The Wonderful World of 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.
Now although they have only come into prominence in the past few decades, they have actually been around for a very long time, and in fact a number of fossils have been found which indicate that guinea pigs were around as far as 18 million years ago. Who said they were a new 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!
South America is the original homeland for the guinea pig, and in particular the Incas are the first recorded people to have them in their homes. They were treated as a religious icon but also I am afraid they were used for meals and that is still true today in some parts of South America.
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 second part of their name, pig, comes from their likeness, at the rear end, to pigs, and also to the fact that they tend to squeal a bit like pigs.
Not only of course have they been used as pets, but they have also contributed quite a lot to research and you have no doubt used the expression yourself “I am being treated 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.
Have you ever thought of giving a guinea pig as a present to somebody? Well that’s what they do in many parts of South America and it is considered to be a present that impresses the receiver.
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.
Next time you look into a friends cage at their pet I think you will appreciate all the more what you are looking at.
