There are numerous breeds of guinea pigs, each one of them with its peculiarities, those special characteristics that make each one of them unique and different from the others. In the case of skinny guinea pigs, this difference is noticeable at a glance, since these guinea pigs have no hair, but this does not mean that they do not have different colors, also having some differences with other breeds of guinea pigs that are also categorized as bald. Do you want to know what those characteristics of skinny guinea pigs are? On our site we present these curious creatures.
Origin of the skinny guinea pig
Skinny guinea pigs did not arise spontaneously by natural genetic mutation. These guinea pigs arose from the need of some Canadian laboratories to carry out dermatological studies for which it was essential to have experimental subjects that lacked hair.
Being the result of crossing hairless guinea pigs and hairy guinea pigs, were very useful because, like humans, guinea pigs have thymus and also these skinny ones had a he althy immune system. This appearance occurred in 1978, at the Armand Frappier Institute in Montreal, they emerged from Hartley guinea pigs that lived in the laboratory.
From that moment on, skinny guinea pigs gained popularity among those who wanted them as pets, becoming a domestic guinea pig in just a few years.
Characteristics of the skinny guinea pig
The skinny guinea pig is about 27 centimeters long, males weighing between 1 and 1.5 kilograms, with the smaller female, as they usually weigh between 800 and 1300 grams. The average life expectancy of a skinny guinea pig ranges between 5 and 8 years.
These guinea pigs have no hair all over their bodies, except for a tuft on their snout, which distinguishes them from other breeds of bald guinea pigs such as the baldwin guinea pig, although this breed is not born bald, but is born with hair and loses it as it grows. The skin of skinny guinea pigs is wrinkled and may have flaps of skin, which is completely normal. Due to its lack of hair, the vertebrae and ribs may seem protruding, but this is not abnormal, because if they are not too marked, this indicates that our guinea pig is overweight.
Despite not having hair, these guinea pigs can have different skin colors, such as black, white, brown…, from the In the same way they can present different patterns such as mottled or spotted, combining several colors, being both bicolor and tricolor.
Skinny Guinea Pig Character
Skinny guinea pigs are very active animals, which tend to be restless and need to do a lot of physical activity, which they will do during the day, since they are diurnal animals These guinea pigs are very affectionate, seeking attention and affection from their owners.
Guinea pigs are very sociable and gregarious animals, so it is recommended to have them at least in pairs, since a single guinea pig usually presents various problems such as anxiety, aggressiveness, depression… However, it is possible that they show a little wary of strangers given his skittish character.
Care for the skinny guinea pig
Because they lack fur, skinny guinea pigs are extremely sensitive to temperatures, both too cold and too hot, so we have to always be very careful that our guinea pig is in a room where the temperature is warm or somewhat warm, since they do not tolerate cold very well, and can contract diseases if they are exposed to low temperatures.
We must also make sure they don't drink sol, as their skin is very sensitive and burns easily. If they are going to be exposed to it, we must moisturize their skin and apply special sunscreen for use on them, this being one of the main cares for skinny guinea pigs.
Likewise, we must take care of the feeding of our guinea pig, providing them with quality food, always having fresh hay available, pellets and clean water at all times. It is recommended to supplement your diet with vegetables such as broccoli, radishes or carrots, as well as all those vegetables rich in vitamin C.
He alth of the skinny guinea pig
Skinny guinea pigs are considered immunocompetent guinea pigs, this means that their immune system is capable of dealing with possible viruses and pathogens that could affect them. You should go to the vet annually for check-ups, as well as in the case of detecting strange or alarming symptoms such as sadness, apathy, diarrhoea, lack of appetite or not drinking water.
Most of the conditions that are of concern in skinny guinea pigs are those related to their skin. As we have mentioned, this skin, lacking the protection provided by hair, is very exposed. This means that it is easier for our skinny to be affected by sunburn, or burns from being near very hot objects. In the same way they are prone to colds and pneumonia when they have to endure cold temperatures, drafts or if this is also added to high humidity conditions.
Guinea pigs can present deficiencies in vitamin C, causing organic imbalances that can favor the depression of their immune system, leaving them more exposed to pathogenic organisms that make them sick. For this reason, although it is considered that providing them with a quality feed combined with vegetables and fruits rich in this vitamin may be sufficient, it may be necessary that we give our guinea pigs a vitamin C supplement, it is recommended that we give it with the supervision of a veterinarian specialized in exotics. Some foods rich in vitamin C are bell peppers and strawberries.
