Instructions
Read about the life cycle of guinea pigs below. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, go through different stages in their life cycle. Here are the key stages:
- Gestation: Mother guinea pigs carry their babies for about 59 to 72 days before giving birth to a litter of 1 to 6 baby guinea pigs.
- Birth: Baby guinea pigs, called pups, are born fully furred and can see and hear. They start eating solid food just a few hours after birth!
- Juvenile: Pups grow quickly and typically reach maturity at about 3 to 4 months. They will start to develop their adult fur and behavior during this stage.
- Adult: Once fully grown (around 6 months old), guinea pigs are considered adults. They can breed and have their own babies. The average lifespan of a guinea pig is about 4 to 6 years, but some can live longer with the right care.
Questions:
1. How long is the gestation period for guinea pigs?
2. What are baby guinea pigs called?
3. At what age do guinea pigs typically reach maturity?
4. Describe how pups are developed at birth.
5. How long do guinea pigs generally live?
6. Why is it important for guinea pigs to start eating solid food shortly after birth?