The Raising and Care of Guinea Pigs A complete guide to the breeding, feeding, housing, exhibiting and marketing of cavies

Guinea pigs are small, sociable rodents native to South America, domesticated centuries ago. Their modest size, clean habits and hardy nature make them easy to keep in homes or farms. The book opens with a quick survey of their origins, physical traits, and why they’re called “cavies.”

It then walks the reader through the main breeds—smooth‑haired English, long‑haired Peruvian and Abyssinian—detailing color varieties, coat care, and which types suit commercial, laboratory, or pet interests. Practical advice on nutrition, housing, and disease prevention follows, emphasizing the animal’s vegetarian diet and resistance to common flock illnesses.

For those looking to turn a hobby into a business, the guide outlines breeding cycles, market prices, and the high demand for laboratory specimens, while also noting the smaller but growing niche for show and pet sales. Throughout, the tone stays straightforward, offering clear step‑by‑step instructions that any beginner can follow.