Guinea pig

Guinea pigs are very intelligent animals. They are able to memorise complex paths to get to their food. Once learned, they can accurately remember the path for months. They are also very clean animals. Like many rodents, they regularly groom themselves. They also engage in social grooming, which strengthens group cohesion.

Guinea pigs are known for their characteristic high-pitched squeal, which the animals emit when they are scared or feel threatened. But guinea pigs also have a range of other sounds in their repertoire. The most common vocalisations include whistling, purring, rumbling, chattering (gnashing the teeth) and sometimes even chirping like a bird!

Guinea pig pups can eat solid food immediately after birth, but despite this do not forgo their mother’s milk.