Guinea pigs are native to the grasslands and savannas of South America. They were first domesticated around 5,000 B.C. and no longer live in the wild.
The life of a guinea pig
Guinea pigs grow eight to 10 inches long and can weigh up to two and half pounds. They have an average lifespan of eight years but can live up to 14 years. Guinea pigs can survive in a range of habitats, from sea level to high mountains.
Female guinea pigs birth an average of three offspring but can have as many as eight in a litter. Females nurse their young for two to three weeks. Males reach adulthood within 70 days or less, and females within 67 days. Guinea pigs often huddle together for warmth.
Guinea pigs feed on vegetables like cabbage, lettuce and carrots, as well as fruit and grasses. They also eat grains like barley.
Though they no longer live in the wild, guinea pigs can be prey to many predators such as dogs, cats, coyotes, owls and other birds of prey. When individual guinea pigs are threatened, they will freeze in place. When threatened in groups, they scatter to confuse predators.
Guinea pigs at the zoo
Located at the Family Farm.
