A guinea pig is not a pig at all, it's a kind of rodent like a mouse, rat, beaver, porcupine or hamster. Many years ago guinea pigs only lived in south America. The local people used them for food, yes they ate them... Traders visiting South America returned with them and they have since spread all over the world as pets.

• Care: Guinea Pigs like to be at at least one other of their species and with out, they can become very lonely. Guinea pigs of the same sex will not fight and get along very well together, unless you decide to get more then two. In that instance you should choose females as the males will begin to fight.. I you have two of the opposite sex, you will very quickly have more Guinea pigs then you can handle.
• Cage size: For sleeping only the cage should be at least 1'x 1' for each pig. Play area should be 2' wide x 3' long with at least a 8" high wall to prevent escape.
• Diet: Guinea pigs are vegetarians, they enjoy dandelions and clover, celery, cucumber, sweetcorm, carrots and fruit. A much more convenient and cheaper method of feeding is a large bag of dried Guinea pig mix that can be purchased at any petstore. **NOTE, DO NOT PUT PLASTIC IN WITH YOU GUINEA PIGS AS THEY WILL CHEW IT AND MAY CHOKE**
• Breeding: It is best to not breed your Guinea pig the female is at least 1 lbs. (4-5 months). Males should not be mated until they are 8 months old.
• Gestation: 60-70 days.
• Average litter size: 2-4 (during pregnancy, the female should be given a vitamin C supplement to help with the amount depleted during pregnancy)