All About the Guinea Pig

Today the guinea pig is known as an eminently delightful, loving pet considered well suited for children. The history of the animal, or Cavia Porchellus, is less well known. Guinea pigs originated in South America where they lived in the wild and were hunted for food until they were domesticated as early as 5000 BC. The animals were then brought to Europe in the 16th century by European traders where they then became "high status" pets - even Queen Elizabeth I had a piggie!

Why "Pig?"

The exact history of the name "guinea pig" is not well known. Some people believe the name was given because of the pig-like squeal the animal makes. Other people believe the comparison has more to do with the physical appearance, or the time spent eating.

Contributions to Science

Today the guinea pig is well known not just as pet but also as a research animal due to certain physiological similarities with humans. While this is sad for those of us who are fans of the animals, the guinea pig is directly responsible for the creation of a variety of life saving medications and medical procedures. Guinea pigs are still used in medical research for juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy, and pregnancy complications.

The Advantages as a Pet

Guinea pigs are part of a group of pets known as "pocket pets" - small animals, usually rodents and hypothetically small enough to fit in one's pocket including rats, mice, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, and ferrets. Unlike smaller animals, guinea pigs are easier to catch if they escape and due to their size, less likely to hide within furniture or other small crevices that are hard to get to. These sweet furry friends are also less likely to destroy one's wooden furniture but they still require supervision during floor time just to be on the safe side. Guinea pigs are also happy to stay in a cage during the day and will happily return your affection using their own special language of chirps, purrs, and squeaks. Lastly, piggies are known for the adorable tendency to "popcorn" - jump in the air just like kernels of corn that become heated.

Classroom Learning Tool

For years teachers have been keeping guinea pigs in classrooms to be cared for and played with by the children. On the weekends and during extended breaks teachers or students would then take the pet home and care for him or her. While some people still consider this a useful tool for developing a wide variety of projects for students from scientific knowledge to personal responsibility, to budgeting and cage planning, there are a growing number of opponents to this use. Many people feel that being kept alone in a classroom without actual owners is too lonely and cruel. Other people suggest that animals should not be used to teach responsibility as only the animal will suffer the consequences of neglect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Christine_Jones