Guinea Pigs, also known as Cavies, are a great first pet! Guinea pigs were domesticated over 5000 years ago in the Andean region of South America. Originally raised for food, Guinea Pigs have also been kept as pets for at least 500 years. The female guinea pigs are called sows; the males are known as boars; and the young are not piglets, but pups.
You’ll find guinea pigs in a variety of coats — from smooth and plain to long and silky but also pigs that look like they are just having a bad hair day, every day! And their colors can be just as varied — solid red, black, white, cream, patches of any or all of the main colors, or roan with hair of different colors mixed evenly throughout the coat.
Guinea pigs are easy to care for and easy to handle. They live in a cage that’s at least 18×30, but larger is better. The cage should have a solid floor, preferably plastic, and be bedded with soft, absorbent material such as Oxbow’s Pure Comfort Bedding. Plan to clean your guinea pig’s cage at least weekly and possibly more often if you have seveal pigs, or if the cage is small, or if your pig is particularly messy.
Guinea pigs are born after an approximately 10 week gestation period, and are fully coated and mobile at birth. The pups start eating solid foods almost immediately, although the mother does nurse the babies for a few weeks. They are able to leave the mother at 3.5 to 4 weeks, and the females can become pregnant as early as 26 or 28 days old. Guinea pigs live about 5 years, or perhaps longer with good care.
Adult guinea pigs weigh about 2 pounds. Their diet is mostly grass hays and grass based pellets. They have a special requirement for Vitamin C in their diet and should eat a diet designed specifically for guinea pigs. Oxbow’s Guinea Pig Essentials diet is a great choice for adult pigs. 
Guinea pigs are adapted to warmer climates and should be considered an indoor pet. Longer haired pigs should be brushed or combed several times a week, while short haired pigs need less grooming. Guinea pigs need minimal bathing, and be sure to keep them warm while drying. All guinea pigs should have their nails clipped on a regular basis to keep their feet healthy.
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