A house rhino, or rather a hairless guinea pig, is a cutie!
Thanks to crossbreeding done in the ’80s for laboratory research purposes.
Even better is their affectionate nature and easy maintenance. Their squeaks, chirps, and purrs make them more adorable.
Their lifespan goes from five to seven years, depending on their genetics and how you handle them.
On average, they are nine to twelve inches long, weighing approximately one to two pounds.
Types of hairless guinea pigs
This species consists of the Skinny pig and Baldwin guinea pig.
The former is hairless, excluding the muzzles, legs, and feet areas and a section of their backs for some. The latter is entirely bald.
The Skinny pig
It is a result of blending a haired guinea pig and their furless counterparts.
They are born and remain that way. Nevertheless, their skin pigmentations are pretty interesting.
Each embodies unique coloring and patterns, such as the Dutch, Tortoiseshell, and Himalayan.
Baldwin guinea pig
Surprisingly, this guinea is born with a fur coat, which naturally sheds off from two to five days old.
It starts from the head and rolls out to the entire body.
By the time they attain two months, you may be lucky to see a single strand of hair.
On crossing to adulthood, Baldwin is characterized by wrinkled and folded shoulders with the crowns replacing the normally crested parts.
Do they need special care?
Adopting hairless guinea pigs to the pet world also comes with debates.
For instance, is their immune system too low? Well, their hypersensitive nature is apparent from the furless coating.
However, their genetics have a significant role in their ability to combat infections and ailments.
According to Mother Nature Network, these pets should stay indoors, away from intense weather conditions.
For the summer seasons, taking a breather on the outside is fine.
Keep in mind that the scorch sun may be harsh on their skin, so as you get sunscreen for yourself, get one for your little guinea!
Since hairless guinea pigs get cold quickly, high metabolism is their armor.
This results in a constant appetite that differentiates them from their brothers and sisters.
Establishing an excellent diet schedule with the help of your vet is a good idea.
For their grooming, they are not that different from the normal guinea.
For instance, keep their toe nails’ length to a minimum.
If not, the pet might scratch and break its delicate skin. What about skin disorders?
Whether your guinea’s skin is typically dry or oily, coconut oil will come in handy.
To administer, apply the oil (a bit is enough) and spread it around your pet’s body with a soft cloth. Always ensure it is clean to avoid causing more problems.
As for their enclosures, hairless guinea pigs need their bedding covered with fleece.
Is it necessary?
Yes, it prevents skin irritation. Maintaining a high level of hygiene standards is also helpful.
How do you identify a healthy hairless guinea pig?
The bare skin makes house piglets susceptible.
Therefore, finding a robust pet may ensure more time with them. Consider the following:
The physical attributes
Once you get to the pet store, it may be best to scrutinize the physical features of the skinny pig.
Avoid fat ones and those with bumps, lumps, swellings, or red patches. Are they well-groomed? They should be.
In addition, check their eyes, ears, and nose for discharge presence.
Go for their teeth as well; are they overgrown or misaligned? Lastly, observe how they breathe.
If you hear some wheezing, gurgling, or clicking sounds, find another. Their breathing should be silent and without a struggle.
Behavior
Avoid lethargic skinny pigs.
Instead, go for an active and curious pet.
Although they tend to be more alert at dawn and dusk, these pets aren’t hesitant to maneuver during other times.
It may be best to watch your preferred guinea for a while before taking them home.
You are probably wondering if they don’t get anxious with new faces.
Well, they do.
However, it should be okay with you approaching and handling it. Their enclosures should be clean with enough food and water.
A skinny pig that stays in a sanitized environment and eats well will not be prone to diseases.
They also tend to be happy and excited.
If you spot a sickly guinea near the soon-to-be love of your life, it may be best to forego the mission.
If the ailment is contagious, your pet may develop the signs after inhabiting its new home.
Let’s face it: you may find a calm piggy more interesting, and that’s okay. Probably it just needs a better and comfortable home. So, go for it!
The age of your pig
Do you prefer a male or female guinea?
Can you even discern the two?
It’s best to go for a pet store with a gender separation policy in their housing.
If that is not the case or your pet plug is uncertain of the gender, please find another place.
Why the fuss?
Female guinea pigs are reproductive on attaining four weeks of age, certainly too soon!
But getting pregnant at this stage is also hazardous. To be safe, get a piggy that’s not less than six weeks old.
When is it okay to separate piglets from their mothers?
After four weeks, female piglets can do without their mothers.
Their male equivalents, however, need to move out after three weeks.
Failure will result in a pregnant mother and sisters.
How much does a hairless guinea pig cost?
Some irresistible colors and patterns come with a higher cost.
On average, you may part with $100 to $200.
You could also match into your local guinea pig rescue and give one of these adorable creatures a chance of having a home.
An ideal pet store should be reputable enough.
You could check out reviews from previous customers before you finalize your decision.
Going for a breeder is also okay; ensure the purpose is to improve current breeds’ temperance and health.
Final thoughts on Hairless guinea pigs
Hairless guinea pigs make amazing pets.
They also require minimal grooming, which means less work for you. However, choosing a healthy pet is of the essence.
Similar to coming up with a balanced feeding schedule. They feed on hay, pellets, vegetables, and fruits.
A snack or treat here, and there is also ideal.
Losing a pet is devastating.
So, doing it right from the beginning is probably better. After all, what’s starts well is likely to end well!