By KRISTEN LEVINE
Tribune correspondent

TAMPA For those who keep track of obscure national observations, March is adopt-a-rescued guinea pig month.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Petfinder.com, the leader in online pet adoptions, are inviting families to learn about these darling critters and consider adopting one.
Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus, or “cavies”) are native to South America. They can live up to 10 years in captivity and are quite social creatures. There are about 13 breeds of guinea pigs, differentiated by their hair types, colors and markings. Some cavies have long silky hair, while others have a rough coat resembling multiple cowlicks all over their bodies.
Not all families have the space or can afford to care for a dog or cat, so guinea pigs can make a nice family companion.
“On any given day, we have between two and 10 healthy guinea pigs awaiting adoption for just $5,” says Connie Brooks, shelter manager for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay. “Guinea pigs make great small pets. When they are turned in to a shelter, it’s usually because people realize that their care and clean up is more intensive than first thought. Just because a pet is little, doesn’t mean it’s easier to care for.”
The domesticated guinea pig is quiet and affectionate — even cuddly, enthusiasts say. They don’t require constant attention and have relatively low-cost daily upkeep. Perhaps the most adorable guinea pig trait is their language of squeaks, squeals, gurgles, growls and murmurs.
Cavies only bite if they are very frightened by things such as mishandling or a threatening animal.
Guinea pigs may look like toys, but they are delicate critters that need gentle handling. Children younger than 6 are too young to handle guinea pigs. Older youngsters should be supervised by an adult and taught how to pick up and hold them properly.
To help you care for your pet guinea pig, find a knowledgeable veterinarian who can tell you about the pet’s dietary, grooming and housing needs.
Here are piggy particulars:
•Cavies are social herd animals. They prefer each other’s company and thrive best if kept in pairs. Be careful not to pair a male and a female or you’ll have more pigs than you’ll know what to do with. Adult females are easiest to keep. Young males get along well, but may become aggressive as they become adults.
•Guinea pigs love to run and play and are capable of jumping 12 inches. Therefore, the minimum enclosure for a single pig is a 2-foot cube. The more guinea pigs you have, the more space you’ll need.
•Wire-bottomed cages may be used as long as something is placed on the floor to prevent their little feet from getting caught in the floor bottom. Glass aquarium enclosures should never be used because of inadequate ventilation. Keep housing away from direct sunlight, drafts and temperature extremes. Always line the cages with safe bedding such as sawdust or wood shavings.
•Guinea pigs love to hide and play. Outfit their enclosures with cardboard or PVC tubes wide enough for them to fit through. You may also allow cavies playtime in a single room, once it has been pig-proofed for safety. Always supervise their playtime outside the cage.
•Feed your guinea pigs quality, commercial pellets made especially for them. They require daily vitamin C, which rabbit pellets do not contain. You can also supplement their daily diet with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be sure to clean up leftover fresh food before it spoils. Water should be provided in an inverted bottle that attaches to their enclosure. Change the water every day.
Gnawing Ideas
•Like all rodents, guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously. Provide pigs with a piece of wood to gnaw.  That will wear the teeth down. Use a pesticide-free tree branch, or unpainted wood that has not been chemically treated.
•Brush your guinea pig regularly to keep the coat smooth and remove loose hair. Long-haired guinea pigs should be groomed daily to prevent tangles and matting.
If you think a guinea pig sounds like a great family addition, go to Petfinder.com and search for available guinea pigs at your local animal shelter.
If you don’t have computer access, you can use the public computers at your local library or call your local animal shelter to see if they have guinea pigs available for adoption.
Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; fax at (727) 934-6451 or e-mail kristen@ fetchingcommunications.com.

Write infobox Text: PETCETERA11.1
CRITTER CALENDAR
TRAINING SEMINAR: Learn to house train your puppy and teach it basic manners at a puppy training seminar from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dog Gone Positive, 7620 66th St., Pinellas Park. Learn to prevent jumping, chewing, biting and barking. The cost is $5; or free for members of SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together). R.S.V.P. at http://www.spotusa.org or call (727) 545-3463.
PUPPY LOVE BENEFIT: Enjoy food from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, bid on auction items and see if there is a pet that you would like to adopt at the Puppy Love Benefit from 6:30 to 10 p.m. March 24 at the Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Tickets are $50 per person or $375 for a table of eight. The deadline for reservations is Friday. Proceeds benefit Pet Pal Rescue. Call (727) 328-7738 or go to http://www.petpalrescue.com.