Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are a small rodent originating from grasslands and lower slopes of the Andes mountains in South America. They are highly social animals, living in groups called herds in the wild. They are extremely active animals and can be active for up to 20 hours a day.
Guinea pigs require a high fibre diet consisting of hay and grasses as their teeth never stop growing, chewing and gnawing helps keep them worn down to an appropriate length. Just like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so will need foods such as vegetables of fruits added to their diet to avoid getting scurvy. They are very vocal little animals and communicate using chirps, whistles, squeaks and purrs. Guinea pigs generally live for 6-8 years.
