Domesticated as long as 3,000 years ago by the Incas, the guinea pig, or cavy, was introduced into Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish conquistadors.
A laboratory animal from the 19th century onwards, then a companion rodent, it is still raised for its meat by the Peruvian Quechua people.
Gentle and sociable, it can live alone but prefers the company of others of its kind.
Housing:
- Cage: It lives on the ground. A rather horizontal cage should therefore be chosen, with minimum dimensions of 60x40x40.
- But a larger cage is preferable. Free to roam the house, but under supervision. Outdoor walks will do it a great deal of good; make sure it does not eat too much grass at once.
- Bedding: Must be changed regularly, 1 to 2 times a week. Preferred substrate: good-quality hay, straw, hemp bedding.
- Accessories: shelters, hay rack, feeding trough, upright water bottle.
- Ambient temperature: Above 10 degrees and below 32 degrees.
Diet:
A strictly herbivorous rodent, it must consume cellulose, which is provided in the form of hay and pellets. Vegetables, cereals and apples complete its basic diet. It is one of the few animals whose metabolism does not produce vitamin C. It must therefore be given some regularly in its diet in medicinal form. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
Common diseases
The most common reasons for consultation are vitamin C deficiency, skin problems, the teeth, digestive disorders and urinary disorders, as well as tumours with age.
Vitamin C deficiency (“scurvy”). It is the cavy's number one problem: because it does not produce its own vitamin C, a deficiency (hypovitaminosis C) sets in quickly. Signs: it limps or moves stiffly (painful joints), eats less, its coat becomes dull, and it recovers poorly. Prevention is simple: vitamin C every day.
The skin. Fungi (ringworm, sometimes transmissible to humans) and parasites (lice, mites) cause itching, scabs and hair loss.
The teeth. As in the rabbit, the teeth grow throughout life; if poorly worn, they overgrow (malocclusion) and it drools, sorts through its food and loses weight.
The abdomen and the urinary tract. Gut transit must never stop. Urinary stones are common: blood in the urine or difficulty passing urine should raise concern.
When to see a vet promptly It limps, its coat thins, it scratches, it drools, or it passes urine with difficulty.
When to see a vet urgently It stops eating and no longer produces droppings, bleeds when passing urine, or stays hunched up.
The veterinarian's advice Give a food rich in vitamin C (bell pepper) every day, or a prescribed supplement: it is the most important preventive measure in the cavy.
Key points Vitamin C every day, and monitoring of appetite, droppings and teeth. This information does not replace a consultation.