Understanding the Unique Biology of Guinea Pigs

What are the Biological Characteristics of Guinea Pigs?

1. Guinea pigs are social creatures with a distinctive appearance. They have a large head, round ears, a short neck, and short limbs, lacking a tail. Their bodies are covered in fur, with four toes on the front paws and three on the back, each equipped with sharp claws. Untrained guinea pigs may exhibit a tendency to scratch, but they generally prefer a calm, gentle demeanor. They are shy and easily startled, and thrive in dry, clean, and warm living conditions.

2. Guinea pigs have a highly developed sense of smell and hearing, making them highly sensitive to various stimuli, such as changes in sound, smell, and temperature. This sensitivity can make them prone to pneumonia in polluted or cold environments, and can even lead to miscarriage in pregnant guinea pigs.

3. As herbivores, guinea pigs have welldeveloped chewing muscles, thin stomach walls, and a long cecum. They require more roughage than rabbits, but are less prone to diarrhea.

4. Guinea pigs have a hearty appetite and are particularly fond of their regular food. However, they are highly sensitive to spoiled food, often reducing or ceasing their intake as a result. Additionally, guinea pigs are particularly sensitive to antibiotics, which can cause enteritis or even death, especially with penicillin. It is crucial to exercise caution when administering antibiotics to guinea pigs, as any dose or method of administration can lead to enterocolitis and potentially fatal outcomes.

5. Guinea pigs are also lateterm neonates. Female guinea pigs have a relatively long gestation period of about 63 to 72 days. Their offspring are fully developed at birth, with fur, open eyes, standing upright, and even having permanent teeth. They can stand and walk within an hour after birth, and sometimes begin to eat soft food within a few hours. By the second or third day, they can nurse while also consuming green or mixed feed to aid in their growth and development.

Dr. OxygenPet's introduction to the biological characteristics of guinea pigs aims to provide a deeper understanding of these charming creatures. We hope this information has been helpful to you.