megan and alyssa. guinea pigs were first domesticated in 5000bc the moche people of peru...
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Guinea PigsMegan and Alyssa
History of the Guinea Pig
Guinea Pigs were first domesticated in 5000BC
The Moche people of Peru worshipped them
They continued to be a food source in the region
Since ca. 1200 AD there have been many varieties of domestic guinea pigs
History of the guinea pig
In folklore traditions, guinea pigs played a role in traditional healing by being rubbed on the sick
Spanish, Dutch, and English traders made guinea pigs exotic
The earliest known account of the guinea pig is from 1547
Description
They are large rodents Short and robust body Large head No tail Colors range from black to golden to
white
Housing and equipment
Bigger housing is better They need exercise daily. The guinea pigs need to be let out
cages once in a while Most guinea pigs need companions
Breeds
COMMON BREEDS
Short haired Abyssinian Himalayan Peruvian Silkie Rex Teddy Texel
8 common breeds
RARE OR EMERGING BREEDS Alpaca Lunkarya Crested Coronet English Merino Hairless Ridgeback Sheba mini Yak
8 uncommon breeds
Guinea Pig Anatomy
Reproduction
Female guinea pigs(sows) must be bred before 7 months
Females will only allow breeding for 8 hours
Pregnancy last for about 63 days Their body weight normally doubles Contractions start and dialation begins If there aren’t contractions, there must
be a c section
Food
Fresh hay Mixed Grass or Timothy
¼ cup of pellets 3 servings of vegetables 1-2 tbs fruit per 2lbs of food
Training
When training guinea pigs, always use favorite treats.
Things you can train your guinea pig to do: Sit up and beg Come when it’s called Using a litter box
Supplies
Food Water Cage Bedding Toys
Balls, tunnels, ramps, house
Facts About Guinea Pigs
Don’t have visible tails Born with fur and the eyes are open Need to gnaw on things to wear down
teeth Eat a lot of food Came from South America
Members of the Cavy family Happy guinea pigs jump up and down
“Popcorning” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_EfikYzj
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Sources
Text Book Wikipedia Google Images Youtube