Table of Contents

Introduction: Page 2

Chapter 1, History of the Guinea Pig : page 4-5

Chapter 2, Guinea Pigs Today: Page 7

Chapter 3, Appearance: Page 9

Chapter 4, Caring for your Pig: Page 12

Conclusion: Page 14

Introduction

Guinea Pigs are sweet and sturdy creatures which can do amazing things! Did you know that guinea pigs are found in the wild, and live in homes as domesticated pets? Guinea pigs also are born with their eyes open, ready to take on the world! Read on to learn more about the amazing world of guinea pigs!

Chapter 1: History of the guinea pig

"The guinea pig was first domesticated as a pet as long ago as 2000BC in the Andes in South America, in the area now known as Peru and Bolivia. They were originally kept for food, but some may have become family pets for the children at that time. Guinea pigs were not often bought; rather they were given as presents, especially as wedding gifts, or as gifts to special guests or children! They would be kept in the household kitchen, where they would be allowed to run around freely."

(Omelet.us)

History contn'd

"At this time the guinea pig also played the role of the evil spirit collector in traditional healing rituals. In Andean medicine the guinea pig was rubbed over the body of a sick patient, and when it started squeaking they believed it had identified the affected area! Black guinea pigs were considered especially holy, as in the wild black is the rarest color, most wild guinea pigs are brown or grey, similar to the agouti color we see today.

In the 1700s Dutch and English traders brought guinea pigs over from South America to Europe, where they became popular pets for the aristocracy. It is possible that on the journey over to Europe that they did stop at Guinea, leading people to believe that was where they came from. Queen Elizabeth 1 owned a pet guinea pig, which probably accounted for their popularity as pets from that time." (Omelet.us)

Elizabethan guinea portrait, year unknown.

Chapter 2: Guinea Pigs today

Today, guinea pigs are mostly kept as pets, although some South American countries still use the guinea pig for food. Guinea pigs are sweet, small, and make a beautiful squeaking noise when scared, excited, curious, or in love! Guinea pigs live in large cages and outdoor areas but must be cared for and kept safe from predators and things which may hurt them. They eat a diet mainly of guinea pig food, produce, salt, and water.