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What do you really know about Guinea Pigs

By: John Savage

Many a time when you visit with a friend or relative one of their children will drag you out to see their pet guinea pig, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself what you know about these delightful pets?

They are adorable creatures that make excellent pets, but they have not always been a family pet, so what is their history and where were they first discovered?

A cavy is the proper name for the guinea pig, and they are a member of the rodent family.

They have sprung into popularity within the past few decades and this might well make you think that they are a new pet, but think again. Archaeologists have uncovered fossilised remains dating back millions of years, making them a very old pet indeed!

Those same fossils indicate that the guinea pig used to be much larger than it is today, anything up to 9 feet long.

South America is the original homeland for the guinea pig, and in particular the Incas are the first recorded people to have them in their homes. They were treated as a religious icon but also I am afraid they were used for meals and that is still true today in some parts of South America.

Nevertheless they are also held in very high esteem in parts of Peru, and are believed to have healing powers for those who are sick, and they are also believed to be 'helpers' for those people who are dying, helping them move effortlessly into the next world.

These lovely creatures came to Europe and America courtesy of the sailors who brought them to sell for, guess what, a guinea, and that is where part of their name came from.

The second part of their name, pig, comes from their likeness, at the rear end, to pigs, and also to the fact that they tend to squeal a bit like pigs.

They have also been used quite a bit over the years in the field of research, and you have probably heard and used the expression "we are using him as a guinea pig"

They have proved to be a great help to medical science, but sadly at the cost of many guinea pigs lives. They have helped save many human lives, at the cost of their own. Does the end justify the means? Dear reader, you must decide that for yourself.

Still today guinea pigs are used for research purposes, but mostly in the area of genetics and hereditary matters, and we are assured that they are not harmed in any way.

Have you ever thought of giving a guinea pig as a present to somebody? Well that's what they do in many parts of South America and it is considered to be a present that impresses the receiver.

Isn't it amazing that what is in effect a rodent could become such a popular pet? During a recent survey it was found that guinea pigs came just fourth in popularity behind dogs, cats and rabbits.

Well now, the next time your friend's children show you their latest pet I think you will look at it with different eyes.

Article Source: www.harperandassociatesinsurance.com

Before you do anything else check out John Savages excellent website on guinea pigs where you can pick up some free materials and more information on these fantastic animals

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