Guinea Pig Senses (Amy)

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Guinea Pig Senses:

Eyes

Guinea pigs can see in color. Guinea pigs can not judge depth easily, therefore you need to watch your guinea pig if it is on the bed or on a table, avoid high places. Guinea pigs have paranormic vision, they can see 340 degrees around them especially for predators and their own surroundings while grazing or resting. Two types of cones are found in the guinea pig retina, one for seeing and comprehending the color red and another for green. All other colors are still being studied to determine whether guinea pigs can see them or not. They can differencate 33 images per second where humans (at best) can determine 22, meaning TV and movies are just flickering pictures to them.

Ears

Coo's and squeaks are used for identification, sounds from one guinea pig to another may soothe it and may even change angry moods. These critters can hear sounds ranging form 125 to 33,000 hertz and are believed to hear as high pitched 50,000 hertz! Guinea pigs can recept sounds best at 500 to 8,000 hertz Sudden high pitch frequencies can stress a guinea pig and cause it freeze, hide, warn others with a low "drrrr", or all. Although most guinea pigs are able to adjust to everyday sounds in time.

Tastes

As a herbivore guinea pigs need sensitive tastes and smells to determine poisonous plants to edible plants. Guinea pigs have many taste buds which is why many guinea pigs are "picky" with choosing their favorite vegatables and foods you offer to them.

Touch

Guinea pigs have very sensitive whiskers (tactile hairs) that help them navigate around in the dark and to find spots to hide from predators. They also have very sensitive foot pads, make sure you keep the bedding clean and never house or set your guinea pig on wire.

Important Facts

Do not house your guinea pig with cedar wood shavings as bedding, the oils used to make the bedding will cause URI's(Upper Respiratory Infection), and without treatment can cause death. Always make sure you know what is in your yard before you let your guinea pigs graze. Make sure that the vegatables you buy are safe and you know how much to give to your pig. House your guinea pig where you know there will not be loud sounds/noises but enough traffic so the guinea pigs are not afraid of you. Watch your guinea pig when you put him/her on a high spot, he/she may jump off, avoid high spots to put your cage also.

WRITTEN BY - Amy
SOURCE - Cavy Galore Forums
http://www.cavygalore.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=information&action=display&thread=4