Guinea pig profile

Latin Name: Cavia porcellus
Female: Sow
Male: Boar
Young: Piglets
Life span: 5-8 years
Litter Size: 1-6 piglets
Birth weight: 70-100gms
Eyes open: at birth
Gestation period: 59-72 days
Average weight: Male 7501000gms
Female 7501000gms
Sexual maturity: 45-70 days
Weaning age: 3 weeks
Diet: Omnivorous

Guinea pigs originate from South America where the Incas used to breed them for food and sacrifice. People in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia still keep guinea pigs, like chickens, for food. The Spanish introduced guinea pigs to Europe in the 16th Century after they conquered the Incas. Wild populations of guinea pigs still exist in South America in a range of habitats including grassland, swamps, forest and rocky areas.

Guinea pigs have the Latin name Cavia porcellus which means pig-like cavy.