Guinea pigs are excellent starter pets

The guinea pig, also called the cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, these animals are not in the pig family, nor are they from Guinea. .

Scientific name: Cavia porcellus

Gestation period: 59 – 72 d (Adult)

Mass: 0.7 – 1.2 kg (Adult)

Length: 20 – 25 cm (Adult)

Rank: Species

Lifespan: 4 – 5 y, 5 y on average (Captivity)