Do you like guinea pigs? Charming pussies chew on hay and gnaw carrots. This is a completely peaceful creature that you can pick up, play without fear of harm, as is the case with hamsters. Very often, it is after the small rodents or rats have finished their age that a person decides to have someone else. If this someone is a guinea pig, the reviews of the owners will not hurt you.
However, today we want to invite our reader to talk about one of the most interesting representatives of this species. If you want to have at home a completely unusual, unlike any creature, then the ideal option is a naked guinea pig. Owner reviews suggest that we still have relatively few such animals, but interest is growing every day.
general description
It is still difficult to find them in free sale, but there would be a desire. If you really want, then you will surely find the opportunity for a naked, guinea pig to live at home. Owner reviews suggest that the real name of these creatures is skinny. Funny, pleated, similar to tiny piglets, your children will definitely like them. Due to the fact that there is no hair, the animals seem much smaller than their shaggy counterparts.
Breeding history
How did such a creature come about? After all, we are used to seeing fluffy lumps in pet stores, and here we have a completely naked guinea pig. Responses of owners who already had experience in dealing with them say that this is not at all as fragile and tender a creature as it might seem at first glance. They appeared due to a natural mutation, but people fell in love with it in such a funny way. These are strong and very hardy, that is, completely viable individuals.
They appeared a long time ago, back in 1987. The first bald offspring interested specialists, but so far the phenomenon has only been considered. But when in 1984 bald albinos were born, breeders decided to perfect this breed.
This path was long and rather difficult. The animals had a weak immune system, and their life span was very short. As a result of long work, almost hairless animals were obtained, with the remains of wool on the muzzle. The first female was named Skinny, and then the naked guinea pig began to be called later. Responses of owners say that this animal is simply ideal for allergy sufferers. By the way, about the name - this is only one of the versions. But, most likely, the answer lies elsewhere. The literal translation of skinny is “skin and bones,” meaning it emphasizes the lack of hair.
Appearance
Only when you see a small miracle, you will understand how different it is from all the pets that lived with you before. Owner reviews of skinny guinea pigs claim that this is the most charming creature in the world. Touching his body is very nice, it is like velvet. In this case, the pigs are quite sociable and with great pleasure I go to the contact.
What characteristics do not endow with their loving owners. Someone claims that they look like miniature hippos. Others argue that their muzzle is like that of a tapir. Still others disagree, seeing the donkey slowly chewing. In a word, everyone has his own view. But everyone agrees that this is the most charming decorative rodent.
Natural color
What can be your guinea pigs? There are not many variations. Usually the color is brownish-gray, the abdomen is slightly lighter. And the coat is completely absent on the whole body, except for the head, shoulders and legs of the animal. There may even curls. The body length is quite large - 35 cm. Weight will depend on feeding. Usually animals do not complain about lack of appetite. Well-fed and well-muscled - those are the skinny guinea pigs. Owner reviews fully confirm that you need to buy special feeds and fresh vegetables.
Breed standards
The first thing we see is a massive relief body. The head is medium in size and oval in shape. Moreover, there is a clear gender trait. The males have a massive, large head, and the females have a neater head. The nose of the animal is very interesting. It is large, with rounded outlines and soft curves.
In general, a very pleasant sight is the skinny guinea pig. Real reviews of the owners emphasize that they are very decorated with large and expressive eyes, as well as neat ears. The neck of the animal is difficult to distinguish from the general contour. The back is very flat, straight, does not bend anywhere. The limbs of the pigs are short. Clubfoot and curvature are not peculiar to them. Due to the fact that they have fingers, animals can easily hold food. Some people do not want to buy these animals, because they seem to be unpleasant to the touch. But this is only a prejudice. They are very velvety, I want to touch them more often.
Food
Each animal requires a special attitude to itself. Let's look at how to care for naked pigs. First of all, they will require good feeding. These charm can crunch something all day. Practice shows that the skinny diet was three times higher than the norm of an average, shaggy mumps. This is directly related to maintaining body temperature. In this regard, the skinny guinea pig is truly unique. Customer reviews fully confirm that they have to go to the store quite often for a new portion of food.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian or pet store employee about what to eat skinny guinea pig. Write the list of necessary food products in a special notebook, this will come in handy to you more than once.
- The diet should include 60% dry grass, 20% juicy greens and 20% grains.
- Hay is an essential component of the diet, and cereal feed is a source of carbohydrates and fats, protein and amino acids. Corn and sunflower, oats and barley, as well as wheat, are especially useful for guinea pigs.
- As a treat, you can give your pet dried cookies, crackers and nuts, dried fruits.
- From juicy feed mixtures give dandelion and nettle, plantain and clover.
- Vitamin supplements - fresh melon and pumpkin, tomatoes and peppers, carrots and apples, beets.
Body temperature
The animal has absolutely no coat. Therefore, it is very important that optimal conditions are created in which amazing skinny guinea pigs feel comfortable. The content is simple, for this you need a special house. In addition, constant food intake allows you to maintain body temperature within 38-40 degrees.
However, animals are very sensitive, so you need to make sure that they are not overheated and not supercooled. Those who have already bought their skinny know that it is much better to keep them in a terrarium, rather than in open cages.
Optimal weight and walks
Their diet is many times greater than that which suits ordinary pigs. However, they should not be overeating. These charming creatures are very prone to obesity. If the cup filling is not controlled, then you risk greatly reducing the life span of your pet. It is best to put him food only during the day and clean the cup after a meal. To control the weight of the animal, it is worth releasing it in the evening for a walk around the room.
Animal care
They are very fond of the fact that they practically do not smell and always look well-groomed. Due to the fact that there is no coat, they feel like soft rubber to the touch. These animals have a friendly and calm disposition, they become great friends for children. It’s easy to care for them, even a younger student can easily cope with this.
Invisible Hazards
The strong body of your pet is actually very fragile. There are many nuances that a loving owner should consider. Even climbing to a small height, these well-fed pigs can fall and seriously harm themselves. Moreover, even a minor blow can lead to the fact that the intestines can not stand and burst.
Starvation of animals is also strictly prohibited. In practice, it has been proven that just two days without food can lead to the most serious health consequences. Therefore, if you are planning a long trip, be sure to arrange with friends to feed your pets.
Breeding
There is usually no problem with this. To get the little pigs, you only need to make a heterosexual couple, provide her with normal living conditions and nutrition. At about 6-8 months of age, the female is fully prepared to reproduce offspring. At the same time, males are sexually mature at the age of three months. However, they are not allowed to mate so early. The lower limits are 6 months for a female and 7 for males. Pregnancy lasts up to 70 days, so you have to wait long enough for the birth of babies. The female must necessarily eat well so that the offspring are healthy.