Guinea pig
Frederik
Life alone is boring
At just three years old, handsome, black and white Frederik lost his brother. The owners did not want him to live alone from then on and asked to take in their Frederik.Frederik has been living with the large guinea pig family at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf for a few weeks now.
The way of life and communication of guinea pigs
The guinea pig originates from South America. It was kept there as a pet by the indigenous people.The habitat of the free-living species is areas with year-round grass growth. They colonise the lower-lying plains of the Pampas in South America up to the steep slopes of the Andes, where they can be found up to 4200 metres above sea level. Guinea pigs live there in groups of five to ten animals in burrows that they dig themselves or take over from other animals.
The direct ancestors of guinea pigs kept as pets are the Chudi guinea pigs. They were domesticated by the Indians and brought all over the world by the European conquerors. Today there are many different breeds of guinea pigs: Rosette guinea pigs, Sheltie guinea pigs, Long-haired guinea pigs also called Angora, American and English Crested, Rex guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs are very social animals and live in groups or at least in pairs. Only when one partner dies do they start looking for a new partner.
Guinea pigs recognise each other by smell. They communicate with each other by whistling and squeaking. When frightened or in pain, they can emit a shrill squeak that can sound like a scream. They also lie flat on the ground when they are afraid.In case of great danger, they play dead and lie motionless. If they want to threaten others, they open their mouths wide, show their teeth and chatter them.
Frederik's new friends
Pippi, Roxy, Josefine, Rosalinde, Schecki and many more have welcomed Frederik into their large guinea pig family. They like to cuddle together, talk to each other in their interesting guinea pig communication with a wide variety of beeping sounds and give the impression of being happy animals. Frederik likes our guinea pig girls very much. Let’s see in which direction he “moves” in the future.Guinea pigs live on average from 4 to 8 years. However, with very good care and good health, they can also live for 10 years or even longer. We wish Frederik an exciting, happy life among our guinea pig family in Henndorf.
Animals are the best of friends. They don't ask questions and don't criticise.
~ Mark Twain
