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Home Home and Family Pets What do you really know about Guinea Pigs
What do you really know about Guinea Pigs PDF Print E-mail
Written by John Savage   
When was the last time you visited with a friend only to have their children frog march you out to the back yard to view their latest acquisition which you knew little about, their pet guinea pig?
by JohnSavage


When was the last time you visited with a friend only to have their children frog march you out to the back yard to view their latest acquisition which you knew little about, their pet guinea pig?

And delightful they are, for guinea pigs make great pets, but they were not always a domestic animal, so just where do they originate from, and where did they get that name from, because, lets face it, its a rather odd name.

A cavy is the proper name for the guinea pig, and they are a member of the rodent family.

These delightful animals have been around for millions of years, and we know this because of fossilised remains that have been uncovered and it is only relatively recently that they have become a family pet.

Those same fossils indicate that the guinea pig used to be much larger than it is today, anything up to 9 feet long.

Now where do they come from? Well they originated in South America, and were first domesticated by the Incas. They were both a religious Icon, and sadly a source of food, and this is still the case even today in parts of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

Ever thought a rodent would be considered to have healing powers? Well in some parts of Peru they believe this and they think that the guinea pig can aid the transition from this life to the next. Now that is quite something!

It is believed that sailors were responsible for bringing guinea pigs to Europe and America, and during that time period they were sold for one guinea each - hence guinea pigs.

The other part of the name comes from what is in my opinion a vague likeness to the rear end of a pig, and also to the tendency to squeal like a pig.

They have also been used quite a bit over the years in the field of research, and you have probably heard and used the expression "we are using him as a guinea pig"

Medical science has benefited greatly from the use of guinea pigs in their laboratories but of course although they have saved many a human life, the cost in the lives of the guinea pigs has been high.

Still today guinea pigs are used for research purposes, but mostly in the area of genetics and hereditary matters, and we are assured that they are not harmed in any way.

Today in Peru, guinea pigs still play a prominent role in various ceremonies, and quite often a person will give one as a present when they are trying to impress.

Isn't it amazing that what is in effect a rodent could become such a popular pet? During a recent survey it was found that guinea pigs came just fourth in popularity behind dogs, cats and rabbits.

Well now, the next time your friend's children show you their latest pet I think you will look at it with different eyes.

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Next thing check out John Savages great resource on guinea pigs where you can pick up some free articles and detailed descriptions on these great pets.

Kindly provided by 4Girls.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include this link.
 
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