Guinea pigs are gregarious animals. It doesn’t take well to loneliness and can be affectionate. To thrive, this rodent needs daily attention. Very endearing, he loves to be petted and cuddled. Its lifespan is estimated at between 7 and 8 years. Being lively, this little animal loves to strut its stuff. It can weigh from 255 g to 800 g. Its size is 20 to 25 cm.
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The guinea pig was originally domesticated in South America, millennia before Christ. Its name was chosen because of a mix-up by the explorers who discovered America. Instead of the latter, they thought they had found India during their exploration. South American peoples also used these rodents to ward off spirits and disease.
In the early 16th century, guinea pigs were imported to Europe following Pizarro’s invasion of the Inca empire (in Peru). Today, this rodent is considered a pet in its own right all over the world. If your child loves guinea pigs, don’t hesitate to download and print our wide selection of free guinea pig coloring pages.