In the wild, the reproduction of pigs is not controlled, but at home it is better to wait until 5-6 months of age, when the body of a young pig has finally become stronger and it has reached the peak of its strength, beauty and health. In their natural habitat, the animals produce 2-3 litters per year, remaining capable of reproduction until a very old age. However, it should be noted that in nature almost all animals do not live up to it... A wild guinea pig can live about 8-10 years, but its average life expectancy is about 3 years.
Having been born, little guinea pigs are immediately able not only to move independently, but also to eat, so mother’s milk serves as a pleasant and healthy “supplement” to their main diet. But it is milk that contains the most valuable nutrients necessary for the full development of a young body, therefore, despite its independence, it is under no circumstances possible to separate a baby from its mother after its birth. Moreover, in conditions of captivity, where no one, even the most loving and sensitive owner, will ever be able to reproduce the natural conditions of living and nutrition (unless, of course, you have your own home or at least a hut in wild South America, replete with lush herbs, untouched by exhaust fumes and smog of big cities).
Guinea pig and man: a little history
According to research by the Peruvian archaeologist Lumbereras, Andean residents ate guinea pig meat as early as 5000 BC. It is noteworthy that rock paintings of guinea pigs have survived to this day, and they are drawn so clearly and so characteristically that viewers can have no doubt what kind of animal is in front of them.It has been officially proven that the domestication of the guinea pig occurred between the 9th and 3rd millennia BC. Perhaps animals themselves came to human homes in search of warmth and safety. The Indians of pre-Columbian America first sacrificed them to the sun god, and only later began to breed them as small livestock specifically for meat. Already in those days, domestic guinea pigs began to have different coat colors. Especially cute animals were not killed or eaten; Children also played with them, and it is quite possible to assume that gradually the guinea pig became not only a tasty dinner, but also a cute pet “for the soul.” Interesting fact: the Indians did not favor guinea pigs with black fur. They were destroyed immediately after birth, since in the religion of the ancient Aztecs, black is the color of evil.
Even before the existence of the Incan civilization, guinea pigs were bred throughout the Central Andes. They were kept at home, fed with scraps from their table, and were often depicted on various objects (such as vases); Even several mummies of guinea pigs were found. During archaeological excavations, scientists discovered special rooms for small animals: they had all sorts of loopholes and tiny tunnels lined with stones, connecting neighboring rooms. The skeletons of guinea pigs and fish bones found there indicate that, most likely, fishermen kept these animals and fed them with the remains of their catch.
In 1592, the first guinea pigs were brought by the Spanish conquerors to Portugal and Spain, and a little later to the Netherlands and Great Britain. However, until the 17th century, the guinea pig was a rare animal, incredibly expensive and available only to wealthy aristocrats.
The guinea pig was first described in the scientific works of K. Gesner, who lived in the 16th century.
Now we are in the twenty-first century, and the guinea pig has long become our favorite four-legged friend. But we don’t eat our friends! However, in South American countries its meat was and remains a delicacy. There are more than 67 million domestic guinea pigs on livestock farms in Peru, which produce about 17,000 tons of meat per year. The Andean Indians have been considered the main suppliers of this meat to the local market for centuries.
As we have already written, one of the names (used by the indigenous Andean people) of a guinea pig is “cui”, or “gui”. There are many proverbs and sayings associated with this animal. For example, if an employee showed himself on the bad side, was lazy and awkward, they say about him that “he cannot even be entrusted with caring for the cuis,” that is, entrusted with the simplest work.
Anatomy of a guinea pig
The body of a guinea pig has a pronounced cylindrical shape. The average length of an adult rodent is from 20 to 28 cm. The spine consists of 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 6 lumbar, 4 sacral and 7 caudal vertebrae, but the guinea pig does not have a tail itself. In addition to these features, guinea pigs also lack collarbones.Sexual dimorphism of guinea pigs is expressed in size: males are significantly larger and heavier than females. The weight of an adult male can range from 700 to 1800 g, while the weight of even the largest female never exceeds 1000-1200 g. The proportions of a guinea pig are harmonious, foldable, the body is slender, strong, with well-developed muscles. However, due to the absence of a tail and short legs, the animal may seem somewhat “plump” and “cartoon-like” (unlike the same rat - long-tailed, flexible, with a pointed muzzle). The front legs of a guinea pig are much shorter than the hind legs, and the number of toes varies: there are 4 on the front legs and 3 on the hind legs. All breeds of guinea pigs (except hairless, of course) have a hair growth rate of about 2-5 mm per week.
