Guinea Pigs, also known as Cavia porcellus, are incredibly popular small furry, lovable pets. They’re native to various Andean regions of South America, where they were initially domesticated to provide reliable food sources. During the 16th century, traders from Europe and North America brought Guinea Pigs back from their travels. While there are over 13 Guinea Pig breeds, English, Abyssinian, and Peruvian Guinea Pigs are the most popular.
Some have long, silky hair, and others have short, rough coats. They can weigh up to 2½ pounds; most live between 5 and 6 years, but some particularly healthy pets can live 10 years or longer. But can these popular pets recognize their names? Absolutely. Guinea Pigs are intelligent, and most are perfectly aware of what their name is, although they may not respond or come when called without training.
Do Guinea Pigs Recognize People?
Yes, particularly those who feed and care for them. Guinea Pigs will often begin squeaking when they hear their favorite person approaching their cage. And some will even squeak in response when owners talk to them. Many will follow loved humans around when allowed a bit of cage-free exploration time.
Guinea Pigs are incredibly social animals, so they usually enjoy being around their family members and are often dialed into their owners’ activities. Some owners report that their Guinea Pigs will even attempt to lick their fingers and enjoy sitting on their laps. Guinea Pigs don’t have great vision, so they typically identify people by smell.
Can Guinea Pigs Learn to Do Tricks?
Yes, Guinea Pigs are trainable. Keeping training sessions short is best; anything over 10 minutes is too long to remain productive and enjoyable. Guinea Pigs often respond to treats and praise, so you have a few reward options. To teach a guinea pig to respond to their name, call your pet and reward them with a treat when they come. It often takes surprisingly little time for Guinea Pigs to learn tricks.
Do Guinea Pigs Require Exercise?
All animals, Guinea Pigs included, need physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Pets that don’t get enough daily exercise are at increased risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, bumblefoot, and diabetes.
Providing an enclosure of at least 7.5 square feet gives Guinea Pigs plenty of room to run around and have fun when left alone. Larger enclosures are even better. Many prefer being active early in the day, which isn’t always convenient for humans with morning responsibilities.
Guinea Pigs also require regular time outside their enclosures to explore and enjoy some freedom. Aim for anywhere from 1 to 4 hours of daily supervised exploration time. Make sure to child-proof the area to prevent your pet from chewing on cords or ingesting something potentially toxic. Most Guinea Pigs don’t climb very well, so it’s usually fine to concentrate on ensuring areas close to the floor are clear of inviting objects to nibble on.
Do Guinea Pigs Like to Be Held?
It depends a great deal on the animal’s personality and socialization. Guinea Pigs are prey animals, so their instinct is to hide in the presence of larger creatures (like humans) capable of harming them. But as domesticated animals, they’ve largely been bred to accept human contact. Pets that are lovingly handled when young often enjoy a good cuddle or two.
But some never get to the point where they feel comfortable being handled. Providing Guinea Pigs with safe hiding places often provides a sense of security that may increase their willingness to interact with humans. Guinea pigs that enjoy being held are usually calm and curious. Going stiff, freezing, or struggling when handled are signs of distress.
Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners?
Guinea Pigs form bonds with those who care for them and shower them with love and attention. Guinea Pig owners consistently report being greeted with squeaks and even excited little jumps after being away from their pets, making it clear that Guinea Pigs bond intensely with their favorite people.
Guinea Pigs do best when living with at least one similar companion, and pets that live without another Guinea pig sometimes become lonely and depressed. Signs of Guinea pig loneliness, depression, and boredom include hair chewing, hiding, refusing to be handled, and general irritability. Putting enclosures in central areas frequented by family members often gives pets a sense of comfort and inclusion. Remember that larger enclosures are required when housing multiple pets, as insufficient space often creates conflict and stress.
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Conclusion
Guinea Pigs are sweet and loving small mammals that have been kept as pets for centuries. They bond with humans who care deeply for them and spend lots of quality time petting, cuddling, and grooming them. Guinea Pigs are pretty smart, and most recognize their names; some will even whistle slightly to greet their favorite people.
While they can be timid, most can learn a trick or two with patience, treats, and reward-based training. They’re incredibly social animals that do best when surrounded by loving companions and usually prefer living in pairs or groups.
Featured Image Credit: mgventer10, Pixabay
