Skinny Guinea Pigs Complete Care Guide

If you’ve done any research on guinea pigs as potential pets, you may have come across the “skinny” guinea pig breed. Skinny guinea pigs, commonly known as hairless guinea pigs, have grown in popularity over the years because of their one-of-a-kind look and cheerful personality. However, before you make the decision to bring one into your house, it is necessary to be aware of how to provide the appropriate care for them. Let’s discuss how you properly care for skinny guinea pigs.

As a whole, skinny guinea pigs require great care, including a clean and spacious cage, a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular appointments with the veterinarian. Additionally, they will likely need to be bathed more frequently due to the absence of fur to avoid developing skin issues.

What Exactly is a Skinny Guinea Pig?

A breed of guinea pig that is nearly or fully hairless is referred to as a skinny guinea pig. This type of guinea pig is also known by the name hairless guinea pig. They have a genetic mutation that makes them completely hairless, except for a few individuals who retain a little bit of hair on their noses or feet. These guinea pigs have skin that is similar in texture and smoothness to human skin.

Types of Skinny Pigs

There are two major types of skinny pigs, including:

1.   Skinny

The Skinny skinny pig does not have any hair anywhere else on its body other than the tip of its snout and the sides of its feet. They have skin that is more refined than the Baldwin and an overall sleeker and slim look.

2.   Baldwin

The Baldwin skinny pig is hairless across its entire body and does not have any fur on its skin. It is common to compare them to miniature hippopotamus due to their wrinkled skin and the fact that they appear to resemble that animal in appearance

Origin

In the 1970s, South American researchers initially discovered the skinny guinea pig. It is believed to be the result of a genetic mutation in the common domestic guinea pig, with the hairless feature resulting from a recessive gene.

Appearance and Characteristics

A hairless or almost hairless look is typical of skinny guinea pigs, which is consistent with the notion conveyed by their name. Their skin is so silky and velvety that it is sometimes compared to the skin of humans. Depending on the kind, their skin can be pink or gray in color, and depending on the type, they may have a little bit of hair on either their nose or their feet.

The only distinguishing feature of thin guinea pigs is their unique look; otherwise, they are very similar to other kinds of guinea pigs. They are friendly and enjoy mingling with their owners and the company of other guinea pigs.

Care Guide

Here is a complete care guide for skinny guinea pigs:

·       Housing

Because skinny guinea pigs are active creatures, they demand a large area to run and play. It is advised that a cage for one or two guinea pigs is at least 7.5 to 10 square feet in size and that it be lined with a bedding material that is soft and comfortable, such as wool or paper-based bedding. Wood shavings can potentially hurt their fragile skin; therefore, you should avoid using them. Your guinea pig should also have access to a hiding place within the cage so they may go there when they feel anxious or worried.

·       Diet

Skinny guinea pigs need a diet that is strong in fiber and vitamin C to be healthy. You should give your guinea pig a daily portion of hay, fresh vegetables, and a little bit of pellets if it is on the slim side. You can offer them fresh fruits as a special treat, but you shouldn’t make them a regular component of their diet. Always offer clean water in a bottle or a bowl for people to drink.

·       Grooming

Since skinny guinea pigs lack the insulation provided by fur, they are more susceptible to the effects of fluctuations in temperature. They should be kept in a warm room and given a comfortable bed to curl up in as much as possible. They also need to be groomed regularly to maintain good skin. A bath is not required unless they become obviously unclean; however, washing them down with a moist cloth will help remove any extra oils that may be present on their skin.

·       Exercise

Skinny guinea pigs require frequent physical activity to maintain their well-being and sense of happiness. To keep them occupied and entertained, provide them with various toys, tunnels, and other things that encourage interaction. You may get them to play by praising them and giving them food. You can also let them out of their cage to engage in supervised playing in a secure and confined environment.

Health Issues

As with any pet, skinny guinea pigs can experience various health issues. Here are some common health issues that you should be aware of:

  • Obesity
  • Eye problems
  • Skin issues
  • Dental problems
  • Respiratory infections

Unique features

These are some of their distinguishing characteristics:

·       Hairless skin

The name “skinny guinea pig” gives the impression that these animals do not have any or very little hair. Their skin is so smooth and silky that it is frequently compared to human skin in texture (as mentioned above). Their skin can have a variety of different colors and textures, although it is often pink or gray.

·       Whiskers

Even though they lack hair all over their bodies, slender guinea pigs still retain whiskers on their faces. Guinea pigs rely heavily on their whiskers as a key sensory organ that enables them to traverse their environment and communicate with one another.

·       Large ears

Skinny guinea pigs have the largest ears compared to the ears of other guinea pig breeds. Their ears are normally positioned in a pointed position and can move independently, enabling them to perceive noises coming from various directions.

·       Personality

Skinny guinea pigs’ kind and devoted habits are well-known in the animal kingdom. They have lively and curious personalities and enjoy interacting with their owners and other guinea pigs.

·       Health Status

The lack of hair on skinny guinea pigs may lead some people to believe that they are not as healthy as other breeds of guinea pigs; nevertheless, they are just as healthy as other types. Because they do not have fur, they may require less grooming and have fewer problems with parasites and mites.

FAQs

How Long Do Skinny Guinea Pigs Live For?

If given the right amount of attention and care throughout their lives, skinny guinea pigs may live for 5-8 years. It is crucial to give these pets a good environment and positive atmosphere because these factors can affect their longevity.

Are Skinny Guinea Pigs Social?

When it comes to their personality, skinny guinea pigs are recognized for being friendly and outgoing with their human companions. They are looking forward to engaging in conversation with their owners and are able to develop significant attachments to them. They also enjoy interacting with other guinea pigs, which is why keeping them in pairs or small groups rather than alone is best. However, just like the characteristics of other pets, they can vary widely from one individual to the next, with some being quieter or timid than others.

Final Remarks

Taking care of a skinny guinea pig demands some additional attention, but the effort is well worth it because of the adorable and one-of-a-kind personalities these animals possess. You can guarantee that pets have a happy and healthy life by ensuring that they have adequate accommodation, nutrition, grooming, medical treatment, and chances for physical activity.

Rick Matthews

Hello, I am Rick Matthews, I have helped raise 100's of pets in my life living with my Father who while we did not live on a farm, raised all sorts of animals to sell them to families. We had so many different pets we all quickly became experts intending to them and helping them stay healthy. Back then we did not have the internet to look up thing on how to take care of their kids. As my kids got older, they wanted pets and of course, I did not want to have as many as we did when I was a child, but wanted to share my experiences. Many of these articles are written to help educate families on what to expect when looking to get a new pet for their children.

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