10 surprising facts about guinea pigs

There's a lot more to guinea pigs than meets the eye, from having an odd toe count, to lacking vitamin C, there's plenty of surprising facts about these small creatures! 

PDSA's vet team are sharing ten facts about guinea pigs you might not know: 

 

1. Despite their name, they don't come from Guinea 

Domestic guinea pigs don't originate from Guinea in West Africa, as their name might suggest. Their wild ancestors most likely came from the highlands in the Andes region of South America. 

There's no definitive answer, but several theories exist about how 'guinea' came to be part of their name! 

  

2. They're not related to pigs either 

Guinea pigs aren't part of the pig family. Although male guinea pigs are called 'boars' and females 'sows', they are actually rodents. 

Their scientific family name is 'Cavia porcellus', and so people sometimes call them 'cavies' for short. The word 'porcellus' is Latin for 'little pig', but their resemblance to pigs is limited to their slightly pig-like shape, tendency to spend a lot of time eating, and occasional grunting! 

  

3. They don't want to live with rabbits 

Many owners may keep their guinea pigs and rabbits together, thinking they'll make great companions. However, we do not recommend this. 

Not only can rabbits bully guinea pigs (because of their size), but they have different ways of communicating. Not understanding each other can often lead to conflict and even cause fights. 

Although some aspects of their diet are similar, rabbits and guinea pigs have different nutritional needs. Ensuring rabbits and guinea pigs get the right nutrients and food is much easier when kept apart. 

A specific type of bacteria harmless to rabbits can cause a serious respiratory illness in guinea pigs. So, if you keep them together, rabbits can carry this bacteria and spread it to guinea pigs. 

  

4. Their odd toe count may surprise you 

Have you ever looked closely at a guinea pig's feet? If so, you may have noticed they have an odd number of toes – four on their front feet, yet only three on their back. 

An odd number of toes on their back legs helps them tunnel and burrow through their surroundings, which is crucial for guinea pigs living in the wild. Their toe count, however, means they're not natural climbers.  

  

5. They need vitamin C, just like humans do 

Unusually for mammals, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C, so they need it from their food. A lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy – symptoms of this condition in guinea pigs include tiredness, weight loss, or swollen joints. 

An excellent way to ensure your guinea pig gets enough vitamin C is by feeding fresh greens that are naturally high in vitamin C, plus a guinea pig-specific pellet food. This way, you shouldn't need to provide them with additional supplements. 

  

6. They're fast learners and equipped from birth 

Guinea pigs have relatively long pregnancies compared to other smaller pets (usually 59-72 days). As a result, they give birth to well-developed young. 

Baby guinea pigs, called pups, are born with fur, open eyes, and visible teeth. Pups can also run almost immediately after birth. By three weeks, they are weaned, even though they continue to grow in size until they are approximately a year old. 

  

7. They eat a special type of their own poo 

And yes, it's completely normal! In fact, it's an essential part of their digestion, as it allows them to get all the proper nutrients from their food. This helps to keep their guts healthy. 

Your guinea pigs will produce two types of poo – one is the solid poo we all know and expect. The other is a soft, squishy pellet called caecotrophs made from vitamins and proteins. This is the kind they eat, often straight from their bottom. By doing so, guinea pigs ensure they absorb all the nutrients they need. 

  

8. Happy guinea pigs will popcorn! 

When guinea pigs are excited, they jump up in the air and often do a little twist too. This quick movement is known as popcorning. 

There's no reason to worry – it's perfectly normal behaviour. You can enjoy the happy display as long as the guinea pig seems in control. If the jumps continue nonstop, however, contact your vet for advice. 

  

9. They can lead long lives 

With the right diet, housing, companionship, and level of love, pet guinea pigs typically have a lifespan of up to seven years (but some may live longer). According to Guinness World Records, a guinea pig named Snowball holds the record as the oldest guinea pig. Snowball, who lived in Nottinghamshire in the UK, was 14 years and ten and a half months old when he died in 1979. 

  

10. They like to chat with each other 

Guinea pigs often make various squeaks, chortles, quiet grunts, and other quite distinctive noises to communicate with one another. A 'wheek-wheek' sound is usually a sign of excitement or anticipation of seeing a friend, whereas a low 'purring' sound can be heard when they feel calm and comfortable together. Teeth chattering is a sign that a guinea pig is agitated or angry – especially if they're showing their teeth. 

 

If you'd like to learn more about guinea pigs, head to: www.pdsa.org.uk/guinea-pig-health