Guinea pigs aren't pigs. They have NOTHING to do with pigs at all. They're really a kind of rodent. They are related to hamsters, racoons, mice, gerbils, etc. "Cavy" is another name for guinea pig. Many hundreds of years ago Incas domesticated them.

    Guinea pigs are mammals. The average guinea pig weighs one to two pounds. They are 6-10 inches long. Guinea pigs are a mix of colors, although they can be a solid color, too. An interesting thing about guinea pigs is that they have tails. You can't see them, but they do. Their "tail" is just a tail vertebrate. All the same, it's still a tail.

   The range of a domesticated guinea pig is worldwide. They are native to Peru and are mostly found in South America.  Traders visiting South America brought them back and spread them over the world as pets.

     Guinea pigs are vegetarians. They eat plants, grasses, and fruits. They also eat most vegetables. Although in the wild they eat vegetation, in the zoo they eat guinea pig pellets, as well as carrots, apples, oranges, and kale. They find clover, dandelions,and grass tasty, too.

    Guinea pigs have a 68 day gestation period. They may have between two and six babies. They breed up to 5 times a year, with a litter of 2 or more. When babies are born, they are well furred and able to groom themselves immediately. At one day old, they are able to eat solid food. Their lifespan is about 3-6 years.

    Guinea pigs love to sleep. They will sleep anywhere . 

For more information visit:
http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/Guineas/
http://www.oink.demon.co.uk/pets/guinea.htm
http://www.jsite.com/hunny/facts.htm
http://www.coldal.org.uk/cavie.htm
http://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/05498.html
                                                                                                    by Helen
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