Guinea Pigs
How rare are they?
Guinea Pigs are not an animal recorded on the Rare Breed Survival Trust Register. Numbers are recorded by each individual breeding association.
Where do Guinea Pigs come from?
Guinea Pigs originate from Equador and Peru in South America. They were brought to Europe by Spanish, Dutch and English traders, where they quickly became popular as exotic pets among the upper classes and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I.
Are there special breeds of Guinea Pigs at Odds Farm Park?
The British Cavy Council oversees all the breeding associations and is responsible for setting the standard for each Guinea Pig breed. We currently have two different breeds at Odds Farm Park, but both are extremely friendly and great for children to see.
Where would you find Guinea Pigs at Odds Farm Park?
The Guinea Pigs at Odds Farm Park can be found in various areas in the Main Barn. Being very sociable animals they never like to live on their own, always with other Guinea Pigs. Children visiting on a day out can also see them in our Guinea Pig Village, a large 3 story hutch with 6 different rooms and connecting staircases, which is located opposite the entrance to the Gift Shop.
Odds Farm Park Guinea Pigs
How rare are they?
Guinea Pigs are not rare animals and there is a huge range of Guinea Pigs to choose from, plus many other crossbreds which are equally appealing. Whatever type of guinea pig you have, you can be guaranteed a friendly and entertaining companion, who will live for between 4-7 years of age. We currently have both Smooth Haired and Long Haired breeds here at Odds Farm Park.
Where do the Odds Farm Park Guinea Pigs come from?
After Guinea Pigs were adopted as pets in the 16th Century, cross breeding has created many kinds of Guinea Pigs. The Smooth Haired and the Long Haired are some of the most common Guinea Pigs around today.
Why have Guinea Pigs at Odds Farm Park?
They are very cute animals to watch and children shouldn't miss them on their day out.
How would children identify an Odds Farm Park Guinea Pig?
The Long Haired Guinea Pig does look different from the Smooth Haired Guinea Pig children can also see at Odds Farm Park. The main difference is that their hair is very long and shaggy over all their body and they have shorter hair on their face. Both types come in a variety of colors and color combinations.
Guinea Pigs are amazing. Children, did you know?
A Guinea Pig mum is called a Sow, a dad is called a Boar and a baby is called a Pup. Guinea Pigs are pregnant for 59-72 days and have an average of 3-4 babies per litter. Guinea Pigs are born with all their fur, teeth and claws and with their eyes open and they can fit into the palm of a hand. Guinea Pigs cannot make their own vitamin C so you must feed them foods high in vitamin C or give them a vitamin C tablet in their water.