Molting in most individuals is practically unnoticeable; it occurs by diffusion: several hairs fall out, and the same number grow. The only exceptions are guinea pigs of long-haired breeds and pigs with curly hair. You can also notice shedding at a certain age, when at a young age (about 3-5 months) the baby “fluff” is finally replaced by coarser adult hair.
In the area of the sacrum the animal has sebaceous glands, and near the genitals there are so-called paraanal glands, which serve to mark the territory. The latter secrete an odorous secretion, especially noticeable in males - hence not unpleasant, not too strong, but a very peculiar and pronounced smell. Therefore, before you get yourself this wonderful pet, find out if you and your household have any allergies. After all, various allergic reactions do not always occur “to fur” or “to smell”: perhaps you are allergic to secretions, skin dander, saliva, urine and other secretions of certain animals. To “test” yourself, visit the breeder, talk to the animal for about 30–40 minutes, pick it up, stroke it, cuddle it, kiss it, and observe your body’s reaction for 1–2 days.
If everything was fine and you did not experience any ailments, feel free to go for a new four-legged pet.
The head of a guinea pig is quite large in relation to the body; even in adults. The brain is very well developed, and this indicates the animal’s high tameability and intelligence. At the time of birth, the tiny guinea pig's brain works perfectly, and it is noteworthy that in the womb the formation of the structure of its cortex is already completed. But the most interesting thing about the guinea pig’s anatomy is, of course, what makes it classified as a rodent: its amazing teeth. The replacement of milk teeth with molars also occurs in the womb of the female, and the fallen milk teeth are swallowed. A newborn baby has already formed a full set of teeth.
On each jaw of a guinea pig there are 2 incisors, 2 false molars and 6 molars. The surface of the molars is folded. There are no fangs. The “empty” space between the incisors and molars in rodents is called a diastema. A guinea pig's incisors grow throughout its life. The average rate of teeth growth is about 1.5 mm per week, so the animal must constantly grind them down. In the wild, this mechanism works flawlessly as a result of the peculiar diet of the animal, which consumes not only succulent food, but also roughage (bark, branches, stems, hard fruits of plants that need to be chewed). At home, the guinea pig needs to hang a mineral stone in the cage or give the pet special toys - wooden “chews” for decorative rodents. The front part of the incisors in all rodents is covered with hard enamel, but the back is not, as a result of which the inner part of the incisors wears down much faster than the outer part, which is why the sharpest lower edge of the incisors is formed.
A guinea pig's lower jaw can move freely in any direction. Thanks to this, food entering the oral cavity is first ground by the incisors, then ground by the molars and enters the stomach.
The guinea pig's digestive system is directly related to its dental structure and diet - mainly roughage and plant fiber. The length of the intestines of this rodent is enormous - more than 2 meters in an adult. This contributes to a long digestive process, which lasts about 7 days. But this does not mean at all that your pet can be fed once a week: it should eat a lot, fully and regularly. However, such a metabolism suggests that it is extremely undesirable to “transfer” an animal to a new diet abruptly, giving it unfamiliar food and treats in large quantities.
The guinea pig's stomach is large, well developed and must be constantly filled with food. Its volume is about 20-30 cc. Food can remain in the stomach for 1 to 7 hours, and only after that it enters the intestines, where it is further broken down and absorbed. An important digestive organ is the cecum. It produces small feces containing valuable nutrients that the guinea pig eats. No need to wince in disgust, guinea pigs are coprophages! But they only eat the “necessary”, primary feces, which is lighter and softer than the secondary, waste feces. Newly born babies initially eat the feces of a nursing female: this helps create similar microflora in their intestines.
Guinea pig lungs consist of 4 lobes; she makes about 130 breathing movements per minute. The heart weighs about 2-2.5 g, the pulse is 250-300 beats per minute.
How to determine the sex of a young individual? This can be done starting at about 4 weeks. Turn the animal onto its back, and gently and gently press with two fingers from the sides on the area near the anus. The male will have a visible rounded tip of the penis. The female has a V-shaped slit.
The life cycle of a guinea pig is as follows: the infancy period lasts about 2-3 weeks. As we have already said, babies are born developed, see perfectly, hear and can walk, but practically do not leave the mother’s nest. At the age of about 21-25 days, babies become independent; females have already formed nipples. From this moment until 4-5 months of age, young animals grow into adults. During this period, they must be taken away from their mother and placed in different cages according to gender, because animals often become capable of reproducing offspring too early.
