Guinea pigs are also known as cavies and are a part of tamed species of rodents. They have been famous for thousands of years now as pets especially for large families due to their cold temperament. They are very social and even when they are stressed out, they do not bite. Guineas weigh around two to three pounds and live for six to eight years on average. However, guinea pigs need a lot of space to run around; they need a large cage to reside and exercise. Also, they need a diet that provides adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals.
There are a variety of breeds of guinea pigs such as Baldwin’s, Texels, etc which can be grouped by their hair. In this article, you would be learning some important facts about guinea pigs that you need to consider while choosing your guinea pet.
Table of Contents
DO GUINEA PIGS SLEEP WITH THEIR EYES OPEN?
In case you are thinking, “do guinea pigs sleep with their eyes open“, then the answer is YES. It is common that you will never see your guinea pig sleeping with their eyes closed. However, guinea pigs can sometimes close their eyes generally when they feel very comfortable or relaxed. The reason ” do guinea pigs sleep with their eyes open” is that they are prey animals and look out for dangers by not shutting their eyelids.
ARE GUINEA PIGS NOCTURNAL?
Guinea pigs are neither nocturnal nor diurnal. Instead, they scatter their time of activity throughout day and night consisting of tiny naps every often between activities. Studies conclude that guinea pigs are crepuscular and are more active during midnight. Now that you know “are guinea pigs nocturnal”. Let’s move on to the other facts.
DO GUINEA PIGS SLEEP?
Guinea pigs are terrific cute beyond explanation, and if you are wondering,” do guinea pigs sleep”, Then this is your one-stop destination to know more about it. YES, guinea pigs sleep. Many guinea pig owners reported that they sleep for four to six hours per day. However, they don’t sleep much at night. Proper sleep is vital for guinea pigs as much as it is for humans but, for guinea pigs, it is very overrated as a guinea pig that sleeps even for three hours is seen to function actively just like a guinea pig that sleeps for eight hours or more.
DO GUINEA PIGS BLINK?
The answer to your question “do guinea pigs blink”, is a big YES! Unlike human beings, guinea pigs don’t blink that often. However, you might observe them blinking a few times just to keep their eyes moist and safe in a dry environment. Sometimes, they also blink to clear unwanted foreign objects from their little eyes.
NOTE: Guinea pigs only blink when there is something inside their eyeball which causes irritation to their eyes.
FUN FACTS ABOUT GUINEA PIGS
There are plenty of fun facts about guinea pigs and knowing them is one amazing thing you should do.
- Guinea pig walks immediately after being born
- Cavies are born with teeth that grow throughout their lifetime
- A guinea pig can open its eyes inside its mother’s womb fourteen days prior to its birth
- They are very social animals and love the company of humans
CONCLUSION
Guinea pigs make great pets as they survive for many years, so you can enjoy their company longer as compared to other rodents. Guinea pigs can be a perfect pet for anyone especially for a child having his first pet ever. Hence, make sure you give a proper diet to your guinea pet that keeps it healthy and wise. These were some facts that would help you understand your guinea pig better.
