How to Care for a Himalayan Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are very modern pets. Not solely do they make good family pets because of they’re the appropriate dimension for children nonetheless moreover they’re out there various pretty fur patterns that attraction to people of all ages. One such fur pattern is named Himalayan and this pattern describes a uniquely colored guinea pig.

Himalayan guinea pigs are albino cavies; they’ve all white fur and crimson eyes. These guinea pigs won’t be a separate species from completely different guinea pigs nonetheless are in its place a specific breed. What makes them completely completely different, though, is the fur on their face, ears, and toes which is black or brown. Many seek the advice of with Himalayan guinea pigs as a result of the Siamese cats of the guinea pig world because of their comparable attribute markings often known as components.

Himalayan Guinea Pig Habits and Temperament

Like completely different guinea pigs, Himalayans are very social pets. They thrive after they dwell with completely different guinea pigs and love interaction with their householders, too. After they’re used to being handled, they benefit from being pet, talked to, and snacking on their favorite treats. Guinea pigs won’t be aggressive animals nonetheless as with each pet, in the event that they’re frightened, injury, or startled, they will nip.

Measurement Data

Himalayan guinea pigs are a standard-sized guinea pig. Most guinea pigs develop to be about 8-10 inches in dimension and weight about 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. once they’re full grown. They’re fast animals that would not have tails.

Housing

With reference to housing your Himalayan guinea pig, it is best to pay explicit consideration to the flooring of their habitat. Guinea pigs can get their tiny toes caught in wire cage bottoms or develop infections and points, resembling bumblefoot, if the bottom is simply too dirty. Choose an enormous enclosure with a robust floor. The height of the cage simply is not important because of guinea pigs don’t soar or climb nonetheless it is best to have on the very least 2 x 5 ft of floor space for two cavies. Furthermore, be certain that your guinea pig can’t get its head caught inside the bars of the cage or escape.

Specific Substrate Desires

Because of Himalayan guinea pigs are primarily white, steer clear of cage bedding that is dyed or has newspaper ink on it because of these items usually tend to discolor your pig. Furthermore, steer clear of pine and cedar wood shavings; they’re typically irritating to your cavy’s respiratory tract. Select in its place for paper beddings which may be free of dyes and that may help soak up urine.

What Do Himalayan Guinea Pigs Eat & Drink?

All guinea pigs are herbivores, in order that they solely eat crops. An grownup Himalayan guinea pig’s weight reduction program have to be primarily made up of grass hays, resembling Timothy or Orchard, with guinea pig pellets, latest greens, and up to date fruits rounding out their meals. It is vital to verify passable vitamin C is consumed by your guinea pig, so it is best to undoubtedly pay attention to the expiration date of your guinea pig’s pellets so this vitamin doesn’t expire sooner than your cavy can reap its benefits. Furthermore, give vitamin C treats to enrich this vital vitamin. You might as properly feed vitamin C rich greens, resembling bell peppers! Lastly, latest consuming water should on a regular basis be provided. Whereas some water is consumed from the fruits and veggies your pig will eat, a water bottle and bowl of water should even be out there.

Widespread Properly being Points

Guinea pigs can have properly being points with their tooth and develop bladder stones, bumblefoot, lice, respiratory illnesses, scurvy, broken legs, ileus, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, uterine most cancers, ovarian cysts pyometra, and further. Widespread/yearly check-ups with a vet that is comfortable treating pockets pets is actually helpful.

Practice

It’s vital to your guinea pig’s bodily and psychological properly being to spend time outside the cage. Make sure to current a protected place in your guinea pig to run spherical commonly. Wheels and balls that hamsters typically use won’t be best for guinea pigs. Take into consideration an X-pen to keep up them outside of their cage safely to roam spherical.

Grooming 

Himalayan guinea pigs have fast hair so grooming is proscribed to the occasional cleaning of toes, the hind end, and bathing when important. Hair trimming is required nonetheless some guinea pigs might need their nails trimmed.

Baths

In case it is best to bathe your guinea pig, be careful they don’t get too chilly whereas moist or overheat it when drying it. Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo or cleansing cleaning soap to scrub (dish cleansing cleaning soap is harsh on the pores and pores and skin and isn’t actually helpful by small mammal veterinarians) and when it’s time to dry your cavy, towel dry it. Stay away from using a hairdryer as this might merely overheat your pig.

Upkeep Costs

Guinea pigs require latest bedding on a weekly basis, plentiful hay, pellets designed for guinea pigs, and some latest fruits and veggies. Costs will differ nonetheless anticipate to spend spherical $10 per week defending your pig fed and clear. Veterinary visits widespread spherical $50-$80 for an examination and are actually helpful on the very least yearly. In case your veterinarian finds points on the go to, testing and medicines will most likely be additional costs.

Professionals & Cons of Conserving a Himalayan Guinea Pig as a Pet

Guinea pigs won’t be the kind of pet that you just deal with a stroll, nonetheless they’re interactive and social. As well as they dwell longer than most hamsters nonetheless not as long as a canine or a cat. They’re fairly easy to handle nonetheless require widespread cleaning, latest meals preparation, and a spotlight. They do make noises so they don’t seem to be as quiet as a rabbit nonetheless moreover they are not as loud as a hen.

Associated Pocket Pets to the Himalayan Guinea Pig

In case you’re contemplating pet guinea pigs, check out:

• Hamsters as Pets
• Rabbits as Pets
• Chinchillas as Pets

In every other case, check out completely different guinea pig breeds which may be your new pet!

Shopping for or Adopting Your Himalayan Guinea Pig

Since Himalayan guinea pigs won’t be the most common breed of guinea pigs, you may attainable have to find a breeder to purchase your pig. Cavy reveals, county gala’s, and golf gear are good sources to find a Himalayan guinea pig breeder near you.

Reproduction/Breeding

When you have got a feminine and male guinea pig, this can be very attainable that they will try and breed subsequently it is endorsed to accommodate two females collectively, till you plan to have your female cavy spayed. Guinea pigs typically solely have one or two infants, nonetheless the start can be very nerve-racking and even life threatening for the mother. Female guinea pigs should be bred by the purpose they’re just some months earlier, in every other case their pubic symphysis fuses and a C-section will most likely be important to avoid wasting numerous every the mother and the infants.

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