Among the animals that we can have as pets in our homes, we find guinea pigs. There are different breeds of guinea pig and each has a main characteristic that sets it apart from the rest. Today we are going to talk about the skinny guinea pig which is one of the most admirable differences only when seen from a distance. And that is that these guinea pigs do not have hair. The fact that they don’t have hair doesn’t mean that the specimens don’t have different colors. This includes guinea pig rats that are transmitted as hairless guinea pigs.
In this article we are going to tell you all about the characteristics, origin and care that the skinny guinea pig needs.
Origin of the Skinny Guinea Pig
These animals are not naturally generated. There is no species of guinea pig in the natural environment that you have the type of genetics. That is, animals arise as a result of natural genetic mutations. From there, it is natural selection, meaning that if this mutation has been positive, it is passed on to the offspring and the gene will be modified in subsequent generations as they grow. This is how species evolve naturally.
In this case, the skinny guinea pig has emerged from Canadian laboratories, which have conducted dermatological studies to cross-breed animals that lack hair. In this way, they managed to “create” a new species of guinea pig. Being the result of crossing hairless guinea pigs and hairy guinea pigs, this type of animal emerged with a healthier immune system. Thanks to these characteristics, it was able to become one of the most desired pets among these animals. They were gaining more and more followers from people who wanted to keep them as pets. Within a few years it has become one of the most loved pets.
major features
The size of these animals is only about 27 centimeters long. Males usually weigh slightly more than females. The male weighs between 1 and 1.5 kg while the female usually weighs between 800 and 1300 grams. , The average life expectancy of a skinny guinea pig is 5 to 8 years.
These stand out not for the animal but for the whole body. The only thing they have will be present in the muzzle. This tuft is a unique feature that helps to differentiate it from other breeds of bald guinea pigs, such as the Baldwin guinea pig. This breed differs from others in that it is not born bald. They have it at birth but lose it as they grow. The skin is quite wrinkled and has skin flaps. , Some people find this thing strange. However, this is completely normal.
Due to the lack of hair, the vertebrae and ribs appear to stick out. This is not unusual, since depending on whether they are more or less marked, this will indicate that our animal is overweight. Although they do not have but present different colors in the skin. This means that we find specimens with colors ranging from black, white, brown and other speckled or mottled colors combined with other colors. There are also guinea pigs that have a tricolor or tricolor coat.
Behaviour
These animals are normally quite active. They are quite restless and need a lot of physical activity during the day to stay active. His behavior in daylight. One characteristic of their behavior for which they are famous as pets is that they are very affectionate. They are animals that constantly seek the attention and affection of their owners.
They are quite social and very sociable animals. This makes it not at all advisable to keep one of these animals alone . If they are not constantly together, they can present various problems such as excessive anxiety, aggression or even depression. However, it is possible that at times they may also be a little suspicious of unknown people. This is because he has a scary character.
Caring for the Skinny Guinea Pig
You have to be careful when they don’t have fur as they can be very sensitive to changes in temperature. Both cold temperature and hot temperature can damage the skin . This is one of the consequences of artificially keeping genetically modified pets. We must almost always be careful that our animal is in a room where the temperature is warm or of some quality. They do not tolerate cold at all and can contract diseases if they are frequently exposed to low temperatures.
Nor should we allow them to sunbathe directly, as their skin is very sensitive and can burn easily. If you’re going to be exposed to the sun, it’s best to moisturize your skin by applying a special sunscreen meant for use on guinea pigs. This is one of the most important aspects of caring for lean guinea pigs.
Regarding food, you have to provide quality food. Not only will your diet be based on hay and pellets, but also supplement your diet with vegetables like broccoli, carrots or radishes and other animal sources rich in vitamin C. It is important for boosting your immune system and reducing sensitivity to environmental changes. It would be great for them to reduce their chances of contracting diseases.
An important aspect to consider is your immune system. And it is that the immune system of the lean guinea pig is better able to deal with the various viruses and pathogens that can affect them. They should visit the vet annually for a check-up and to verify that they are in good health. These checkups help spot potentially strange or alarming symptoms that could be indicators of a possible illness. These symptoms include sadness, diarrhea, listlessness, loss of appetite or not drinking enough water.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the lean guinea pig and its basic care.