Seagull's Guinea Pig Care Guide Why guinea pigs? Choosing a guinea pig: buying and breeds Housing and bedding Proper feeding and nutrition Vitamin C data for selected foods General care and husbandry Breeding Guinea pig behavior Illness and ailments References

Powder, Ivory and Pepper on the milk line

About Guinea Pigs

Once believed to be a rodent, the animal known as the guinea pig, or cavy, is now thought by many evolutionary biologists to belong to a separate order, as reported by the Associated Press in early 1996. Being neither a pig, nor from Guinea, it is uncertain from exactly where the guinea pig got its common name. Some theorize that the name "Guinea" is taken from the "Guiana" region of South America, which is home to an animal similar to the guinea pig, while others tell tales of British sailors who sold the animals (who made sounds similar to those of a frightened pig) for the price of one guinea.

Although the naming origins and scientific classification of guinea pigs may still be matters of debate, there is no question that they make excellent pets. Guineas pigs are extremely docile, low maintenance and unbelievably cute.