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Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are also known as cavies. Despite their name, they are not pigs and they are not from Guinea! Guinea pigs were first domesticated in 5000BC by mountain tribes in South America, but not for use as pets – they were domesticated for food.
Appearance
Guinea pigs weigh around 1kg and are 10cm long. Some breeds of guinea pig have long coats, whilst others, such as the Baldwin, are hairless.
Behaviour
Guinea pigs are very docile pets, but their personality and behaviour often differ from breed to breed. It’s advisable to do your research when you’re thinking about buying a guinea pig.
Lifespan
The lifespan of guinea pigs is usually 4 to 5 years, although some have been known to live up to 8 years.
