1) What is the star gene ?

• This is the gene that results in the 'crest' on the top of the head of a crested or coronet cavy.

2) How do you say Guinea Pig in:

• German - Meerschweinchen
• French - Cochon d'Inde / Cobaye
• Japanese - Morumotto
• Spanish - Conejillo de Indias / Cobayo
• Dutch - Guinees biggetje or Cavia
• Russian - Morskaya Swinya

3) Name 3 'Wild' relatives of the Guinea Pig

• Capybara
• Mara
• Rock Cavy
• Nutria / Coypu

4) Name 6 breeds of Guinea Pig

• Sheltie (Silkie)
• Peruvian
• Abyssinian
• Teddy / Rex
• Crested
• Coronet
• Texel
• Merino
• Alpaca / Boucle
• American / English Smooth Coat
• Skinny Pig
• Baldwin

5) Name 6 coat/colour types 'varieties' of Guinea Pig

• Selfs
• Dalmation
• Himalayan
• Tortoiseshell and White
• Tortoiseshell
• Satin
• Brindle
• Roan
• Agouti
• Dutch

6) Which variety of guinea pig has 'hollow' hair shafts ?

• The satin - the sun shines through the hollow shafts to give them an extremely shiny satin coat.

7) What is Coprophagy ?

• This is when a guinea pig eats it's own (fresh) droppings (direct from himself) - They contain valuable vitamins and bacteria.

8) What is the Vitamin that you must supply your Guinea Pig that they cannot produce themselves ?

• Vitamin C - Provide from fresh fruit & veggies and fortified pellet food.

9) What is the scientific name for a Guinea Pig ?

• Cavia Porcellus

10) What is the 'grease spot' ?

• The guinea pig has a 'grease/oil gland' on their rump - sometimes this secretions leaves a sticky mass in the hair which needs cleaning.

11) What is impaction ?

• This is most commonly a condition that affects male guinea pigs where they are unable to expel their droppings and they collect in a 'mass' in their anal sac.

12) What is the term used for overgrown / misaligned teeth in cavies ?

• Malocclusion - The teeth will need to be examined and trimmed by a trained rodentologist / vet. This could be the result of a genetic defect, bad diet (not enough grinding material) or the result of broken teeth interfering with the proper wearing down of the other teeth.

13) What is the difference between an English and American Crested Guinea Pig ?

• English: The Crest is the same colour as the coat.
• American: The Crest is white.

14) How many toes does a guinea pig have on its:

• Fore feet: Four
• Hind feet: Three

15) What is Polydactyly ?

• This is an extra toe (or toes) normally on the hind feet.

16) What age should you separate the sexes of young guinea pigs ?

• It is advisable to separate them by 4-5 weeks of age.

17) What is the best age to breed guinea pigs for the first time ?

• Males: Approx 5 months.
• Females: Approx 5-6 months - definately before they are 10 months. Ensure she is fit & well and of a good weight.

18) How long is the female guinea pig pregnant ?

• Between approx 66-72 Days.

19) How often does a female guinea pig come into season ?

• About every 14-18 Days.

20) How many teeth does a guinea pig have ?

• 20 Teeth !
• 2 Upper (Superior) Incisors & 2 Lower (Inferior) Incisors (4)
• Then gap called the 'diastema' - No Canines
• 2 Upper Premolars & 2 Lower Premolars (4)
• 3 Upper Molars on both sides (6)
• 3 Lower Molars on both sides (6)

Facts and Figures

FAQ 1

FAQ 2

Cavy Alfalfabet

Lost Your Pig ?

Guinea Pigs & Other Pets

Cavy Quiz

Evolutions of The Wheekies Herd

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Page Last Updated: 07/07/01