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What do you really know about Guinea Pigs

by: JohnSavage
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How many times I wonder have you visited with a friend or relative only to find one of their children enthusiastically dragging you out to the back yard to see their new guinea pig, and then left you wondering how much or how little you know about these animals?

And delightful they are, for guinea pigs make great pets, but they were not always a domestic animal, so just where do they originate from, and where did they get that name from, because, lets face it, its a rather odd name.

A cavy is the proper name for the guinea pig, and they are a member of the rodent family.

They have sprung into popularity within the past few decades and this might well make you think that they are a new pet, but think again. Archaeologists have uncovered fossilised remains dating back millions of years, making them a very old pet indeed!

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.

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 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.

Even today they are still used for research but in a more humane way which we are told does not cause any distress to the animal.

Today in Peru, guinea pigs still play a prominent role in various ceremonies, and quite often a person will give one as a present when they are trying to impress.

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.

So, next time your friends children drag you out to look at their pet guinea pig you will understand a little more about the attraction of these animals.

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Before you do anything else check out John Savages great resource on guinea pigs where you can pick up some free materials and more information on these fantastic animals

What do you really know about Guinea Pigs

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