There are many breeds of guinea pigs, each with its peculiarities, special characteristics that make each breed unique and different from the others. In the case of thin guinea pigs, this difference is noticeable at first glance, since they are hairless pigs, but this does not mean that they do not have different colors, there are also differences with other breeds of pigs that are also classified as bald. . . Do you want to know what these characteristics of skinny guinea pigs are? In Animal Expert we present to you these curious creatures.
Bunnies of thin indies did not appear spontaneously due to a natural genetic mutation. These small pigs were born from the need for Canadian laboratories to conduct dermatological studies for which hairless experimental subjects were critical.
- Because they are the result of crossing hairless piglets and piglets with hair.
- They have been very useful because.
- Like humans.
- Piglets have thymus and piglets also have a healthy immune system.
- His appearance took place in 1978 at the Armand Frappier Institute in Montreal.
- From small Hartley pigs living in the lab.
From that moment on, lean pigs became more popular among those who wished to have them as pets, becoming domestic pigs in a few years.
The lean guinea pig is about 27 centimeters long, the males weigh between 1 kg and 1.5 kg, being the females smaller than the males, since they usually weigh between 800 and 1300 grams. The average life expectancy of a lean piglet ranges from 5 to 8 years.
These piglets do not have hair all over the body, except for a lock that appears on the snout and distinguishes them from other breeds of bald cuyes, such as the Cuy Baldwin, although this breed was not born bald, but with hair that they lose as they grow. The skin of the skinny piglets is wrinkled and may have skin folds, which is quite normal. Due to the absence of hair, the vertebrae and ribs may appear bulrant, but this is not abnormal. If they are not marked enough, it indicates that your pig is overweight.
Although they have no fur, these piglets can have different skin colors, such as black, white and brown. They can also have different prints, such as jaspered or jaspered, combining various colors, both bicolor and tricolor.
Thin guinea pigs are very active animals, usually restless, and need a lot of physical activity that they will perform during the day, since they are day animals. These little piglets are very affectionate, always looking for the attention and affection of their owners.
The guinea pigs are very sociable and sociable animals, so it is recommended to have at least two, because a single piglet usually has several problems such as anxiety, aggression, depression … However, it is possible. they show a little distrust towards strangers, because they are easily frightened.
Due to lack of hair, thin guinea pigs are extremely sensitive to temperatures, both cold and heat. Therefore, you should always be very careful that your guinea pig does not stay in an area where the temperature is too hot or too cold, since it does not withstand the cold very well and can get diseases if exposed to low temperatures. .
You should also make sure that your piglet does not receive any sun, as its skin is very sensitive and burns easily. If you’re going to be exposed, you need to moisturize your skin and apply a special sunscreen for your use, this is one of the main treatments for lean guinea pigs.
In addition, it is important to take care of the feeding of your piglet, provide you with quality food and leave fresh hay, pellets and clean water at all times. It is recommended to supplement your diet with vegetables such as broccoli, radish or carrots, as well as all vitamin C-rich vegetables.
Thin guinea pigs are considered immunocompetent guinea pigs, meaning that their immune system is able to control the viruses and potential pathogens that can affect them. The veterinarian should be visited annually for checks, as well as for the detection of strange or alarming symptoms such as sadness, apathy, diarrhoea, lack of appetite or when he stops drinking water.
Most of the conditions that concern thin guinea pigs are skin-related conditions. As we have already mentioned, this skin without the protection offered by the hair is very exposed. This allows your Skinny to be more easily affected by sunburn or burns caused by the proximity of very hot objects. They are also prone to colds and pneumonia when they have to withstand low temperatures, air currents or if they add to high humidity conditions.
Guinean bunnies may have vitamin C deficiency, which can promote depression in their immune system, leaving them more exposed to pathogens that make them sick. Therefore, if it may be considered sufficient to provide you with a quality diet combined with vegetables and fruits rich in this vitamin, it may be necessary to provide your guinea pig with a vitamin C supplement, and it is recommended to do so under the supervision. of a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals. Vitamin C-rich foods include peppers and strawberries.