Guinea Pig

Fun Facts

Guinea pigs were originally bred as a source of meat by Andean indigenous cultures. They also play a role in social and religious ceremonies and folk medicine. After European traders introduced them to Europe and North America in the sixteenth century, they became popular pets worldwide due to their docility and ease of care. They have been selectively bred for 13 hair types and 20 colors.

Guinea pigs often make a “wheek” sound when excited. They also perform sudden jumps, which has become known as “popcorning.”

Guinea pigs are very social and will groom each other. They ooze a milky liquid from their eyes and rub it into their fur to keep it healthy. Females will also help raise each other’s pups.

When threatened, guinea pigs either freeze in place or scatter in many directions to confuse predators. They have mediocre vision but good senses of hearing, smell, and touch. They can learn and remember complex paths to food and safety and are good swimmers.

Guinea pigs have traveled to outer space. China and the former Soviet Union launched guinea pigs into orbit and recovered them. They have also been popular research animals since the 1600s, leading to the term “guinea pig” when referring to people as test subjects. They played an important role in discovering germ theory.