Sexual maturity in females occurs at the age of 30, in males - 60 days. By the age of six months, the formation of the body is completed, the guinea pig has become stronger and is perfectly prepared for mating, bearing and feeding offspring. However, the animal can continue to grow and gain weight, until about one and a half years of age. Initial signs of withering of an adult body can be noticed starting from about 4-5 years of age. During this period, animal breeding should be stopped, as there is a risk of getting health problems or weak, unhealthy offspring. Interesting fact: 8-9 years of life for a guinea pig is far from the “limit” of its body; in excellent conditions and with ideal care, it can live much longer. The Guinness Book records a record: the oldest guinea pig in the world lived in captivity for 15 years.
View of the world (sense organs)
How does a guinea pig see the world, what does it feel, what sensations determine the nature of its behavior?The guinea pig's vision is not as well developed as, for example, that of felines or other predators, but it is excellent compared to other rodents. Large, round eyes located on the sides of the head allow the animal to look not only forward, but also to the sides, without turning its head. This valuable property is necessary for the pig to protect itself from natural enemies in the wild. According to scientific research, guinea pigs distinguish between red, yellow, green and blue, which is important when choosing food. In cases where vision “does not help,” animals are guided by their taste buds, preferring food with a distinct sweetish taste. They do not like salty, sour and bitter things. It is noteworthy that different individuals have their own specific taste preferences, which determine the priority of one or another favorite delicacy.
A guinea pig's sense of smell is a real miracle! Basically, animals use smells to recognize their territory, as well as to communicate with relatives and during the mating season. Both males and females use urine for marking. Males ready for mating mark their home, and females give such signals when they are not in heat, and they do not want intimacy with their partner, trying to scare away or tear him away from themselves. Guinea pigs' sense of smell is 1000 times stronger than that of humans. They are able to distinguish not only distinct odors, but also those that we do not notice at all! This property must be taken into account when keeping a pet: food and water should always be fresh, the cage should always be tidy, the room should always be ventilated. You should not keep your pet in a place where there are drafts, food is being prepared, someone constantly uses perfume, burns incense sticks or smokes: this is not only harmful to health, but also extremely unpleasant for the animal and causes unbearable discomfort for the little “sniffer”.
The sense of touch is also well developed: on the face of each guinea pig there are many tactile hairs. They allow rodents to navigate underground or in the dark. The sense of touch helps the animal determine whether it is possible to crawl into a hole (for example, a crack or crevice between stones), or whether it is too narrow.
Hearing is very important for guinea pigs, as they communicate using various sound signals. In the human inner ear there are only two helices in which the auditory cells are located, but in the guinea pig there are four. Therefore, the animal hears very well and is able to perfectly perceive sounds with a frequency of 33 Hz. The guinea pig's sound "repertoire" is very rich. They may mumble, purr, or make a sort of purr when they are happy, squeal in pain or fear, click or grind their teeth, and give off a variety of characteristic behavioral signals: for example, calling to their young, warning males trying to illegally enter the territory, calling out competitors to "duel", etc. The young produce a very thin and gentle squeak, calling for their mother. Interestingly, nursing females respond to the calls of their young differently depending on the age of the babies. As they grow up, from about two weeks of age, the young mother responds to their squeaks less and less, thus gradually taming them to move more, move away from the nest, switch from milk to an adult diet and feed on their own.
Any owner, after communicating with his pet for some time, is able to learn the “language” of his guinea pig. Melodious whistling in the morning usually serves as a call for feeding and communication: these are the sounds the animal uses most often. However, you will soon notice the subtlest nuances and be able to understand when your pet is satisfied, happy, in the mood to play, or, conversely, experiencing sleepy peace. The website morsvinki.ru has a special section where you can download and listen to various sounds of guinea pigs and understand what they mean.
To be continued
Literature:
Kulagina K. A. Guinea pigs. – M.: Veche, 2008.
Wikipedia materials
The guinea pig (Latin: Cavia procellus) is a domesticated mammalian rodent belonging to the genus Guinea and the family Gilts. Even despite its very original name, this species of mammal is not related to pigs or marine life.
Origin story
The domestication of guinea pigs occurred in the fifth millennium, even before our era, with the active participation of Andean tribes in South America. Such animals were actively used as food by the ancestors of modern inhabitants of southern Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. It is generally accepted that wild guinea pigs themselves sought warmth and protection in human housing.
Among the Incas, the guinea pig was a sacrificial animal for a long time, so such mammals were often sacrificed to the Sun God. Particularly popular were animals with variegated brown or pure white colors. The ancestor of modern domesticated guinea pigs was Cavia arerea tschudi, which is found in the southern regions of Chile, in places located at an altitude of no more than 4.2 thousand meters above sea level.
