on the health, care and welfare of guinea pigs. See more ideas about guinea pigs, guinea pig care and books. Guinea pigs or cavies, to give them their proper name are fascinating, intelligent and, when handled correctly, friendly. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Guinea pigs are happiest when with other guinea pigs, so many pet care books urge owners to keep two or more together. Peruvian guinea pig care peruvian guinea pig care information on hair care, hair loss, hygiene, diet and comfort.
The abyssinian is set apart from other breeds of guinea pig by its coat, which is marked with radially growing swirls or cowlicks of hair referred to as rosettes. Peruvian guinea pigs have the trademark guinea pig personality. The englishamerican shorthaired, the abyssinian roughcoated, the peruvian longcoated, and the sheltie also known as silkie, longcoated. To care for peruvian guinea pigs, keep them in a roomy cage and maintain a consistent temperature between 6575 f, since theyre vulnerable to high temperatures.
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