According to About.com, blueberries are an acceptable food for guinea pigs. This fruit contains vitamin C, and it is essential that guinea pigs get an adequate amount of the nutrient. Otherwise, they develop scurvy, a serious disease.Know More
The Humane Society stresses that, since fruit contains large amounts of sugar, it should be offered to guinea pigs in moderation. Guinea pigs should eat no more than several blueberries once a day.
There are other, less sugary ways to be sure that guinea pigs consume enough vitamin C. About.com indicates that vitamin C tablets for guinea pigs are available. Also, some commercial pellets contain vitamin C, but they lose potency quickly. Therefore, pellets are best consumed before the "use by" date stamped on the package.Learn more about Rodents
Guinea pigs are native to South America and were first put into use by human society in what is now Boliva and Peru near the mountain range known as the Andes. Guinea pigs have historically been used as a source of food, as aides in religious ceremonies meant to detect and extract illnesses and as pets kept in the household.Full Answer >
Guinea pigs are natural swimmers but may not appreciate being put into the water. They will swim if forced by being placed in water but often find it distressing.Full Answer >
Although initial signs of pregnancy are difficult to detect, Loving Your Pet explains that pregnant guinea pigs drink more water and grow larger; however, pregnancy cannot be confirmed until the latter stages when her young can be felt through her skin. Guinea pigs prefer to give birth at night, labor lasting between 15 to 40 minutes, says Guinea Lynx. They often eat the afterbirth and placenta, hiding all evidence of a messy delivery.Full Answer >
Guinea pigs bite as a means of communication or as a response to fear and pain. They may also nip accidentally when seeking to get a treat, and they bite each other as part of dominance behavior.Full Answer >