This is interesting! Mammals of this species form small groups and settle in fairly spacious underground burrows.
In its appearance and body structure, C. arerea tschudi differs markedly from the currently known domestic guinea pigs, which is determined by the food supply, poor in water and rich in cellulose compounds.
Description of the guinea pig
In accordance with zoological taxonomy, guinea pigs (Cavis cobaya) are prominent representatives of the family of semi-ungulate rodents and have a characteristic appearance, as well as a special structure.
Appearance
The body structure of guinea pigs is very similar to the basic anatomical parameters and characteristics characteristic of most domesticated animals. However, there are a number of noticeable differences:
- the guinea pig has a pronounced cylindrical body shape, as well as a total length, usually in the range of 20-22 cm, but some mature individuals may be slightly longer;
- the animal's spine is represented by seven cervical, twelve thoracic, six lumbar, four sacral and seven caudal vertebrae;
- the guinea pig, as such, lacks a tail, and such an animal is almost completely devoid of collarbones;
- male guinea pigs are slightly heavier than females, and the weight of an adult animal can vary between 0.7-1.8 kg;
- guinea pigs have very short legs, with both forelimbs noticeably shorter than the hind limbs;
- there are four toes on the front paws, and three on the hind paws, which with their external characteristics resemble miniature hooves;
- the guinea pig's coat grows at an average rate of 0.2-0.5 cm within one week;
- the sacrum area is characterized by the presence of sebaceous glands, and the skin folds near the genitals and anus have paranal glands with a specific secretion;
- The head of an adult guinea pig is quite large, with a fairly well-developed brain;
- the incisors of a mammal grow throughout its life, and the average rate of growth processes is approximately one and a half millimeters per week;
- The difference between the lower jaw of a guinea pig is the ability to move freely, regardless of direction;
- the total length of the intestine significantly exceeds the size of the mammal’s body, so the digestion process can be delayed for a week.
Color, structural parameters and coat length can be very different, which is directly dependent on the main breed characteristics. There are individuals with both very short and incredibly long, wavy or straight hair.
Character and lifestyle
Under natural conditions, wild guinea pigs prefer to be most active in the morning or immediately after dusk. The mammal is quite agile, can run quickly and always tries to remain on the alert. You can see wild pigs not only in the mountains, but also in forest areas. Guinea pigs are not fans of digging holes and prefer to build a nest in a quiet and secluded place. To create a reliable and safe shelter, dry grass, fluff and fairly thin twigs are used.
This is interesting! Domesticated guinea pigs have become widespread not only as low-maintenance pets, but are also bred in vivariums at various research institutes.
The wild animal is very social, therefore it lives in a common territory in a large flock, among its relatives. Each flock or family is characterized by the presence of one male, who can have from ten to twenty females. At home, guinea pigs are kept in ordinary cages with sufficient space for walking, which is due to the activity of the animal. Such pets sleep several times a day, and if necessary, a guinea pig can rest without even closing its eyes.
How long does a guinea pig live?
The average life expectancy of a wild guinea pig, as a rule, does not exceed seven years, and a domestic mammal, subject to the rules of care and proper nutrition, can live for about fifteen years.
Guinea pig breeds
Decorative guinea pigs are among the very popular pets, which has become the reason for the breeding of an incredible number of original and unusual breeds of this unpretentious animal:
- The breed is distinguished by thick and beautiful, curly and long hair. Pigs have two rosettes on the back, as well as one, irregular in shape, on the forehead. The hair growing forward in the muzzle area forms whiskers, and the limbs are covered with hair exclusively from the bottom up;
- The Texel breed has a very beautiful and curly coat, which looks a little like a wet perm. Thanks to its very unusual and attractive hair, the Texel breed is one of the most popular in many countries;
- The Abyssinian breed is one of the most beautiful and oldest, distinguished by its hard coat with several rosettes in the form of fairly long hairs. Pigs of this breed are incredibly active and have an excellent appetite;
- The Merino breed has long and curly hair, as well as distinctive, well-developed cheeks and sideburns. The breed's characteristic features are large eyes and ears, a short head, as well as a strong and compact build. On the pig’s head there is a symmetrical and noticeably raised “Crown”;
- The Peruvian breed is distinguished by long and beautiful hair that does not require special or too complex care. Owners of a guinea pig of this breed often use special curlers for their pet’s fur, which prevent excessive contamination of the long hair;
- The Rex breed is a short-haired breed, so the fur is distinguished by an unusual hair structure that visually makes the domestic pig look like a cute plush toy. In the area of the head and back the coat is rougher;
- The Cornet breed in some countries is called “Crested” or “Crown-Wearing”, which is explained by the presence of a special rosette between the ears. The breed is distinguished by the presence of long hair throughout the body. The ancestors of the Cornet were the Sheltie and Crested breeds;
- The breed is characterized by long and straight, very silky hair, as well as the presence of a kind of mane in the head area, flowing down to the shoulders and back area of the pig. Animals that are short-haired from birth receive their full coat only by the age of six months.
