What do you really know about Guinea Pigs

Many a time when you visit with a friend or relative one of their children will drag you out to see their pet guinea pig, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself what you know about these delightful pets?

They are quite fascinating animals who have not always been domesticated as they are today, so just where do they come from and how did they get that strange name?

Well, guinea pigs are technically known as Cavies, and they are a part of what we know of as 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.

They used to be much larger than they are today, and again, going back to those fossils, it has been found that they averaged 9 feet in lenght! Thats some guinea pig!

The first people to domesticate the guinea pig were the Incas, and South America is where they were first discovered. They were, and still are revered as both an Icon, and a source of food, in many South American countries.

Nevertheless they are also held in very high esteem in parts of Peru, and are believed to have healing powers for those who are sick, and they are also believed to be ‘helpers’ for those people who are dying, helping them move effortlessly into the next world.

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 pig part of their name came about because of the funny squealing noise they make and their resemblance to actual pigs.

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.

We are still using guinea pigs for research even today, distasteful as this might sound to you, but I am assured that they are not hurt or mistreated in any way.

In the South American country of Peru guinea pigs are held in such esteem that they often are given as gifts to people, and they are involved in ceremonial occasions.

You may be surprised to learn that a rodent could be so well loved, but a recent survey placed guinea pigs just behind dogs, cats and rabbits in the popular pet league.

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