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Think you're a guinea pig expert? Think again!\nDiscover the most shocking and surprising facts about these adorable cavies you've never heard before.\nFrom their secret social lives to their weirdest habits, you'll never look at a guinea pig the same way!

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Animals
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00:00Beyond their gentle squeaks lies a creature of surprising complexity.
00:04These small companions, from vast mountain ranges, communicate in a language all their
00:09own and express joy in explosive ways. They are more than a simple pet, they are a world
00:14of wonder in a tiny package. Have you ever owned one? Let us know.
00:19Before becoming pets, guinea pigs, or caveys, roamed the Andes Mountains of South America.
00:25They are rodents, not related to pigs, domesticated over 3,000 years ago by indigenous peoples.
00:32Originally raised for food, their gentle nature eventually made them cherished companions.
00:38This journey from wild mountain dweller to a cozy home shows their adaptable and endearing spirit,
00:43crossing continents and cultures over centuries. Guinea pigs are incredibly vocal, using a rich
00:49vocabulary to express their needs. The most famous sound is, weaking, a loud whistle made when they
00:56anticipate a treat. A soft, purr, can mean contentment, but a high-pitched one signals annoyance.
01:03They also, chatter, and, rumble, to establish dominance or during courtship.
01:08Understanding these sounds is key to bonding with these chatty creatures.
01:13What's the funniest sound your pet makes? A delightful guinea pig behavior is, popcorning.
01:18This is when they leap straight up, often twisting and kicking their legs out,
01:22like a kernel of popping corn. It's a pure expression of happiness and excitement.
01:28You'll often see young pups popcorning while they play, but even content adults will surprise you
01:33with a joyful jump. This explosive burst of energy shows you have a very happy cavy.
01:39Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C, making it an essential part of their diet.
01:44A deficiency can lead to serious health issues. To stay healthy, they need a constant supply of
01:50high-quality Timothy hay, which also helps wear down their continuously growing teeth.
01:55This is supplemented with specialized pellets and daily servings of vitamin C-rich vegetables
02:00like bell peppers. A proper diet is the cornerstone of a long, healthy life.
02:06A lonely guinea pig is an unhappy one. In the wild, they live in herds and are deeply social animals
02:12that rely on companionship. Keeping a single cavy can lead to depression and stress.
02:18They thrive in pairs or small, bonded groups where they can communicate, play, and groom each other.
02:24This social need is a fundamental aspect of their care. Hit like if you agree all pets need a friend.
02:30Guinea pig babies, called pups, are born remarkably developed.
02:34They enter the world fully furred, with their eyes open, and can stand and run within hours of birth.
02:39This is known as being, precocial, a trait for prey animals needing to flee from danger.
02:46They even start nibbling on solid food within a couple of days.
02:50This incredible head start in life is a fascinating adaptation for survival.
02:55From their wild origins to their complex social lives and unique joy,
02:59the guinea pig is a creature of surprising depth.
03:01They are not a simple pet, but an intelligent companion that offers a window into a world
03:07of subtle behaviors and strong bonds.
03:10Their needs are specific, but the reward is a gentle friendship that brightens any home.
03:15They truly are a pocket-sized personality.
03:18For more amazing animal facts, subscribe to Pets Bunch.
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