There are a few interesting things to keep in mind about wild Guinea pigs if you ever happen to spot one. Below are 8 facts about guinea pigs. The wild pigs and boars can produce litters of up to 13 piglets per litter, two or three times a year, according to a paper on the wild boar problem published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since guinea pigs can’t eat garlic or onions, much of our cooked food is off-limits as well. It resembles other cavies in having a robust body with short limbs, large head and eyes, and short ears. They come in clumps, with the size depending on the age of the animal. If guinea pigs aren’t from Guinea nor related to pigs, where did their name come from? Soon they go back to … The pups are weaned after 3 weeks and are matured by 2-3 months old. Four species of wild guinea pig—Brazilian, montane, shiny, and greater—are of least concern. Pups nurse for nutritional purposes but can eat solid foods right after birth. However, they do not live in western Chile or most of the Amazon River. Along with the different species, there are 13 common types of breeds of the guinea pig. The OFAH is extremely concerned about wild pigs becoming established in Ontario. Share your stories in the comments, or let us know any other great facts you’ve heard about wild guinea pigs! They are coming … That’s similar to North American wild pigs, which on average weigh between 150 and 220 pounds. Some that still exist in the wild. So how different are the lives of wild guinea pigs to our own little family pets? Wild pigs are an invasive species that ruin wildlife habitat, put our native wildlife species at risk, damage cropland and pose a significant disease risk to farm-raised pigs. Pig, wild or domestic swine, a mammal of the Suidae family. One county in Alberta tried offering hunters a $50 bounty for each pair of pig ears they turned in, but officials disagree on the effectiveness of that method. So wild guinea pigs have the opportunity to breed naturally. Guinea pigs are a domesticated species of rodent that are popular as pets — and food. In the wild, guinea pigs don’t have people to provide these things. The wild pig population can also grow quickly if left unchecked. In Britain the term pig refers to all domestic swine, while in the United States it refers to younger swine not yet ready for market and weighing usually less than 82 kg (180 pounds), others being called hogs. Wild pigs are non-native invaders in North America and their introduction causes problems for native plants and animals. Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. i have 2 guinea pigs and it was fun to read about how other guinea pigs live in the wild and other fun facts about my 2 pigs Hobo and Midnight. Their coat colour can range from very dark to light, black grey, brown, reddish, or white, and may have spots. The shelter provided by taller vegetation helps to protect and shield wild guinea pigs from their predators. al) “Habitat Associations and Relative Densities of Rodent Populations in Cultivated Areas of Central Argentina“, Journal of Mammalogy, 72:3 (1991), National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on Laboratory Animal Nutrition, “Nutrient Requirements of the Guinea Pig“, 1995, K. Rubensam (et. Guinea pigs occupy open grasslands, forest margins, swamps, and rocky areas. They inhabited areas with dense ground vegetation. Guinea pigs are social and expressive animals who stick together. Some of these characteristics include: Guinea pigs are herbivores, so their diet consists of vegetables and fruits. Wild pigs are a highly mobile species and will routinely move to different areas in their habitat. Pingback: What is Poisonous to Guinea Pigs? Guinea pigs were found by the Incas more than 3, 000 years ago. (Carlos Giusti/AP) Olivieri also fears that it could take years before the island is finally rid of the porcine pests. This article looks at everything from what wild guinea pigs eat, to where and how they live! Are Species Mixing Okay? ... As in other states, eliminating the invasive species was a priority due to the pigs’ ability to destroy farmland and multiply. “When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. If your guinea pig does escape into the rest of your house, keep a cool head. By nature, Guinea pigs have an easy-going temperament. You may find yourself asking, how do guinea pigs survive in the wild without someone to take care of them? Guinea pigs no longer live anywhere in the wild - however, when they did, they were originally native to South America. Take your guinea pig to a vet a few days after coming home, then schedule checkups once a year. Article Sources. Deer hunting in Texas is annually a $2.2 billion industry. However, these can be criticised for not truly showing a wild guinea pig’s natural lifestyle. Wild Pigs Central Mass Chapter. As with other species the process of domestication in guinea pigs has led to changes in behavior such that the domestic guinea pig is less aggressive, exhibits increased social tolerance and increased male courtship behavior, and is less attentive to its surrounding environment than its wild counterparts. However, they can also be domesticated as pets. Wild guinea pigs are often found living in small herds at field borders. After wallowing, wild p… The wild pigs can survive any type of ecology and they eat anything organic. You should avoid keeping your guinea pigs alone. In the wild, they will eat what vegetation they can find, including grasses, leaves, and fruit. Wild pig populations can be managed by lethal or nonlethal methods. They eat a lot of moist foods to keep them hydrated along with using a water supply. The Average Litter is 3 or 4 Pups. Range. Using a rubber glove, you can examine them for some idea of where the pigs are feeding. Or rather, the species that we have as pets do not anymore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With this blog we want to provide you with all the information you need to create the best possible life for your furry little pals! During warm months, wild pigs create wallows in moist areas near ponds, creeks, and sloughs to access mud, which helps them cool down and ward off biting insects. Here are some names guinea pigs are known by in other countries that have the pig trend: France is one country that does not have the pig overtone. The montane guinea pig (Cavia tschudii) is a species of caviid rodent found in the Andes in South America. It’s generally best to stick to feeding your guinea pig a diet of hay and high-quality pellets, with occasional treats of fresh fruits and veggies. Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, no longer exist in the wild. Terminology. Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet for Guinea Pigs not only offers ideal nutrition for your pet, but also a comprehensive range of ingredients. Emotionality of the animals was investigated using a variety of tests. Studies based on biochemistry and hybridization suggest they are domesticated descendants of a closely related species of cavy, such as C. … 8 Interesting Facts About Wild Guinea Pigs. Unlike our domestic piggies, wild guinea pigs can’t supplement their diets with pellet food specifically designed to be full of nutrients. Hay, guinea pig pellets (Firma Höveler, Germany) and water were available ad libitum and were supplemented with fresh vegetables every other day. link to Can Gerbils Live With Other Animals? 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