In a recent visit to Yantang Village in Dongmen Town, Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County, we found a lively scene in a greenhouse where fluffy, round guinea pigs were happily nibbling on sugarcane leaves and grasses. Their glossy fur, charmingly varied sizes and colors, and large, expressive eyes all combine to create an endearing sight. As they munch away, their tiny paws lifted to their chests and their little whiskers twitching with every bite, it’s hard not to smile at their adorable antics.

“Guinea pigs, also known as Dutch pigs, are not a protected species,” explained Liao Dakuai, the village head and a local leader in agricultural entrepreneurship. “They can be used as food, in medical research, and even as pets. Their meat is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making them increasingly popular among consumers.”

Liao, who manages over 100 acres of sugarcane and raises more than 100 pigs and over 5,000 guinea pigs, started his journey into guinea pig farming quite by chance. After a visit to a friend’s home, he was gifted a few guinea pigs. By the end of that first year, he had grown the population to over 100, mostly giving them away to friends and family as food. Initially uncertain about sales channels, Liao considered giving away or eating all of them, but his wife convinced him to keep some for breeding. With a solid foundation in farming, their numbers grew to 400-500 in the second year, and now, in the fourth year, he has more than 5,000.

“The techniques for raising guinea pigs are something I’ve developed over time,” Liao noted. He emphasized that guinea pig farming requires a low investment, is straightforward to manage, and yields good economic returns. The requirements for space and manual labor are minimal, allowing about five guinea pigs to thrive in just one square meter.

“The low input, high return, and quick results of guinea pig farming have gained increasing acceptance among people,” Liao shared. In winter, he feeds them sugarcane leaves and grasses twice a day, while in summer, feeding increases to three times. With his 100 acres, he has more than enough resources to sustain the guinea pig population.

Liao has also encouraged three other families in his village to start raising guinea pigs, and residents from neighboring villages and towns are coming to purchase breeding stock. “Currently, the market price for mature guinea pigs is about 25 yuan per pound, with breeding stock selling for around 40 yuan each, typically in groups of three females and one male. These are primarily sold to Fujian, Guangdong, and Liuzhou in Guangxi, generating an approximate annual income of around 150,000 yuan,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Liao is optimistic about the future of guinea pig farming. These small creatures have become his little pets that contribute to his wealth, turning a modest venture into significant gains. He plans to expand his breeding operation and enlist more local residents into this profitable business.

At the same time, Dongmen Town is focusing on developing “courtyard economies” as a vital strategy for rural revitalization. By using courtyards as a platform and families as the foundation, they are encouraging residents to make the most of their available space, thus injecting new life into rural economies and weaving charming “small gardens” into the grand tapestry of beautiful rural landscapes.