Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are originally from South America, but are now currently found in many pet stores. While there are several breeds, most of these pet guinea pigs are of the American/English variety. A guinea pig’s diet is very similar to the rabbit’s diet – 85% of their feed should be hay, but pellets are a good way to add nutrients to their diet; vegetables are a good addition, and fruit should only be fed as a treat. A vitamin C supplement in water, or in a treat form is also advisable for dental health. While it may be tempting to feed your piggy more treats, hay consumption is of extreme importance, not only is it the ideal food and prevents obesity, but it is also essential for their dental upkeep – a guinea pig’s teeth never stop growing, so if they are not allowed to wear down their teeth by eating hay, they will become very unhappy pigs, as they will be in pain and unable to feed.
Guinea pigs are relatively low maintenance pets, although they do enjoy social interaction and love pets and scratches; they will even cuddle and sleep on you when content. Be sure to avoid petting the lower half of their body though, as among guinea pigs, being touched in this area means they are being dominated. As guinea pigs are easy prey, don’t be surprised if they get scared by sudden movements or sounds; this doesn’t mean that they don’t like you, they are just trying to be safe from any “predator” that might be near.
Guinea pigs will do their best to communicate with their owners in several different ways. Wheeking only presents in pet guinea pigs, not wild ones, as wheeking alerts predators that they are nearby. Guinea pigs wheek when they hear the sound of their bag of feed, or the sound of the refrigerator (source of fruits and vegetables!) being opened, as they are sure you are about to give them a treat. The pigs may be hungry when they wheek, so you should check their food container to make sure they are set with what they need. Your pig will also wheek to get your attention, so you can do a quick check to make sure your pet is doing well. Guinea pigs’ teeth chatter when they are annoyed, and if the guinea pigs are really angry or upset, they will make squeaking noises. Another behavior is popcorning; this is when a guinea pig jumps while shaking their body in the air, indicating that it is very happy and excited – if you see this, you should congratulate yourself on being a good caretaker.