This is interesting! Guinea pigs of the Baldwin breed look very exotic and unusual, having soft and elastic, completely bare skin, and several barely noticeable and not too long hairs can be present only on the animal’s knees.
During the first few days after purchase, a pet guinea pig tends to behave lethargically and very quietly, which is explained by the standard adaptation of a pet. At this time, the animal is very timid, has a poor appetite and sits for a long time, frozen in one place. To make the adaptation period easier for the rodent, it is necessary to create an absolutely calm and friendly atmosphere in the room.
Cage, filling
By their nature, guinea pigs are shy animals, reacting heavily to any change in environment or too loud sounds. To keep them, you can use a terrarium or a cage with a tray, but the second option is preferable. The cage houses a house for sleeping or resting, as well as play attributes, feeders and drinking bowls. The dimensions of the house are selected taking into account the size of the animal.
Care, hygiene
Your pet needs to be protected not only from drafts, but also from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Water treatments are carried out as needed, and the coat is brushed weekly. A couple of times a year, you can trim claws that are not naturally sharpened.
Exhibition animals, which from an early age are taught to sit in a motionless, strictly defined position, will require increased attention. Long-haired pets must be accustomed to the daily process of combing, as well as winding their hair on special curlers. Smooth-haired and wire-haired pigs should be trimmed periodically.
Guinea pig diet
In their natural habitat, guinea pigs feed on roots and seeds of plants, leaves, berries and fruits that have fallen from trees or shrubs. The main food for a domestic guinea pig can be high-quality hay, which normalizes the condition of the digestive tract and allows the animal to grind down its teeth. Due to the special structure of the digestive system, such pets eat food quite often, but in relatively small portions.
Various succulent foods are very relevant in the rodent’s diet, which can be represented by apples, lettuce, carrots and other vegetables. Sweet fruits, fruits and berries are given as treats. To effectively grind down the teeth, the animal is given apple or cherry twigs, celery or dandelion root. A drinking bowl with clean and fresh water must be installed in the pig's cage, which must be replaced daily.
It is important to remember that guinea pigs are herbivores, so any food of animal origin should be excluded from the diet of such a pet. Among other things, adult animals cannot digest lactose, so supplementing such a pet’s diet with milk can cause the development of digestive disorders. Any low-quality feed and sudden changes in diet cause severe illness and sometimes become the main cause of death.
Health, disease and prevention
An unbalanced diet or overfeeding can cause your pet to quickly develop severe obesity.
Reproduction and offspring
It is best to mate guinea pigs for the first time when they are six months old. The female's estrus period lasts sixteen days, but fertilization is possible only for eight hours, after which pregnancy occurs, ending two months later with the appearance of offspring.
A week before the onset of labor, the female’s pelvic part expands. In a litter there are most often from two to three to five cubs. Newborn guinea pigs are well developed and are quite capable of moving independently. The female most often feeds her offspring for no longer than two months.
Guinea pig, unlike other representatives of the rodent order, has some features. So, there are only 20 teeth, which are already present in newborns. Of these, there are four incisors - two on the upper and two on the lower jaw. There are no fangs. Four premolars and twelve molars. The chewing surface of molars and premolars is covered with tubercles.
The body of guinea pigs is cylindrical. The front legs are shorter than the hind legs and have four toes, while the hind legs have only three.
A female guinea pig has one pair of mammary glands located at the back of the abdomen.
The guinea pig is born with the most developed brain compared to other rodents. By the time of birth, the morphological development of the structures of the cerebral cortex ends. The nervous system of newborns is capable of providing adaptation to independent life.
The heart of an adult guinea pig weighs 2.0 - 2.5 g. The average heart rate is 250-355 per minute. The heartbeat is weak and diffuse. The morphological composition of blood is as follows: 5 million red blood cells per 1 mm 3, hemoglobin - 2%, 8 - 10 thousand leukocytes per 1 mm 3.
The lungs of guinea pigs are sensitive to mechanical stress and the actions of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria). The normal respiratory rate is 80 - 130 times per minute.
