The White Crested Guinea Pig is a breed of guinea pig that is notable for its distinctive look. These guinea pigs get their name from the white crest of hair growing on their heads. They are recognized for having welcoming attitudes, and because of this, they make excellent pets for individuals of all ages. If you’re considering adopting a White Crested Guinea Pig, there are some important things you should know about their care.
As a general rule, White Crested Guinea Pigs require a consistent supply of hay, fresh water, pellets, and around one cup of fruits and vegetables. They need all these essentials in their diet to obtain essential nutrients, such as fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Origins
White Crested Guinea Pigs are thought to have been developed in England sometime in the early 1900s, though this is only speculation. It is believed that the breed was developed through the process of selective breeding in order to emphasize the genetic abnormalities that give them their distinctive white crest on their heads.
Appearance
The White Crested Guinea Pig is a one-of-a-kind breed that its standout appearance may recognize. The following is a list of some of their physical characteristics:
- Crest: The white crest that develops on the White Crested Guinea Pig’s head due to a genetic mutation is the trait that sets this species apart from others of its kind. In most cases, the crest is completely white and may take the shape of either a single crest or a double crest.
- Coat: White Crested Guinea Pigs have a silky, short-haired coat that can be a range of colors, notable shades of black, white, cream, and tan, depending on the individual animal. Black and white are the most common colors.
- Eyes: Their eyes are huge and round, and they are often either black or dark brown in color.
- Body: The body weight of a White Crested Guinea Pig is normally between one and two and a half pounds. These guinea pigs are rather petite. Their bodies are round, and their tails are short and stubby.
- Ears: Their ears are small and rounded, and they have excellent hearing despite their size.
Care Guide
Here is a complete care guide for skinny guinea pigs:
Cage requirements
There are a few factors to bear in mind when it comes to the cage needs for White Crested Guinea Pigs, and those are as follows:
· Size
The minimum cage size required for one guinea pig should be at least 7.5 square feet, and the minimum size required for two guinea pigs should be at least 10 square feet. The guinea pig should be able to stand on its hind legs inside the cage without its head coming into contact with the top of the enclosure.
· Toys and Hiding Places
To prevent your guinea pig from being bored and to make them feel more secure, you should offer them a variety of toys and places where they may hide. Chew toys made of wood, tunnels, and warm hideouts are also choices worth considering.
· Bedding
Make sure to use a soft bedding material that can absorb moisture, such as paper bedding or wool.
· Food and Water
Always offer clean water, hay, new fruits and vegetables, and a regular dose of pellets, and do your best to keep your diet varied. Ensure that the dishes containing food and water are cleaned daily.
· Cleaning
At least once weekly, clean the cage and bedding, and perform additional spot cleaning daily if necessary. Because guinea pigs are sensitive to ammonia, their living space must always be kept clean and free of odors.
Diet
Since White Crested Guinea Pigs are herbivores, most of their diet must be comprised of hay, a selection of fresh vegetables, and only a smattering of pellets. Daily servings of fresh vegetables should be provided, and you should provide a variety that includes things like carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Pellets shouldn’t make up a significant amount of their food, and they shouldn’t contain any seeds, nuts, or dried fruits of any kind.
Exercise
White Crested Guinea Pigs are active creatures who demand a good deal of physical activity daily. You need to ensure they have access to a secure area where they can run around and play, such as a playpen or a piece of your house that has been cordoned off. In addition to this, you can give them toys to play with and tunnels to investigate, and they will enjoy spending time outside in a safe environment while being supervised.
Grooming
White Crested Guinea Pigs have lengthy hair that must be combed and brushed regularly to avoid tangles and mats from forming. You should bathe your guinea pig once a month using a mild shampoo designed specifically for guinea pigs, and you should brush your guinea pig’s hair every day with a brush that has soft bristles. In addition, their claws should be trimmed regularly to prevent excessive growth, and they should have a yearly examination by a veterinarian to ensure that their teeth are not excessively long.
Healthcare
It is necessary to get your White Crested Guinea Pig examined regularly by a veterinarian who focuses on small animals to guarantee its continued good health. Vaccination against Bordetella, a bacteria that can cause respiratory illnesses in guinea pigs, should also be administered to them every year.
Fun Facts About White Crested Guinea Pigs
- These guinea pigs are also known as “English Crested” guinea pigs in Europe.
- A genetic mutation gives the White Crested Guinea Pig a distinctive white crest, which sets it apart from other guinea pig breeds.
- The weight of these guinea pigs ranges from 1-2.5 lbs pounds; therefore, they are not very large.
- They may be found in various colors, including white, gray, black, cream, and brown, and their coats are silky and short-haired yet smooth.
- White Crested Guinea Pigs are recognized for their energetic and lively natures, and they appreciate having toys, tunnels, and other interactive elements in their habitat. White Crested Guinea Pigs may be found throughout the United States.
- If they are given the correct care, these guinea pigs can live anywhere from 4 to 8 years.
- As a result of their remarkable physical characteristics, they often serve as show animals and are highly sought after as pets worldwide.
FAQs
How much are white crested guinea pigs?
The pricing range for White Crested Guinea Pigs can change quite a bit based on several factors, like the breeder, region, and availability of the animals. It is possible to get them for less or more money than that, depending on the circumstances, but generally, they may cost anywhere from $30 to $50. However, it is feasible to find them for any of those prices. In addition, the adoption costs for guinea pigs might vary depending on the rescue or shelter you choose to adopt from. However, adopting a guinea pig is generally a more cost-effective alternative than acquiring one from a breeder.
Should White Crested Guinea Pigs be treated differently?
No, White Crested Guinea Pigs do not need to be treated differently, or they do not require any additional/special care compared to what is normally required for guinea pigs. However, they need a clean living environment and balanced food to keep their health in good condition.
Are White-Crested Guinea Pigs excellent pets for families with young kids?
White Crested Guinea Pigs are recognized for their friendly and social attitude, which makes them excellent pets for youngsters as long as they are handled and cared for correctly.
Ending Notes
People of all ages may benefit from owning excellent pets like the White Crested Guinea Pig since they are such fantastic companions. You can ensure that your guinea pig continues to be healthy and happy for as long as possible by adhering to the care requirements that are provided in this guide. If you make sure to provide them with lots of areas to roam, clean food and water, opportunities for regular exercise, and proper grooming, they will be sure to shower you with their love and devotion for many years to come.