California is considered the birthplace of a naked guinea pig. In San Diego, a bald guinea pig was born as a result of a mutation when two ordinary animals of the Amerecan Baptist breed were crossed. Piglets were immediately covered in wool, but after a week they began to molt and became completely naked. In the future, the animals grew and developed normally, while the hair did not overgrow again. Upon repeated crossing, exactly the same bald animals were born . The new breed was named Baldwin.
A bald guinea pig is a unique animal of its kind, with a vibrant personality and peculiar perfect beauty. They have wrinkles, folds on the crown, around the legs and across the shoulders. On the croup and body, the skin is even and smooth. Beautifully shaped ears hang freely, resembling the appearance of flower petals. The skin folds and looks like rubber. The guinea pig is a baldwin, somewhat reminiscent of a little hippo.
People treat bald pigs differently. Some consider them irresistible, while others squeamishly look away. But, everyone has their own opinion.
There are various colors, and the Dalmatians and animals of solid colors look very impressive.
At birth, guinea pigs have hair, but at the age of five days they begin to lose hair, starting from the nose. After three weeks, they are half bald, and by the end of the month a completely naked guinea pig is obtained.
Care for this breed is almost the same as for ordinary guinea pigs. The difference may be that balduins should be bathed as their skin becomes dirty. This should be done carefully: you need to carefully monitor that detergents do not get into your eyes, and water in your ears. For washing, it is best to use neutral shampoos and moisturizing gels for babies. In general, care for the skin of the baldwin is necessary, as for his own.
In the cage, you need to put a small house or a rag bag, where the bald guinea pig will sit and warm. Then it will not be necessary to maintain a special temperature, but normal room temperature will be enough.
Baldwin eats the same food as ordinary guinea pigs. You just need to consider that due to the accelerated metabolism of food, more is required. There must always be unlimited quantities of hay and grain mixtures in the cage, and water in the drinker. Juicy food, like fresh herbs, is recommended to be given in small quantities twice a day. Grass should be harvested in environmentally friendly places, preferably outside the city. It must be washed and dried.
The litter in the cell changes as it becomes contaminated. In the corners, for better moisture absorption, wood pellets can be poured, and in order to avoid the formation of corns on the paws, the bottom of the cell is covered with soft sawdust of medium size. It will be necessary to change the litter more often than in animals of ordinary breeds.
Marigolds, like ordinary pigs, are trimmed with special scissors. Their growth is unacceptable, since the beast will be uncomfortable to walk. Due to the fact that the baldwin is a bald guinea pig, sawdust or hay may fall into the eyes, which the beast will not be able to get on its own. To do this, you need to have wet wipes and lotions for the eyes. A tetracycline ointment or other drug may also come in handy. If something gets in, then it is necessary to rinse the eye with lotion, and lay an ointment over the eyelid for prevention.
The bald guinea pig’s character is calm, one might even say thoughtful, although it is more active than its woolly counterparts. Animals love to clutch their hands, snuggle up, hide in the folds of clothes, and at the same time they can lick the owner's face and hands.
Baldwin is ideal for those who are allergic to wool. Holding at least once these exotic animals in their hands, an unforgettable experience will remain for a long time.