The gastrointestinal tract is well developed and, like other herbivores, relatively large. The volume of the stomach is 20 - 30 cm3. It is always filled with food. The intestine reaches a length 10 - 12 times the length of the body.
Guinea pigs have a well-developed excretory system. An adult animal excretes 50 ml of urine containing 3.5% uric acid.
Guinea pigs have good hearing and sense of smell. When kept indoors, guinea pigs behave calmly, are easy to train, quickly get used to and recognize their owner. You can pick them up. Having good hearing, guinea pigs get used to the owner's voice, so you need to talk to them more often. However, when exposed to external stimuli unfamiliar to the animal, they are easily excited and shy.
If it is necessary to thoroughly examine the guinea pig, take it with your left hand behind the back and under the chest so that the thumb and forefinger cover the neck, and the other fingers immobilize the forelimbs and limit head movements. The right hand holds the back of the body.
However, like any living creature, a guinea pig is susceptible to infectious and invasive diseases.
It is necessary to create good sanitary and hygienic living conditions, adequate nutrition, and prevent overcrowding of animals. It must be remembered that the guinea pig is afraid of dampness and drafts.
Having discovered unusual behavior of the animal - reduced motor activity, the absence of characteristic sounds usually made by healthy animals, you should take a closer look at the guinea pig. If the animal is lethargic, trembling, its fur is disheveled, or it has rapid breathing, decreased appetite, or loose stools, then it must be shown to a veterinarian. The same should be done if an abortion occurs in a pregnant female.
Guinea pigs are less likely to be affected by helminths than other animals.
Club "Schukin Rat"
It is not for nothing that guinea pigs are considered one of the most unusual representatives of the rodent family. Despite the fact that they belong to this species, there are striking differences from them. First of all, it lies in intelligence, the ability to train, and the ability to recognize the owner. But due to their special body structure, guinea pigs need special care more than others.
The body of the animal resembles a cylindrical shape and is 20-25 cm in length. Females and males differ slightly in weight: the former weigh about 1500 grams, the latter 1100. The wool grows quickly: 1 mm per day. But there is an exception to the rule: animals that have no hair at all (Skinny pigs). In a number of European countries, there has even been a fashion for keeping animals without fur. The overall color depends on many factors, including the breed of the animal.
Like other rodents, guinea pigs have fairly sharp incisors. They grow throughout life. If the incisors are too long, anatomical complications and a number of diseases may arise, primarily associated with the possibility of injury to the teeth, tongue and oral cavity as a whole. To prevent such consequences, it is worth giving the animal solid vegetables more often: for example, carrots or beets. Many owners put sections of trees in the cage.
The structure of the oral cavity in pigs is arranged differently than in representatives of this category. The difference lies in the absence of fangs, as well as the presence of peculiar folds or tubercles on the surface of the molars. The structure of the lower jaw is limited by 2 incisors, 6 molars and 2 false molars. Also, the difference lies in the rather mobile lower jaw, which can move at the request of the animal in all directions. The structure of the animal's upper teeth includes 6 molars and 2 false roots, 2 sharp and 2 shorter incisors.
Number of toes and nail care
The animal is distinguished by short legs, with the front legs being smaller than the hind legs. There are 4 toes on the hind paws and 3 on the front paws. To many owners, they resemble hooves.
Animal claws require special care. The fact is that they grow incredibly quickly and need periodic trimming. Long claws make it difficult for the animal to walk, and in some cases cause deformation of the feet. For the nail trimming process, you can use nail scissors or a scratching post, which can be easily found in a pet store. With weak pigmentation of the claws, in some cases the vessels of the circulatory system are visible. In this case, it is necessary to trim the claws, avoiding contact of the scissors with the blood vessels. With black or brown claws the task becomes more complicated. You need to cut it in such a way that the overgrown part of the claw is beveled inward. If blood is noticed after the procedure, the wound must be disinfected using standard methods.
Touch, smell, hearing and vision
The animal’s eyes fascinate many with the unusualness and depth of their gaze. They are large, and due to their location on the sides of the head, they allow the animal to cover a larger visual angle. Despite the fact that pigs' vision has been little studied, scientists know for sure that they, like people, can distinguish colors and the movement of objects.
Animals have a very developed sense of smell. Moreover, it is important not only for distinguishing food, for example, but also for communicating with each other. Pigs can even tell each other's age by smell, not to mention their gender. Hearing is also more developed than in representatives of the same species, for example, mice.
If in most mammals the cochlea of the inner ear consists of 2.5 turns, then in pigs there are as many as 4; pigs can perceive sounds up to 33,000 Hz.
