In our article, we will talk about a guinea pig of Rex breed. We will describe it, consider features, character, habits. Also, the article will give recommendations on the content and feeding of this rodent at home.
Note that from the moment the guinea pigs entered Europe and America, breeders were able to breed many new breeds that differed from the rest in the structure of their wool, size, and more. Among these species was rex. First, consider some points from the history of the breed.
The history of the appearance of this type of rodent
The breed also has another name - the royal guinea pig. This species is one of the oldest. The first description about him appeared in 1919. However, the breed and its standard were finally formed after almost half a century. The first calves of such a guinea pig were obtained in 1975. All the kids were with curly hair.
The appearance of the rodent
All representatives of the breed have slightly drooping rounded ears. Breeders compare them with rose petals. In newborn pigs, ears can stick out. With age, they will become hanging. What size is guinea pig rex? Body length averages 23 cm. Usually females are slightly smaller than males.
Next, we consider the features of the appearance of a Rex guinea pig. The following features are characteristic of this breed:
- broad shoulders;
- strong physique;
- thick, short, straight neck;
- wide, but neat head;
- straight, straight back;
- slightly convex, expressive shiny eyes;
- well developed muscles;
- straight, straight legs;
- wide chest;
- rounded nose with a slight neat bend;
- straight claws;
- slightly drooping, rounded croup;
- tightly compressed fingers.
Deficiencies and defects of the breed
Let's look at the possible defects and disadvantages of the exterior. These include:
- moist lower eyelid;
- size not conforming to breed standard;
- sagging back;
- curvature of the limbs (rear or front);
- narrow shoulder blades;
- light skeleton;
- narrow chest;
- clubfoot;
- narrow elongated body;
- too oblique croup;
- gibbosity.
Rex guinea pigs that have at least one of the above disadvantages are not allowed for breeding.
Animal hair
In the breed standard, not only the possible colors are prescribed, but also the allowable length of the coat. Its optimal length is up to 17 millimeters. However, it may be a little bigger. The fur of a Rex guinea pig (a photo of it is presented below for clarity) is short, dense, thick, slightly curly.
Tousled hair and erect hair are not allowed. Also the disadvantages of the "fur coat" include:
- loose, uneven or too smooth coat;
- hair length over 20 mm.
Guinea pig color
According to the standard, there are four color groups of breed representatives. These include:
- Original Rex.
- Agouti. The color is solid or with spots (lighter) around the eyes.
- Solid colors.
- The combination of agouti with a different color.
What is agouti color? It involves dyeing the hairs in three different shades of saturation. There are six basic forms of this color, namely: brown, lemon, golden, wild, silver and chocolate.
Rex guinea pig. Hair care
From a year old, an adult curly hair begins to grow back. She seems plush. Therefore, many breeders compare representatives of the breed with an American teddy.
Although even visually these two breeds have a lot of differences. The main one is that the teddy has a softer and shorter coat. Note that the Rex guinea pig still needs to be carefully looked after. It’s easy to do. Everyone will be able to cope with the task. Daily combing with a soft brush made from natural bristles will be sufficient. A similar procedure should be carried out not only in order to give shine wool, but also to comb out the remains of straw, dust and hay. If you do not comb out the rodent, then it may appear dandruff.
In no case should you bathe such an animal. For him, water procedures are very stressful. In addition, such events adversely affect the condition of the skin and coat. If there is a need to clean the rodent, then it is worth using dry shampoo for these purposes. You can also wipe the Rex guinea pig with a damp towel to clean the coat.
The price of one rodent
Representatives of this breed are quite sociable, friendly. They have a fairly balanced and calm disposition. The cost of a guinea pig ranges from 500 rubles to several thousand dollars. In this matter, it all depends on the correctness of the exterior and the rarity of the colors of the rodent. Rex show class are the most expensive. You can get such a rodent for about 20 thousand rubles.
Rodent feeding. What is included in his diet?
But how to feed the representatives of the Rex breed? The nutrition of such pigs is not much different from the rest. It is important that there is hay in the diet. It also needs to have clean water in the bowl. Juicy feed should prevail in the diet. Stomach problems can result from the rodent being thirsty for a long time.
All fruits and vegetables that you plan to give the rodent should be well washed and chopped. Rex guinea pigs will be happy to eat:
- Watermelons
- Cucumbers
- Chanterelles.
- Bell pepper.
- Zucchini
- Beets (fodder, sweet).
In the summer and spring, it is worth supplementing the diet: with leaves of dandelion, nettle, chamomile, parsley and dill. Guinea pigs will like clover and alfalfa. But very often because of eating the last grass, rodents form gases in the intestines.
If juicy feed predominates in the diet of Rex guinea pigs, then you can refuse grain. Since its consumption (especially immeasurable) can lead to obesity.
The content of the rodent. Cell selection for him
In reviews about Rex guinea pigs, people note their activity. Therefore, the animal needs a spacious cage. Its minimum size (for one animal) is 60 x 45 x 35 cm. Put the cage in a protected, dry place. There should be no drafts.
It is advisable to buy a cage with a plastic (removable) bottom. Thanks to this design, the animal house can be easily washed. Wooden models are not suitable for keeping rodents, although they look, of course, more attractive. But they will quickly become worthless.
Regardless of what size the cage will be, the animal needs to be released daily for a walk for free walking around the apartment. The movement has a positive effect on the health of the mumps, on the digestive system. In addition, joint games with the owner will bring a lot of joy to the rodent.
Little conclusion
Now you know who a Rex guinea pig is. We described it, examined its features. We hope that this information was useful and interesting to you.