Guinea pigs are small, gentle rodents originally from the Andes in South America.
Theyâve been popular pets for centuries thanks to their sweet nature, soft fur, and adorable squeaky sounds!
Theyâre very social animals, happiest living in pairs or small groups, and they love to chat. You might hear them wheeking when theyâre excited, purring when content, or even chirping when curious â can you hear them talking to each other?
Their diet includes hay, fresh veggies, and guinea pig pellets, and they need plenty of Vitamin C, as they canât produce it themselves â just like us!
Although naturally a little shy, guinea pigs become friendly and confident once they feel safe and comfortable.
We have a lovely group here at Monk Park Farm â see if you can spot them enjoying a snack or having a little chat with each other in the barn.
Try Guinea Pig Fishing! đŁ
One of the most-loved activities at the farm is Guinea Pig Fishing â a fun and gentle way to interact with our furry friends.
Using a special âfishing rodâ with a treat tied to the end, visitors can dangle food into the enclosure and watch as the guinea pigs come over to grab a bite. Itâs a brilliant way to engage with them and also provides enrichment that helps keep them active and stimulated.
Give it a go next time you visit â and see which piggy is the hungriest!
Guinea Pig Facts
- Guinea pigs are also known as cavies.
- Their teeth never stop growing â thatâs why they need hay to help wear them down.
- A group of guinea pigs is called a herd.
- They can live for 5â8 years with proper care.
- Guinea pigs have five toes on their front feet and three on the back â fun fact!
- They have excellent memories and can recognise familiar voices and routines.
- Despite their name, they arenât from Guinea and theyâre definitely not pigs!