What is a cavy?

    Very simply, a cavy is a small mammal with four long incisor (front) teeth that continue to grow throughout its entire life. They have a set of molars behind these incisors which they use to chew their food (click for picture--side front). They have no external tail but do have a tailbone (similar to us).

     They are originally from South America. The ancient Native Americans there used to eat them for food. Their closest relatives are the Capybara (you've probably seen them in a side-show as the 'Giant Rat'), the Porcupine, and the Agouti (a South American rodent).

     Unlike hamsters and gerbils, cavies are large rodents. They average 12 inches in length and can weigh up to 4 lbs. And, unlike hamsters, cavies are crepuscular. Crepuscular means that they are active during both the daytime and nighttime hours. They're also easier to locate if 'lost' in the house and are less likely to nip the hands that feed them. They're also much easier to hold because of their size. However, they are still delicate animals and you must be careful with them.

     Quite recently, it has been debated as to whether or not a cavy is a rodent. They certainly look like rodents. But in reality, the cavy may be closer to humans and cows than to rats and rabbits.

     Most people know cavies as 'guinea pigs.' No one is quite sure where this name came from. They do make squeals almost like pigs and it is believed that they once cost a 'guinea' (British unit of money).
Here are some other names for the cavy:
        conejo (conejillo) de indias- 'rabbit of the Indies' (Spanish--used in S. America and Mexico)
        cobayo- cavy (Spanish--used in Spain)
        qui- cavy (Spanish--Ecuador)
        cobaye- cavy (French)
        Cavia porcella- Genus and species of the cavy (Latin)
        Meerschweinchen- cavy (German)
        cuy- If you're in South America and you like cavies, you may not want to eat this. This is 'conejillo de indias horneado' (baked guinea pig).