guinea pigs? what are they for?

[AHappychick]

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You never had a guinea pig when you were a kid? You are such a city girl.

I know what I'm bringing with me tomorrow. Oh wait, potential allergen, never mind.

oh I had friends with them, I just noticed it seemed they were very popular umong chicken folk and I was wondering why.

No animals allowed here that dont provide food, you know the rules

 

[CountryMom]

I am a breeder and exhibitor of guinea pigs otherwise known as Cavy or Cavies. I have yet in about 7 years of this sold any for snake food. I have a big demand for pets and also for show pigs. My three kiddos and I have had an absolute blast at doing this and we totally enjoy them. I even have an entire barn just for them with large cages and a/c.
Here is our new caviary site...
http://cowgirlcaviary.tripod.com/

We have a few of the recognized show-able breeds in the United States. AT one time in this adventure with pigs we have had just about every kind - except some of the rare unrecognized breeds like skinnies and baldwins (basically hairless.) They are by far the best family pet around. And amoung the breeders and exhibitors we know, not only families with kids, but even young couples and retired folks will breed and show these lovely little critters. They are nothing like a nasty rodent, but have individual personalities that are so unique. If you ever get a chance to visit a show in your area, you would find it very interesting and fun. Can't say enough about guinea pigs.

 

[stuckinthecity]

EATING in some countries...

 

[cutiepieacres]

I breed and show Texel piggies and find lots of people who just love them as spoiled pets. I have never sold any snake food either I am not sure they are as big of a source as snake food as rats and mice, though they are used as such.

They are pretty popular in South America as a source of meat. They are easy to raise, reproduce pretty quick and a are called "Cui." According to a friend they taste pretty decent though I have never tried any. If given the chance though I wouldn't pass it up, just not going to be eating any of my own. Besides that the breeds I raise would not be considered a "meat" type cavy.

They are also a huge contributer in the field of research. They are more similar to humans in many ways compared to the rodents(guinea pigs are not rodents despite what most think) so they have been used in a lot in medical research, hence the term "guinea pig" when referring to someone as a test subject.

I have to add some pics too!

Texels

Peruvian

 

[Skyesrocket]

They are still being used for meat in some areas of the country. I remember reading about it on one of the homesteading forums. I don't have a clue what the taste like or how much meat you would get from one. I don't even eat my own chickens or turkeys.

I have two that belonged to an older man that now has ahlziemers and couldn't remember to care for them. His daughter told me that he would hold them everynight while he watched tv and feed them carrots. They are chubby little things and squeal for me every time they see me come into the barn. I never saw any as friendly as these two are.

 

[Skyesrocket]

Oh! The texels are beautiful! I need one of those!

 

[LA~Poulet]

Oh my goodness! Theose look like they are wearing toupes

 

[AHappychick]

LA~Poulet :

Oh my goodness! Theose look like they are wearing toupes

I know how cute and funny! I love the one with long hair and the permed ones

do they poop everywhere like rabbits, I seem to remember they do, or can they be trained to go in one area?
I do remember my friend had one that like to be scratched on its back and would squeal with delight when done

 

[saddina]

Rabbits can be litter box trained, mine are (yes I'm just that lazy), they used to be housepets, but now have a shady hutch in the garden, grass and peas litteraly grow into thier cage.

 

[PurpleChicken]

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