What Are Guinea Pigs?

A guinea pig is a domesticated species of South American rodent belonging to the cavy family (Caviidae).

The African Pygmy Guinea Pig comes from West Africa. The Andean Cavy is from the Andes Mountains of South America. What kinds of food do guinea pigs like? Guinea Pigs are herbivores and therefore enjoy a diet that consists mostly of hay, fresh vegetables and fruit, and pellets (a high-fat diet).

Guinea pigs are very social animals and make great pets. They live, on average, 6 to 8 years, weigh about two to three pounds, come in a variety of colors, and are very social. Guinea pigs should be kept in an open space with access to a sandbox or pen for playtime. Guinea pigs need hay, fresh vegetables and water ad libitum.

The origin story for pet guinea pigs begins in South America. Guinea pigs were originally kept as pets by the native peoples of that continent. The name, cavies, is derived from cac Aymara meaning “mother's brother.” In Spanish and Portuguese, these animals are also known as cerdos cruzados (“crossed pigs”), because their markings resemble those of a European pig.

The Guinea Pig is a small domesticated rodent from South America. Humans domesticated this species around 5,000 B.C., possibly from the Montane Guinea Pig. Nowadays, the domestic version, also known as “Cavies,” are a species of their own. They are common household pets, and are very popular because they are docile and affectionate towards humans.