Bald Guinea Pigs: features, breeds and content

Bald guinea pigs are strange creatures that are still found in pet stores less often than their furry counterparts. But, nevertheless, they still exist, and they even have their fans who are ready to buy such original pets for themselves and spend large sums of money on them.

Bald guinea pig never existed in the wild. Such unusual animals were artificially bred thanks to some laboratory research. As a result of gene mutations in 1978, a completely different kind of pigs, in which as they matured, all the wool fell out, turned out by chance.

Made this discovery by Armad Frappee, in Canada. However, it took another 4 years to bring out the purebred gilt. So, already in 1982, bald animals of this species with an excellent immune system were born. But most often artificially bred pigs were exposed to various diseases and did not live for a long time. This breed was called "skinny". A little later, another breed of pigs was bred, which was given the name "Baldwin".

The first bald pigs were practically all white and had very red, eerie eyes. However, a little later, pigs with different colors and not so red eyes were obtained. If we talk about experiments, they were carried out not only in order to get an unusual animal, but for various dermatological studies. After all, guinea pigs in their bodies have a gland that helps form a new immune system in humans. For this reason, many people try to have such an unusual pig in their own homes.

Both options are very popular not only among ordinary people, but also among serious breeders. In addition, these two mutations are considered recessive. This means that after crossing the bare pigs with those that have hair, the offspring will be with fur. However, the gene can occur in any generation. That is, from one brood of gilts, one cub will be necessarily bald.

If we talk about the appearance of these animals, they are not absolutely bald, they still have a down. And, nevertheless, bald pigs can be bought for people who are allergic to wool.

Many fans of guinea pigs repel the appearance of these animals. However, those who have already tried to grow them, speak of them only positively. They are distinguished by tranquility, and in life they remain peaceful and affectionate. Experts recommend buying bald pigs for small children. After all, communication with them will help to significantly improve the mood of children, as well as relieve depression in adults.

Even bald pigs get used to different sounds and react interestingly to them. For example, if they hear the sound of an opening refrigerator, they whistle happily. This means that they expect that the owner will feed them something tasty. In addition, mumps remembers other sounds, which is quite funny. Many owners even specially train their pets. Pigs react to the rustling of the package, the phone ringing, the slamming of the door if these sounds are accompanied by something pleasant for them.

Bald pets need attention.If you want the mumps to be complacent and affectionate, often take her in your arms, lay next to you when watching a movie, talk to her and stroke.

There are two types of bald beauties - baldwin and skinny. Many people think that there is only one species of these animals, and therefore gilts are often called sphinxes. However, this judgment is incorrect. These are two completely different breeds, the differences of which should be reviewed in more detail.

First you need to get acquainted with the first breed of these interesting animals. The length of their body does not exceed 34 centimeters. The weight of a male is up to one kilogram, but the females are a bit smaller. Leather to the touch is soft and a bit like the surface of velor. However, these animals have a small down, which is located on the neck, head and shoulders. The color is gray, white or chocolate. In some cases, you can find multicolored pigs.

The skinny head is large, but at the same time neat. The eyes are very expressive, with a red or black color. The ears of this breed of pigs are wide and round. The head is placed on a small, stocky neck. Her body is well developed, with smooth legs. Each of them has quite mobile fingers. The tail is quite small, so it is almost invisible.

Since close relatives took part in the process of crossbreeding, it often happens that some pathologies occur at birth. They are completely different - this is the irregular shape of the body, and twisted legs. Most often they do not interfere with life, but for breeding subsequent offspring such individuals should not be allowed.

These guinea pigs are notable for their great mobility and noise. If they play out, they can squeak or squeal loudly. At the same time, males have more emotions, besides they are more affectionate than females. They live no more than 9 years, if they are provided with good care.

These guinea pigs were bred from an already existing skinny breed, but they differ in their genotype. These animals are slightly smaller in size. Their length does not exceed 25 centimeters, respectively, and their weight is less. Their skin is warm and completely bald, to the touch it is like a soft rubber. The color is different, the mumps can be black, and brown, and pink-black.

Babies are completely born in wool, but after 5 days they begin to grow bald, and after 2 weeks they are almost naked. Their body is slightly wrinkled, especially noticeable in the region of the crown, shoulders, and also near the legs. Their ears look a bit like rose petals in shape, and hang very loosely. The Baldwin head is large, and the eyes are very expressive, with a dark or light color.

Bald guinea pigs require not only a warm room, but also proper feeding and regular grooming.

