Only its believed the size of the largest guinea pig actually helped the animal efficiently ferment plant cellulose in a vat-like gut. The World's Oldest Guinea Pig - AZ Animals Males (boars) reach sexual maturity in 35 weeks. A guinea pig named Bugsy appears in the 2008 film Bedtime Stories. [60] Because of the long gestation period and the large size of the pups, pregnant sows may become large and eggplant-shaped, although the change in size and shape varies depending upon the size of the litter. Guinness World Records . ", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, "Sensitive RIA for the Specific Determination of Insulin Lispro", "Molecular Phylogeny and Divergence Time Estimates for Major Rodent Groups: Evidence from Multiple Genes", "The Guinea Pig: Biology, Care, Identification, Nomenclature, Breeding, and Genetics", American Cavy Breeders' Association (ACBA), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guinea_pig&oldid=1150353893. Something went wrong, please try again later. 19 Of The Most Bizarre World Records You Never Knew Existed - BuzzFeed News [1][71] They can survive for long periods in small quarters, like a "pig pen", and were easily transported by ship to Europe. Other causes of hair loss can be due to hormonal upsets caused by underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts. [13] The earliest known written account of the guinea pig dates from 1547, in a description of the animal from Santo Domingo. [41] Dominance is also established through biting (especially of the ears), piloerection, aggressive noises, head thrusts, and leaping attacks. 3:00. [14] Statues dating from circa 500 BC to 500 AD that depict guinea pigs have been unearthed in archaeological digs in Peru and Ecuador. Guinea pig comes from the word "Cuy" which means "little rabbit" in the Quechua language of Andean Peru where they are most commonly found today. [38] While guinea pigs can jump small obstacles, they cannot jump very high. Some species of cavy identified in the 20th century, such as C. anolaimae and C. guianae, may be domestic guinea pigs that have become feral by reintroduction into the wild. [107] Hay or straw dust can also cause sneezing. They should be given a lot of attention since they are social animals and require mental stimulation games, tunnels, ramps, etc. [70] Others believe "guinea" may be an alteration of the word coney (rabbit); guinea pigs were referred to as "pig coneys" in Edward Topsell's 1607 treatise on quadrupeds.
