Guinea Pig Awareness Week 2024

This year’s theme is Nibble, Nourish and Thrive.

Traditionally guinea pigs have been thought of as children’s pets but while it’s lovely for children to enjoy the company of guinea pigs, the responsibility for any animal’s wellbeing lies with adults. Small animals are often more complex to feed and care for than a cat or dog and require more care and attention than a child can offer. The five welfare needs for guinea pigs are: 

• Environment - a suitable place to live
• Diet - a suitable diet that provides all the essential nutrients
• Behaviour - to be able to exhibit normal behaviour
• Health - to be healthy and protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
• Companionship - to be housed in suitable pairs or groups 

Fun Guinea Pig Facts!

• The oldest recorded guinea pig, called Snowball, lived to the ripe old age of 14 years, 10 months, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records!
• Guinea pigs have an odd number of toes! 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.
• Baby guinea pigs are called pups, and 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.
• Their scientific name is ‘Cavia porcellus’, which is  why they are sometimes referred to as ‘cavies’.  The word ‘porcellus’ is Latin for ‘little pig’. This name may have come about because of the  pig-like squeaking noises they make.
• When they are excited guinea pigs run and jump straight up and down, turning 90 degrees in a move known as popcorning.  However, their behaviour can change if they feel scared or stressed. 
• 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, on the other hand, is a sign that a guinea pig is agitated or angry – especially if they're showing their teeth.