Ear structure
As mentioned above, thanks to improved hearing aids, pigs are more receptive to sounds. Unlike humans, who can distinguish 15,000 Hz, pigs pick up waves of twice the frequency. According to research, pigs can also recognize waves that are inaccessible to humans and a number of instruments. For example, they may hear a bang in another room.
The animals have nothing to do with the sea or pigs. According to one version, the animal received its name because of the special structure of its head. In addition to the special structure described earlier and resembling a pig on an enlarged scale, they lack a tail. If the pig is calm, then its voice resembles vibrations of water, and when frightened the animal starts to squeal. The squeal sometimes resembles a grunt, therefore, according to the second theory, pigs got their name because of this similarity.
Taste buds
First, the animal tries to identify food by smell. If this cannot be done, then they taste it.
Thanks to the development of intelligence and memory, as well as good taste, they are quite able to distinguish edible from inedible.
Also, pigs often determine high-quality products from low-quality ones. Pigs have developed an individual taste and diet, as well as favorite dishes, which should be selected for each animal personally. But most people prefer succulent and sweet food options.
Nuances of the digestive system
It is worth remembering that animals have weak intestines. This is why animals chew their food thoroughly. The stomach consists of 1 chamber and fairly thin walls. Food usually enters the intestines within 5 hours. The type of animal’s intestines is “fillable”, that is, food moves through it as new food arrives. Therefore, long-term fasting is contraindicated for animals. Lack of food often becomes the cause of gastrointestinal problems and even death.
Interesting fact. The complete process of digesting one meal in an animal often takes up to 5–7 days. And the total length of the animal’s intestinal tract exceeds the body size by more than 2-3 times.
Interesting structural features of the animal
The heart is one of the most interesting organs of the animal, which weighs no more than 2 grams, and the beat frequency within the normal range is 350. Pigs breathe frequently - 100-120 breaths per minute, and with active loads the number of breaths increases. The lungs are very vulnerable to viral diseases. And common infections are of a respiratory nature. The animal has a well-developed urinary system - the pig produces up to 60 ml of urine per day. Other distinctive features of the animal are also worthy of attention.
Animals are also distinguished by the presence of a so-called tail gland. It is more pronounced in males, and sometimes may be completely absent in females. The gland can be found a centimeter above the anus. The main function of the gland is to secrete odorous substances that help attract the opposite sex.
The second feature is the presence of a so-called fecal pocket, which is also located under the anus. It is in the fecal pocket that the gland is located, which is responsible for the secretion of odorous secretion. The fecal pocket needs to be cleaned regularly. Another feature is the presence of one pair of mammary glands. The lungs are also different from rodents. The left is divided into 3 parts, the right has 4. The right lung is slightly, but heavier than the left, which is sometimes expressed in visual deformation of the chest.
As you can see, guinea pigs are unique and, if properly maintained, can please the owner for several years.
The guinea pig is one of the representatives of a large order of rodents, but differs in many ways from its closest relatives. They are smart, able to recognize their owner, are easy to train and are favorite pets. However, due to their anatomical features, guinea pigs require additional care and special attention from their owners.
Description of the guinea pig
The second and official name of the guinea pig is cavy or cavy. The first animals were domesticated many centuries ago by the Incas and were used to produce very tasty and valuable meat, and only then as ornamental animals.
Despite their name, the animals have nothing in common with either the sea or pigs.
They probably began to be called pigs because of the sounds they made, similar to grunting, as well as the proportions of their body. According to one version, they began to be called sea animals due to the fact that the animals often accompanied humans during sea voyages. They take up little space, are omnivorous, and their meat is very nutritious and rich in vitamins.
The body of the animal is shaped like a cylinder and on average is about twenty to twenty-five centimeters in length. The weight of an adult male is about 1500 grams, females - up to 1100 grams. The animals' fur is smooth and silky, growing very quickly - up to 1 mm per day. However, there are also animals without hair. Keeping hairless guinea pigs is becoming increasingly popular in many countries. The color depends on the type and breed of the animal.
The most common:
- white and gold color,
- golden agouti,
- gray agouti,
- silver agouti,
- carrot agouti,
- piebald agouti,
- plain color,
- albino,
- Himalayan color,
- piebald color,
- Dutch color,
- rosette color,
- tortoiseshell color,
- Peruvian color,
- angora color.
