Greater guinea pig

Greater guinea pigs are natural relatives of the guinea pigs raised as pets. They live in harem herds of about 10 individuals led by a male. The female gives birth to 1–4 young, which it nurses for three weeks. The young also eat solid food right from birth. Guinea pigs are active at night. They are still consumed as food in South America, where they are kept in home kitchens in the same way as hens.