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Guinea pigs are rodents (related to chinchillas and porcupines)
that originated from the Andes Mountains region of South America.
They were probably first domesticated by the Indians of Peru, who
used them for food and as sacrificial offerings to their gods. In
the 16th century, Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs to Europe,
and selective breeding and captive rearing began in earnest.
Guinea pigs are very popular pets because of their availability,
docile temperaments, tendency not to bite or scratch when handled,
and relatively clean habits. They are not long-lived, which can be
disconcerting to owners (especially children). Many parents,
however, believe that having their children experience the relatively
short period of companionship and subsequent death is a meaningful
way to expose children to the "ups and downs" of life.
In their natural habitat, guinea pigs live in open, grassy areas.
They seek shelter in naturally protected areas or burrows deserted by
other animals. Guinea pigs are sociable animals and tend to live in
groups. They are strictly herbivorous (plant-eating) and do most of
their foraging for grasses, roots, fruits and seeds in the late
afternoon and early evening.
For many years guinea pigs have been used in biomedical research
laboratories. Consequently, their medical problems have been
traditionally approached on a group basis, rather than on an
individual basis. As a result, very little practical information
exists on the medical care and treatment of individual pet guinea
pigs. Even less information is available to owners on the
responsible home care of guinea pigs and recognition of their medical
problems.
Guinea pigs rarely violently struggle when they are being picked
up but often make a "squeal of protest", which sounds pig-like to
many people. Nevertheless, great care should be taken not to injure
them when picking them up. The guinea pig should be approached with
2 hands. One is placed under the guinea pig's chest and abdomen, and
the other supports its hindquarters. Adults and those that are
pregnant should receive gentle, but firm, and total support.
One of the most desirable features of guinea pigs as pets is that
they rarely bite when being handled or restrained. One reference
indicates that only 1 in 400 will bite under these circumstances.
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