Guinea pig
A species of Guinea pigs, Also known as Cavy Scientific name : Cavia porcellus Genus : Guinea pigs
Guinea pig, A species of Guinea pigs
Also known as:
Cavy
Scientific name: Cavia porcellus
Genus: Guinea pigs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Rex tremendae majestatis , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
In the 16th century, guinea pigs were exported to Europe and North America. Their descendants form the entire current stock in these continents. However, independent, older breeding and wild lines still exist in South America. These guinea pigs are often larger than their distant relatives in Europe and North America. In South America, they are kept for ritual purposes and for consumption. In Europe, guinea pigs were also served until the 20th century. However, they were only used as laboratory animals in the 18th century. In South America, so-called giant guinea pigs have recently been bred, which have since been kept in intensive fattening for meat production. In Germany these animals are known as Cuys.
General Info
Lifespan
4-8 years
Diet
Guinea pig, commonly known as the domestic guinea pig, primarily thrives on a herbivorous diet. Its food preference primarily includes high-fiber vegetables, fresh fruits, and most importantly, timothy hay, which forms an integral part of its daily nutritional requirement.
Appearance
Guinea pig is a small rodent with a stout body shape, short legs, and no visible tail. They are covered in smooth, dense fur that varies in colors from white, grey, brown to black, often with various patches or patterns. There's no significant difference in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Guinea pig exhibits diurnal habits, being most active during dawn and dusk. This species is highly sociable, usually forming stable, hierarchical groups with near-constant chattering for communication. Guinea pig are also selective foragers, feeding primarily on vegetation. Territorial disputes are rare, replaced with mutual grooming reinforcing social bonds.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Cavies Genus
Guinea pigs Species
Guinea pig 
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