Understanding Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs show their mood by moving parts of thier bodies. They mark the things that belong to them with thier scent. They make lots of noises, from a purr to a squeal. Watch them, and you will soon understand what they are doing.
Marking What's Mine
Just like you, your guinea pigs label the things they own. Instead of writing thier names on on them, they leave their scent. The scent is in the skin on thier cheeks, backs, and bottoms. It is also in the grease that comes from the grease gland at the base of the back.
Smelly Clues
Guinea pigs sniff the air to discover if there is anyone else close by. When two guinea pigs meet, they smell each other to find out if they are friends. They may sniff the other guinea pig's nose, or its bottom.
Still as a Statue
guinea pigs are very shy. When they hear a strange or loud sound, they do not move. Every hair on their body lies still. They think that if they freeze, an enemy won't spot them.
Meeting the Enemy
A guinea pig can get angry with another guinea pig. Its hair stands on end to make it look bigger. It makes a lond chattering sound to tell the other pig that it is annoyed.
The Angry Guinea Pig
When a guinea pig becomes furious, it yawns to show its razor-sharp teeth.
The Boxing Match
If both guinea pigs are brave, they will fight. They stand on their back legs and ram each other with their heads. they keep their mouths open, ready to bite.
Wild Ones
Wild guinea pigs called cavies and most of them live in peru. They like to spend their days eating grass, leaves, and plant stems. They sleep and shelter under logs, in caves in burrows. Wild guinea pigs like to live in big family group.
Meeting the Family Dog
Always ask an adult if you can let your guinea pig meet a dog. A quiet dog will not usually harm your guinea pig, but keep a firm grip on the dog's collar. Never leave them alone togerther.
Friend or Foe?
A rabbit can sometimes be friends with a guinea pig. But they may also fight. When a rabbit is annoyed with a guinea pig, it may kick it. A rabbit's back legs are very strong and the kick will hurt badly. Never, ever, keep a rabbit and a guinea pig in the same hutch.
Part of the Family
Show your family and friends how to hold your guinea pigs properly. They love being petted on a lap. Don't leave your pets alone with a younger brother or sister.
In Good Company
You can keep lots of female guinea pigs together. Guinea pigs hate to be on their own. They never stray far from each other when they are eating. When they sleep, they huddle together. This keeps them warm.
Introducing a newcomer
When you choose a new friend for your guinea pigs, be careful. Remember that females in group,or a male on its own,cwill fight a new adult. it is always best to introduce a new guinea pig that is about six weeks old.
Keeping Male Guinea Pigs
You must not keep more than two male guinea pigs togther in a cage. A groupof males will fight. Choose two baby males from the same litter. If you already have a male, get it a male friend that is about six weeks old.