Wild guinea pigs are native to South America,
where they live in burrows they either dig themselves or other animals have
abandoned. Like a lot of other rodents, guinea pigs breed readily- they start
at 2 months of age. After giving birth to as many as 6 young, mama guinea pig
is ready to mate again in a few hours. That’s just not right!
I can’t seem to find anything about this next tidbit in any
of my references, but I’ve been told by guinea pig owners and by their
veterinarians that guinea pigs make a “humming” sound when they’re content. I
find that very charming and I’m dying to hear what that sounds like!
One thing I didn’t realize is that people raise guinea pigs
to be shown. (You know, like cat or dog shows, only GUINEA PIG shows!) There
are a number of different breeds, from short-haired varieties that look a lot
like their cavy forbearers to extremely long-haired versions called “silkies”.
The picture of the young one I’m looking at now has a lot of disheveled fur,
like someone’s hair after taking a nap. Maybe he just hasn’t grown out his
luxurious coat yet.
I’d love to attend a guinea pig show. To be surrounded by a
roomful of such outrageous cuteness would really be something.
A few years ago I designed my guinea pig jewelry in sterling
silver and gold, but I just may need to do a new one with the luscious coat of
the silkie guinea pig in mind, what do you think?
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