In some parts of South and Central America and Mexico, guinea pigs are considered a choice food, roasted and served with potatoes or rice. They are inexpensive and easy to raise. But being gentle and small as a little bunny, they are also often treated as pets and allowed to scamper around the house. Very clean and quiet, the only noise they make is like that of a kitten, but instead of a “mew,” their call is more like “cooee,” and because of this they have the nickname “cuy.”
Guinea pigs come in a variety of colors - black, white, yellow, brown and a bluish-purple. A full-grown one in the wild weighs a pound or two, but when provided with plenty of food, they often reach four pounds. They are cute, have no tails, rarely bite and are a favorite pet for children. It is hard to figure how they got the word “pig” included in their name. They are rodents and are not pig-like at all. Instead, they are clean and pretty with soft fur, small dark eyes and a head shaped more like a baby seal than a pig. Often they will be heard chattering quietly in squeaky tones.
In the wild, mothers give birth to six to twelve young and only care for them for about six weeks. After that they can take care of themselves. Those raised commercially, along with those in private homes, total in the millions. Since they are so popular as a food product, many natives find raising and selling them an easy way to make a living.
In North America and other parts of the world, guinea pigs are not thought of as food. Besides being kept as pets, many are used in scientific experiments. Scientists infect guinea pigs with diseases and then try to cure them. This has been very helpful over the years in developing many good medicines and keeping off the market those that are harmful. Perhaps you have heard someone say, “Don’t make a guinea pig out of me!” What that person means is, “Don’t use me to test anything.”
As we consider the great variety of birds, fish, animals and other creatures, we are amazed at how the Creator designed and provided for each species. The Bible tells us that the Lord God had pleasure in creating each one.
Let us also remember that His special love and thoughts are toward every boy, girl, man and woman in the world. He has said that all who come to Him, confessing themselves to be sinners and accepting Him as Saviour, have His promise, “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)). Is He your Saviour?
ML-10/30/2005