COCHON D’INDE OR COBAYE – FRANCE
‘Cochon d’Inde’ translates to ‘Indian Pig’ and is thought to be
a reference to America rather than of India itself
. The word ‘Cobaye’ is used more in reference to a guinea pig that is used in product testing (poor pig!).
Are guinea pigs from Guinea?
Originally from South America
, particularly the Andes, the modern guinea pig is a descendant of Cavia cutleri. There are many indications that the original human inhabitants of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and the Andes began to domesticate these wild animals around 5000 BCE. In Peru, they were kept for food.
Why are guinea pigs called Guinea?
Some think Guinea pigs got their name from
the squealing sounds they make
. The name may come from the price of a Guinea pig in 16th-century England: 1 guinea. Some researchers say ships leaving the port of Guiana in South America or Guinea in West Africa may have carried the animals to the European market.
Are guinea pigs actual pigs?
The guinea pig is not a pig at all, and it did not come from Guinea. Instead,
guinea pigs are rodents
. Their scientific name, Cavia porcellus, means “little pig” in Latin. Based upon their scientific name, they’re also sometimes known as cavies.
What is a male guinea pig called?
Guinea pigs come in a wide range of fur colors and patterns, as well as a hairless breed called a ‘skinny pig’. Males are called
boars
, and females are called sows. Males tend to be larger than females, and their weight varies from 700-1200 grams (1.5-2.5 pounds).
Do guinea pigs know their name?
Yes! Guinea pigs can certainly recognize and respond to their name with
the help of some training, along with consistency, patience, and time. Guinea pigs can learn words through classical conditioning. As such, they can be trained to recognize individual words, meaning they can also learn their name.
Do guinea pigs stink?
In general
no
, guinea pigs are clean little critters that regularly groom themselves. And while they may have a slight odour, they should never be overpowering or unpleasant.
Why do guinea pigs squeak?
Some guinea pigs will squeal when
they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention
. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.
Which is better pet guinea pig or hamster?
Typically,
hamsters are far more temperamental than guinea pigs
. And because they are smaller and more fragile to handle, they are more likely to nip or bite. If you have very young children in the house, a guinea pig is probably a better option.
How long do guinea pigs live indoors?
They can live
as long as seven years
, so they might outlive a child’s interest. This is why it is important that the adults in the household share the children’s interest in the guinea pig. As with all small pets, an adult needs to be responsible for ensuring that the children provide the correct care and attention.
Is guinea pig poop dirty?
In addition to the bacteria naturally present in
all feces
, guinea pigs with conditions such as salmonella or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can pass those conditions onto humans through direct contact with feces or even through the air.
Do guinea pigs like to be held?
Your Guinea Pig
Likes Being Held
You can interpret that confidence as affection. To reach this stage you need to hand-tame your pet with care and patience. Once they’ve built the trust, they’ll bond with you. They won’t approach everyone in this way – it’s just you they love!
Are boy or girl guinea pigs nicer?
Generally speaking, guinea pig pet parents have found that
male guinea pigs tend to be a little more confident or bolder than females
. This can sometimes lead to training males and being able to handle them a little easier than their shyer counterparts.
Will two male guinea pigs fight?
Will two male guinea pigs fight?
If you only have two guinea pigs and they are both males, they shouldn’t fight
. Of course, there are going to be stand-offs if the cage is too small or boredom is a problem. Also, if one is injured or ill, a fight could break out.
Are male guinea pigs more aggressive than females?
Aggression. Of the two,
males are generally more aggressive than females
. This is because they are more territorial and feel the need to protect their space a lot more. Female guinea pigs are more laid back. Having said this, some females are feisty and will get into a scrap if they feel it’s necessary.
