Content
- Origin of the Peruvian guinea pig
- Physical characteristics of the Peruvian guinea pig
- Peruvian Guinea Pig Personality
- Peruvian Guinea Pig Care
- Peruvian Guinea Pig Health
O Peruvian or Peruvian guinea pig it is one of the many types of guinea pigs that exist, as there are furless, long-haired, short-haired or very long-haired pigs. Within this last category is the so-called Peruvian guinea pig. These little pigs have very long fur, but did you know that their fur can reach more than 40 centimeters in length?
Sociable and inquisitive, these adorable creatures surprised everyone who decided to have them in their home. For this reason, in this article by PeritoAnimal, we will talk about the precious Peruvian guinea pigs. Keep reading!
Source- America
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Peru
Origin of the Peruvian guinea pig
Unlike other breeds of guinea pigs that emerged in the context of different scientific researches, that is, that were created through genetic engineering, the Peruvian guinea pigs emerged in a different way. completely natural. This breed owes its name to the fact that it is endemic in some Latin American countries, such as Peru, Bolivia or Argentina. In these countries, these animals were and, unfortunately, are still consumed and highly valued for the taste of their meat.
In other countries, guinea pigs or guinea pigs, another name they also receive, are not consumed as food, but appreciated for their company, becoming popular as pets. This is the case with the Peruvian guinea pigs, which, due to the impressive appearance of their coat, have become one of the most appreciated breeds of guinea pigs as domestic animals.
Physical characteristics of the Peruvian guinea pig
Peruvians are medium-sized guinea pigs, weighing between 700 grams and 1.2 kg and measuring between 23 and 27 centimeters. This breed of guinea pigs has an average life expectancy ranging from 5 to 8 years.
These guinea pigs have a very special coat, not only because of the length of their fur, but also because there is a split on the top of the head, which runs down the back of the pig. This hair can reach up to 50 cm long, having two very characteristic rosettes or swirls. The coat can have different colors and patterns, although it is usually monochromatic and bicolor, being rare to find a tricolor Peruvian.
Peruvian Guinea Pig Personality
Like most guinea pigs, the Peruvian is characterized by his affectionate and docile personality. They have a strong instinct for exploration as they are animals. very curious and attentive.
They are also very sociable, although a little fearful, so they can show fear in new situations or people, as well as when we make them interact with other animals. However, when they build trust, they are a real love, as they are very touchy-feely and like to be pampered and spend time together.
Guinea pigs do not deal well with loneliness as they are gregarious animals, that is, they usually live in groups, so it is recommended not to have a single guinea pig, but to have at least one partner.
Peruvian Guinea Pig Care
The long, dense coat of these guinea pigs can be, in addition to being very striking for their beauty, one of the aspects that will most demand your attention and a lot of patience. Brushing should be done at least once a day.
You must be very careful that your Peruvian guinea pig's fur is always clean and untangled. recommended cut the hair regularly to prevent, as it grows, that hair gets so long that you go crazy trying to keep it free of us. Given the characteristics of their fur, Peruvian guinea pigs need to bathe frequently, always taking care to dry them very well after bathing, as they tend to suffer from the presence of mites.
As for the Peruvian guinea pig's diet, it does not vary from that of other pig breeds, including feed, the amount of which will be adjusted to your pet's weight and age, and fruits and vegetables that provide you with all the vitamins and minerals your system requires. Guinea pigs should always have access to hay and fresh water.
Peruvian Guinea Pig Health
As we mentioned when talking about their care, the Peruvian guinea pig, with such long and dense fur, tends to suffer from mite infestations, and this can be avoided with regular bathing. If it has already occurred, it is possible to resolve it with the help of a veterinarian to prescribe the dewormers necessary. If you notice that the guinea pig is sick, you should also go to the vet.
Peruvian guinea pigs are tremendously greedy, so it is necessary to control their consumption of fruits, which are very caloric as they tend to develop. overweight and even obesity. This can be prevented with a diet adjusted to their caloric needs and complemented with daily physical activity, taking them out of the cage several times a day and preparing games that motivate them to stay active.