LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Guinea: Guinea Pig
built 254 days ago
Guinea pigs are hystricomorph rodents (related to chinchillas and porcupines) that originated from the Andes Mountains region of South America. They were probably first domesticated by the Indians of Peru, who used them for food and as sacrificial offerings to their gods. In the 16th century Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs to Europe, and selective breeding and captive rearing began in earnest. Guinea pigs are very popular pets because of their availability, docile temperaments, tendency not to bite or scratch when handled, and relatively clean habits. They are not long-lived, which can be disconcerting to owners (especially children). Many parents... believe that having their children experience the relatively short period of companionship and subsequent death is a meaningful way to expose children to the "ups and downs" of life.
Source:
Your Guinea Pig is now in its new home. Chut, chut, chuttin' all over the place, trying to find out about its new abode. Well, let it be. Don't get all excited and try to socialize just yet. It's going to need a few days, maybe a week, to get fully comfortable with its new surroundings, and its new friends. Act normal (or what passes for normal).
Source:
Guinea pigs have toenails that grow continuously. They require regular clipping to prevent overgrowth. Nail clippers are used to clip the toenail before the ‘quick’, which is the blood supply to the nail. A veterinarian can demonstrate the proper way to clip guinea pig nails. Styptic powder should be attained in case the quick is cut and bleeding occurs.
Source:
Guinea pigs have short legs and cylindrical bodies. Their short, thick necks support large heads. Adult guinea pigs weigh approximately two pounds and are about 10 to 12 inches long. Their tiny tails curl under their bodies, giving the impression that they have no tails at all. Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives.
Source:
Guinea pigs are ... known as cavies. These flamboyant little rodents are neither a pig nor from Guinea. They originate from the mountains and grasslands of South America: Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. Cavies come in a variety of shapes, colours and coat lengths. There are three breeds of guinea pigs that are normally kept as pets. The most common breed is the ‘English’.
Source:
Guinea pigs are bred in the summer months. Gestation is nine weeks, a long time compared to other rodents. Unlike mice and rabbits, guinea pigs are born with fur and their eyes open. They look like little miniature versions of their parents when they are born. They nurse right away and will even start eating solid food 2 or 3 days after they are born... they will nurse for 2-3 weeks. They usually have litters of 1-4 young.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Guinea Pig