Guinea pig physiology
Guinea pigs, like any rodents, have sharp and highly developed incisors that continue to grow throughout their lives. If the incisors grow too long, unpleasant and dangerous consequences for health can occur. Sharp teeth can injure the lips, tongue and palate of an animal. In order to avoid trouble, guinea pigs should eat solid food (special pellets, carrots, sugar beets, hay) and chew tree branches. The guinea pig's mouth is structured differently than that of rats or rabbits. The mammal has no fangs, and the surface of the molars has peculiar folds or tubercles. The lower jaw consists of two incisors, six molars and two false molars. The lower jaw is very mobile: capable of moving not only back or forward, but also to the sides. The upper teeth of a guinea pig are six molars and a pair of false molars, a pair of sharp and shorter incisors than the lower ones.
Guinea pigs' front teeth are covered with strong enamel only at the front - the back is softer and wears off faster, allowing for natural wear and sharpness.
The skeleton of a guinea pig consists of:
- thirty-four bones of the spine,
- eighty-six bones of the forelimbs,
- seventy-two bones of the hind legs,
- seven tail bones,
- thirteen pairs of ribs,
- chest bones and skull.
In total - two hundred and fifty-eight seeds. Despite the fact that the limbs consist of so many bones, they cannot be called strong. An animal's paws are a very vulnerable place. A fall or an unsuccessful jump often leads to fractures. Another feature is its inconspicuous tail.
Guinea pigs have seven bones in the caudal vertebrae, but they are quite small and located close to the mammal's pelvis. This is why many people think that pigs do not have a tail.
Organs of touch, sight, smell and hearing
The animal's eyes are large and located on the sides of a small and neat head, which gives them a wider field of vision. The blind area is in front of the nose. The features of the animal’s vision have not yet been studied much, but it is known for sure that they can distinguish colors and moving objects. Most animals are myopic and rely less on vision in their daily lives.
The sense of smell in pigs, like the sense of touch, is very developed. The sense of smell plays an important role not only when choosing food, but also in communicating with each other. By smell they determine the sex and age of the animal, and its readiness to reproduce. Their hearing is also more developed when compared with mice and rats. The cochlea of the inner ear has four turns - many mammals have only two and a half. A person is capable of perceiving sounds with a frequency of up to fifteen thousand Hertz, and guinea pigs - up to thirty-three thousand Hertz.
Taste perception
If the mammal is not able to identify the offered food by color or smell, then it tastes a piece of the treat. Guinea pigs have a very good memory and a highly developed instinct, which helps them recognize edible and inedible, tasty and not tasty objects. When it comes to food, guinea pigs are individualists. What one may like may not always be to the taste of another. However, most prefer sweet and juicy foods and rarely eat salty or spicy foods.
Communication between guinea pigs
Pigs also differ from most of their distant relatives in the rather wide variety of sounds they make. If the animal is happy and calm, it makes a sound similar to muttering, and clicking its teeth indicates irritability or aggression. Animals can also make sounds reminiscent of cooing if they want to contact another individual.
Features of the digestive system
Guinea pigs have very weak intestines. Before entering the stomach and further, food is thoroughly chewed in the oral cavity and abundantly moistened with saliva. The animal's stomach consists of one chamber and very thin walls. It takes food on average about five hours to move from the stomach to the intestines. The animal’s intestines are of the “fillable” type. This means that food moves through the stomach not by peristalsis, but by the arrival of new food. This is why fasting is contraindicated for animals (lack of food can lead to serious digestive problems and even death).
The complete process of digesting food can take up to seven days, and the total length of the intestines exceeds the length of the animal’s body ten times!
Interesting facts about the anatomy of the animal
The animal's heart weighs no more than two and a half grams, and the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle is up to 350 per minute. A guinea pig takes approximately one hundred to one hundred twenty breaths per minute. The animal's lungs are very susceptible to various viruses and bacteria, and the most common diseases are respiratory in nature. The excretory system of the guinea pig is well developed and the animal produces about 55 - 60 ml of urine per day. The anatomy of a guinea pig has other features.
Males and females have a caudal gland. In males it is more pronounced; in females it can sometimes be completely absent. The gland is located a centimeter above the anus. The main function is the release of odorous aromatic substances.
The second feature is the fecal pocket. It is located under the anus. In the male's fecal pouch there are glands that are responsible for secreting a thick and odorous liquid. The fecal pocket should be cleaned regularly, as particles of feces, hairs, shavings or sawdust, and hay can accumulate in it. The third feature is one pair of mammary glands (mice have five pairs, rats have six pairs, and rabbits have four pairs). The animal's lungs are also different. The left lung is divided into three parts, and the right lung into four. The right lung is also heavier than the left.
