Exact Answer: 8 Years
The world is filled with living beings and one of those is animals. Animals are different from the other living entities existing on the earth, like birds, humans, and even bacteria and fungi. While some animals coexist with humans in harmony, some are better to let wild in the forests. An average guinea pig lives about eight years on the earth.
There are only some animals, large and small, that can be adopted as pets by humans. Some of the common pets people love having in their household include dogs, cats, rabbits, some species of birds. Some adopt guinea pigs and hamsters as their pets. A guinea pig is a soft, furry creature that makes a delightful pet.
How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
| Where They Live | Time |
| In the wild (natural habitat) | 4 Years |
| In homes (domestication) | 8 Years |
Guinea pigs are also called cavies by some, and they belong to the family of rodents. They are domesticated species, of the class Cavia Porcellus. Native to South America, they are now on the verge of extinction. They can be adopted as pets, and even have them as food.
Nobody knew from where exactly guinea pigs came, and from which breed of animals they originated from. Some think they got the name from their squealing sounds, while some think they actually belong to the family of pigs.
Guinea pigs weigh about 700 grams to 1 kilogram. Their bodies are around 10 inches long, and they have a triangular mouth with 20 teeth. Just like other rodents, their teeth grow constantly, which they gnaw off.
According to research articles, there are around 13 breeds of guinea pigs, and the breeds can be differentiated by their hair color, sheen, color pattern in the pelage, and texture of their fur and hair. In earlier days, guinea pigs were found in the wild, but, now there are very few guinea pigs that can be adopted as pets.
There are some as pets, but, some still live in the wild. Guinea pigs are herd animals and social too. They adapt with their kind very well and also well with humans. So, if one wants to adopt a guinea pig, one should know how to feed them, groom them and take care of them.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Live That Long?
Guinea pigs last longer as pets. In the wild, they last for a lesser duration. According to various research articles, there are guinea pigs that have lived for nearly 14 years. In the wild, guinea pigs live for about 4 to 6 years. When taken good care of as pets, they can live for eight years.
The normal life span of a guinea pig is about 7 to 8 years. When in wild, they might get hunted by other large animals, but when they are in homes as pets, they will be protected and well cared for. So, if one takes care of the guinea pigs, they can live long.
Guinea pigs don’t eat meat. The popular foods that guinea pigs like to eat include bell peppers, carrots, bananas, apples, blueberries, kale, mustard greens. They don’t drink if they have moist foods and sometimes water bottles are hung from cages to provide them water if they need it.
Guinea pigs must also be well supplemented with vitamin C. When one doesn’t provide their pet guinea bugs enough vitamin C, they might develop scurvy. This can infect humans if bitten by mistake. After around 4 to 5 years, their movement becomes sluggish and they start moving slowly.
Conclusion
Another important fact is that the life span of mammals also depends on their size. The smaller the mammal, the shorter they live. It also depends on the genetics and the environment they live in.
The life span of any guinea pig also depends on the cleanliness of the cage they dwell, and the way one looks after them. One must make sure to take them to a veterinarian for regular checkups every six months.
If they have any in-built health issues, they live for a shorter while. If not, all they require is good care and diet to keep them living healthy for eight years.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc1084532/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7150066/
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It’s concerning to hear that their lives can be cut short by health issues.
The connection between lifespan and mammal size is an intriguing topic.
This is an eye-opening article, especially regarding their vitamin C needs.
It’s remarkable how guinea pigs’ lifespans differ in the wild vs. as pets.
The link between guinea pigs’ lifespans and their diets is an important consideration.
It’s fascinating to learn how guinea pigs have adapted over time.
This article provides useful information about the care of guinea pigs.
That is interesting. I didn’t know pets could live such a long time.
It’s surprising that guinea pigs can live for eight years!
I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of the environment in guinea pigs’ lifespans.