How many pigs live is determined primarily by the care for them and the living conditions. The cage must be spacious, ranging from 50 centimeters. Very often, instead of cells, aquariums are used to avoid drafts. In addition, they already have a lamp for heating.

The bottom of the cage must be covered with sawdust. However, the sawdust must be fine so that they cannot damage the delicate skin of the mumps. If this is a special cell, then it must be ensured that it closes, and the valve must be good. After all, some pigs can easily open it.

Although bald pigs do not need to be combed daily, it is still necessary to care for them. This breed of pigs is too sensitive to temperature extremes, and this must be taken responsibly. Pets will need special care to make them feel comfortable.

Since the pigs are completely naked, there is a possibility that they can get sick.Therefore, their place of residence should be not only comfortable, but also very warm. The temperature in the room should not fall below 21 degrees, otherwise the animals begin to freeze. If they need to be moved to another place in cold weather, then the container must be insulated.

If it's summer, and the temperature rises above 25 degrees, Experts recommend a fan for animals. However, the air should not be sent to the pigs, but to the side so that they are not stretched. In addition, the skin should be regularly lubricated with any baby cream. If this is not done, it will become dry and will peel off.

Also, these animals must necessarily from time to time to cut the claws, so that they do not accidentally hurt themselves with sharp claws. In addition, you must regularly replace the litter. It is recommended to do this 1 time in 3 days, and also once a week it is necessary to completely wash the entire cage and treat it with various disinfectants. It should be understood that immediately after the treatment, the pig should not be placed in a cage, so that it does not breathe harmful vapor. Let the house be ventilated first.

Generally speaking, bald beauties eat 2 times more than ordinary guinea pigs. This is because they have an increased metabolism, respectively, they need more food. In addition, life expectancy directly depends on their diet. They should eat according to the norms, since any overfeeding or malnutrition can even lead to death. Therefore, those who breed these animals need to know what their diet should consist of. It must include the following products:

• 65% fresh hay or succulent grass, it depends on the season;
• 15-20% of fresh fruits or vegetables: you can give carrots, apples, and beets;
• 15-20% of grain, which is best to give germinated or granulated (such grain additives can be purchased at any specialized store);
• you can add chalk or vitamin mixtures;
• water should be given daily, while it is best to change it three times a day, and in summer, even more often.

You should also familiarize yourself with the list of products that are strictly prohibited for this breed:

• onions or garlic;
• tomatoes or any mushrooms;
• meat;
• sweet or salty foods.

If any of the listed products get into the feed, it can even be fatal. The same applies to their fasting.

If we talk about puberty of bald guinea pigs, then it comes very early: in females it is 2.5 months, and in males a little later - in 3 months. However, there is no need to hurry with the mating, because at this time the body is not yet fully formed. You can start breeding bald guinea pigs at seven or eight months. Animals are already quite developed and able to breed. However, they should not be thin and small.

After pets live for a year, breeding may not work if the gilts grow fat. Overfeeding them is not worth it. But too early pregnancy can have some complications that can lead to the death of babies. Carrying babies in pigs lasts from 2 months to 70 days. One brood usually consists of 5-6 babies. Breeding can take place at any time of the year and, moreover, not once a year, because the timing of gestation is very small.

In addition, it is necessary to know that during pregnancy the female should receive a little more feed, but it is not necessary to overfeed too much, as this will have a bad effect on childbirth. The main thing that the diet must include vitamins E and B. After the appearance of the babies, the “mommy” must be given a rest at least 4-5 months, and only after that she can be let in again to the male.

To know how to choose partners for crossing bald gilts, you need to familiarize yourself with some rules.

• If one animal is a representative of the Baldwin guinea pig, and the second is a skinny, then the babies that appear will be simple, with wool. But the subsequent offspring by 50% will have the gene of one of the crossed representatives. However, experts do not recommend breeding guinea pigs in this way.
• If you cross both representatives of the skinny breed, their offspring will be completely bald.
• The same applies to representatives of Baldwin guinea pigs. Toddlers will be completely bald.
• If you cross the sea beauty skinny with a normal pig that has wool, then the likelihood that their offspring will be bald is zero. And yet it is possible that some of them will be carriers of this gene, and, therefore, in the future you can get a bald pig.

In general, the breeding of gilts must be approached responsibly. Especially those who do it for a reason, but in order to earn some money on a rare breed.

Summarizing, we can say that Bald guinea pigs are ideal pets. After all, thanks to their appearance, they are hypoallergenic, which allows them to keep even those who suffer from allergies. In addition, with such "friends" it will be boring, because they are very mobile and cheerful.

See the following video for the contents of the Baldwin guinea pig.