CAVY FACTS
Updated 6/23/00
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I will provide some basic information regarding cavies, or guinea pigs, as they are commonly known. I'll also tell you how I came by my caviary name. Plus I'll describe some of the many breeds of cavies that are available. There is also much more information in the sites listed on my links page.
Guinea pigs were once regarded as rodents, but now are believed to belong to a separate order. The origin of the name "guinea pig" is uncertain. These little animals are neither pigs, nor do they hale from Guinea. Some say the name "Guinea" comes from a region called Guiana in South America, where there is a creature similar to cavies. There are also stories telling of British sailors selling guinea pigs, which made noises similar to a frightened pig, for a guinea.
Guinea pigs, being cute, small, and furry, make wonderful pets. Not just for those reasons, but also because they are a low-cost, low-maintenance animal. Bedding needs to be changed only once a week, and fresh food and water supplied daily.
Children love to have piggies as pets because these little animals are docile, sociable, and rarely bite. They are very easily cared for and handled. With proper handling, the cavies will become accustomed to being petted and loved by their young owners, and will grunt with pleasure. That isn't to say that piggies make great pets for children only! Many adults can enjoy having a pig or two, or more, around as well!
Guinea pigs are basically a herd animal. That is how they live in the wild, for their protection and survival. These herd instincts are still with our domesticated guinea pigs as well. A herd normally consists of one dominant male, known as a boar, heading a harem of females, called sows.
In typical herd fashion, there is only one male mating with the sows. Other males will not be tolerated by the dominant boar. Once young males become old enough, they are either driven out of the herd to find their own harems, or a battle will ensue to determine who will stay.
The females in a herd will face off to determine rank. The higher the rank, the more "rights" they have. The highest ranking sow will be able to do whatever she pleases. The lower ranking females must defer to the higher ranking ones, unless they are challenging that position. In a domestic setup, there may sometimes be two females that just can't get along and are always bickering. In a case such as that, it is best to separate them, so the lower ranking female can get some peace.
The young guinea pigs in a herd, (which are not called piglets), will nurse from their mother, but also will nurse from other sows with young. If a youngster gets separated from the group, or feels lonely, it will squeal loudly until "rescued" by one of the older members.
Communication, both verbally and by body language, is very important among the herd. It will signify whether a particular pig is content or upset. They can warn each other of danger. Their different vocalizations are partly why they make such charming pets.
Squeaking, grunting, and cooing are often signals of contentment. A rumble is a warning sound, telling you they don't like something, such as a loud noise, or you touching their undersides. Two females meeting each other will make a rumbling rattle sound, similar to an amorous male. The lower ranked female will lower her head and show submission, which isn't always accepted by the more dominant one. She might respond with angry chattering. Be wary of this as a fight might ensue and pigs can inflict some nasty bites on each other.
If you catch your pigs leaping into the air, they are "popcorning," which indicates a happy, healthy pig full of good spirits. This is where I get my caviary name from. Sometimes the pigs will make a series of shorter, smaller jumps in rapid succession. It is such a joy to see them doing this.
email Jessica Sanders at the : Popcorn Caviary
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