NOT for guinea pig lovers...

**CathyBogart** · 04-08-2006, 03:44 PM

I could never eat Squishy, of course! He's one handsome fuzzball.

HOWEVER....I do have a lot of family from Peru, and I don't condemn the eating of GPs...I don't know that I would eat one myself, but I don't find it gross, it's just a different part of the world.

**Karen** · 04-08-2006, 07:10 PM

From the television shows I've seen on that part of the world, guinea pigs are an important protein source for many of the indigenous people. And while I could not eat them, I do not begudge them that. And if it were not for that. they'd never have been domesticated, and then become the pets we know and love!

Mind you, Paul, who has watched the television shows with me, knows full well that I'd probably dump all my belongings out of my suitcase and fill it with guinea pigs to bring and back and save from becoming someone's dinner.

"Uh, no, officer, my suitcase isn't wiggling - didn't you feel that earthquake? And those squeaks - well, must be my asthma kicking up again, sorry!"

**moosmom** · 04-08-2006, 09:24 PM

Karen,

LOL!!

**finn's mom** · 04-10-2006, 09:57 AM

I don't really think it's disgusting or anything, although I personally wouldn't eat a guinea pig.

**critter crazy** · 04-10-2006, 10:06 AM

guinea pig is not something i would like to see on my dinner table but everyone likes diferent things!! I myself like rabbit meat, even though i own a rabbit!! not that i could ever eat Buttercup!! Just like I like chicken and own 21 of them!! they will not be eaten!! but that dosent stop me from buying it at the grocery store! I also like turtle soup and have two turtles!! just as long as nonone tries to eat my critters I dont care!! But if you have that hungry look in your eyes looking at my critters you will be staring down the barrel of my 12 guage shotgun!!!

**Muddy4paws** · 04-10-2006, 10:30 AM

Isnt it like eating chickens or any meat?

I wouldn't even try eating a Guinea Pig but still.. I think its the same as any meat.

**jennawing** · 04-10-2006, 12:46 PM

That is how guinea pigs got to Europe originally- explorers that visited South America brought some back as a food source. AND rumored how they got their name- as they made noises that reminded them of pigs and they were sold for a guinea (a coin). Someone thought they were cute and made theirs a pet instead of eating it- smart person!

Lots of things that we see as pets are eaten in foriegn countries- dogs being the most obvious.