The Himalayan guinea pig is considered one of the rarest species due to its fur and eye color. However, it is also curious because of the tonality it acquires when the temperature is low.
If you want to know the characteristics of the Himalayan guinea pig in its natural habitat and how you should take care of it if you have it as a pet, do not hesitate to take a look at the file we have prepared for you.
Characteristics of the Himalayan Guinea Pig
The Himalayan guinea pig also known as the Himalayan guinea pig, is one of them that will catch your attention the most because of its hair color. And it is that in this case it has a gene that positions it to have a completely white coat. In fact, it is not completely white, because when it is winter, they change the color of their muzzle, ears and legs to brown (which blends very well with the white color of the rest of their body). matches). They do this to absorb the heat of the sun and thus protect themselves from the low temperature.
Its size is normal, stretching large. You can easily reach 25 cms in case of females and 35 cms in males. In addition, its weight is also considerable, if you compare it with other guinea pigs, its weight reaches 2 kg.
Along with its fur, another feature that stands out is the color of its eyes. Unlike other cuyos, it has red eyes, and although it can be scary at first, they are later very beautiful. For this reason, between the white color and red eyes, it is considered an albino guinea pig.
Something that many people don’t know is that the Himalayan guinea pig can have two types of pads, some where they are pink, and others where they are black. Because of this, there are said to be two distinct varieties, of which the rose is the most difficult to obtain.
Their life expectancy is between 5 and 8 years.
Himalayan Guinea Pig Treats
Regarding their personality, the Himalayan guinea pig is very affectionate and friendly. But it needs to live in a group, so, if you have it as a pet, it is better to keep it as a pair (either two females, or a male and a female (two males never No)). They are very territorial, so you must give them enough space to avoid fighting.
It is more active at night than during the day. And it adapts well to living with humans, but you have to be patient with them because they are shy. However, if you take it out often, pet it, handle it, etc. It will get used to you easily.
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Although the Himalayan guinea pig may lead you to think that it comes from the Himalayas, the truth is that this is not true. Its origin is completely different, we can say that from the other side of the world. And it is he who is native to the region of South America. Specifically, you’ll find it in Los Andes.
Over time, the Himalayan guinea pig has become more well known for its characteristics, which means it can be found as pets in other countries.
In its natural habitat, like many of its other species, it lives in areas of forests, scrub, etc. It is quite shy so it camouflages very well in vegetation and, in view of its colour, being so visible it must be careful not to be preyed upon by some animals.
Caring for a Himalayan Guinea Pig as a Pet
Keeping a guinea pig as a pet is not difficult. You can also get one from pet stores or private breeders. In the case of the Himalayan guinea pig, this may be more difficult, but not impossible. However, it does require that you meet a series of requirements to give it a good living. And they are:
cage
As we told you before, a Himalayan guinea pig is very territorial, and therefore you should give it a large cage. If you also take into account that he has to live in a group, and you have at least two, that are large in size (35 cm for males), we are talking about a cage that is less 70 cm, but if it is bigger, so much the better.
In this you will have to offer some toys, a feeder and drinker and some houses so that they can sleep or hide if they want.
Health-science
As for hygiene, the truth is that the Himalayan guinea pig does not require a lot of care. As they have a short coat, they do not require daily brushing, but 1-2 times a week is more than sufficient.
It is not recommended to bathe it more than twice a year, from time to time a wet cloth is useful so that it is thoroughly cleaned.
Above all, you have to keep an eye on the eyes and ears, as those are two areas where they can be prone to problems. In the case of the eyes, causing redness or even fur staining in the surrounding area. In the ears, as they can contain a lot of wax and it is difficult for them to clean them efficiently.
Himalayan Guinea Pig Feeding
consists of hay, which you should never miss. In addition, you will need to supplement the diet with some feed, grain, hay and fresh vegetables. Of course, you have to make sure that all this is not toxic to them as they are a bit delicate.
In this case, always choose preparations that are sold in stores rather than making them at home, or if you are going to buy them, make sure that it is not actually made from something that can be used by guinea pigs. May be toxic to.
Another thing to keep in mind in food is that they are very voracious, meaning they can overeat and become overweight. So you’ll have to “force” him to get some daily exercise so he doesn’t store calories or fat that could affect his health.
himalayan guinea pig breeding
Himalayan guinea pigs become sexually mature about 3 months after birth, at which time the female can become pregnant, although it is best to allow a little more time to mature.
A Himalayan guinea pig usually only has 1-2 pups. It is from the second that number can be multiplied (from 2 to 4) and will be constant in the following. These pups emerge completely white, and remain so for the first year.
Later, with the passage of time, when the temperature drops, its fur changes to adapt to the temperature.