All about Abyssinian guinea pigs(Personality, Care, Diet, Cost, & More)

So, if you’re interested in learning everything there is to know about Abyssinian guinea pigs, including their origin, appearance, personality, diet, grooming, and more, stick around until the end of this article.

I’ll see to it that you’ve completed all of the fundamentals by the time we’re done here.

Recommended reading:

• Guinea Pig Basics: Scientific name, History, Weight, Breed and much more!
• Pros and Cons of owning a guinea pig.

What is an Abyssinian guinea pig?

It is one of the oldest and most popular breeds of guinea pigs in the community, and they are also the most expensive. Each of these guinea pigs has approximately 6-8 rosette all over their bodies, which gives them a distinctive appearance.

On the surface, they appear to require a great deal of maintenance; however, they maintain their coat and skin exceptionally well, and aside from occasional brushing and nail trimming, there is very little else you need to do for them.

It is still a mystery as to how this guinea pig breed came to be known as Abyssinian; however, one thing is certain: they did not originate from the Abyssinian plateau, which is located in Ethiopia, as the name suggests.

All of this being said, let’s take a look at their history and find out where they came from in more detail.

Abyssinian guinea pig Origin: Where are Abyssinian guinea pigs from?

Guinea pigs are believed to have originated in the Andes mountains of South America. In the mountains for many years, there was a diverse range of breeds that people revered, and the people of that region used to worship these animals.

Soon after, they gained popularity as a food source among pirates and other individuals, who transported them to England and sold them at a high profit. In the 16th century, they were first introduced to England, where they quickly gained popularity due to their distinctive appearance.

Guinea pig shows became popular very quickly after that, and the Abyssinian has remained the most popular breed among all people ever since. Additionally, it is believed that the name

Abyssinian was already well-known during those times. No one knows for certain how the names of these breeds came to be, but everyone has a different story to tell about how they came to be.

Abyssinians were considered to be among the first dogs to appear in those early days, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

The breed was also one of the first to be recognized by the American cavy breeders association, which was founded in 1903.

So, now that we have learned some fundamental information about their origins, let us move on to learning more about their physical appearance.

How does Abyssinian guinea pig look like?

The Abyssinian guinea pigs are well-known for their distinct appearance, which is why they are so popular. They have a long body and a small face with petals for ears and a small tentacle-like mustache around the area of their nose where they are most visible.

Their coat is covered in a rough spiky pattern known as rosettes, which gives them a distinctive appearance. The length of the hair is approximately 3-4cm, and it is this length that forms the rosettes.

In general, an Abyssinian guinea pig has 6-8 rosettes; however, some show piggies have even more rosettes than that.

A perfect showcase guinea pig will have two rosettes around the shoulder area and the remaining four to six rosettes distributed throughout the rest of the animal’s physique. The rosettes are quite attractive, despite the fact that they lack any symmetry in their design.

Abyssinian guinea pig size: How big are Abyssinian guinea pigs?

A matured Abyssinian guinea pig can grow up to 12 inches in length. The male guinea pigs are always a little longer than a female guinea pig, so you can expect a difference of an inch or two. Also, remember that the size of the guinea pig is dependent upon the age, diet, living environment, and a lot of other factors.

The Abyssinian guinea pigs are well-known for their distinct appearance, which is why they are so popular. They have a long body and a small face with petals for ears and a small tentacle-like mustache around the area of their nose where they are most visible. A mature Abyssinian guinea pig can reach a length of 12 inches when fully grown. You can expect an inch or two in length difference between a male and a female guinea pig. Males are always slightly longer than female guinea pigs. Also keep in mind that the size of the guinea pig is determined by a variety of factors, including age, diet, living environment, and a variety of other factors.

Their coat is covered in a rough spiky pattern known as rosettes, which gives them a distinctive appearance. The length of the hair is approximately 3-4cm, and it is this length that forms the rosettes.

In general, an Abyssinian guinea pig has 6-8 rosettes; however, some show piggies have even more rosettes than that.

A perfect showcase guinea pig will have two rosettes around the shoulder area and the remaining four to six rosettes distributed throughout the rest of the animal’s physique. The rosettes are quite attractive, despite the fact that they lack any symmetry in their design.

Abyssinian guinea pig weight: How much do Abyssinian guinea pigs weigh?

An Abyssinian guinea pig can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1400 grams, depending on its size. The male Abyssinian can weigh up to 1200 grams on average, whereas the female Abyssinian weighs approximately 1000 grams on average, according to the breed standard.

The weight of the guinea pigs is determined by a variety of factors, such as their diet and living environment.

A newborn Abyssinian guinea pig can weigh anywhere from 70 to 110 grams when it is first born. When it comes to the weight of the newborn Abyssinian, it is determined by the size of the litter and a number of other factors.

As a result of their rapid growth during their first eight weeks, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs gain an excessive amount of weight at an early stage.

It is reasonable to expect a male guinea pig to weigh approximately 500-500 grams on average, while a female guinea pig should weigh approximately 420-450 grams on average.

The growth of the guinea pigs reaches a plateau when they reach the maturity stage after going through a rapid growth phase.

On average, a male Abyssinian guinea pig will weigh between 1000 and 1400 grams, while female Abyssinian guinea pigs will weigh between 900 and 1200 grams on average.

Keeping track of weight

When it comes to diseases in guinea pigs, one of the most significant and early indicators is the animal’s weight.

You must start keeping track of their weight as soon as you bring them home from the shelter. Try to keep track of their weight in an excel sheet or a notebook if at all possible.

In my personal life, I use this incredible digital scale from Etekcity that I purchased from Amazon. It performs admirably and measures the weight with pinpoint accuracy.

Please keep in mind that guinea pigs can conceal the symptoms of illness for a long period of time and until they become quite severe, so don’t ignore any weight loss as it could indicate the onset of something serious.

We have an in-depth article on guinea pig weight loss that you can read to learn more about the subject.

Abyssinian guinea pig colors

Abyssinian guinea pigs are available in a variety of colors and patterns, including white, black, and brown. Tricolors, Himalayans, and roans are some of the more popular breeds to choose from. The following are examples of other colors and patterns:

The following is a selection of some of the most popular colors and patterns of Abyssinian guinea pigs. Today, there is a much greater variety of these products available around the world.

Although these are not the only ones that can be found in your area, they are some of the most common.

Abyssinian guinea pig life span: How long do Abyssinian guinea pigs live?

The average lifespan of an Abyssinian guinea pig is around five years on average. While some people have lived for more than seven years, these are extremely rare occurrences in the general population.

Providing the right diet, a pleasant living environment, and taking good care of them can allow them to enjoy an exceptionally long and comfortable life.

We recommend that you read the following article if you want to learn more about the lifespan of guinea pigs in general and how you can improve the same.

How long do guinea pigs live, and what can we do to make them live longer lives?

Abyssinian guinea pig personality: Do Abyssinian guinea pigs make good pets?

Other than their appearance, Abyssinian guinea pigs have a distinct character. They are more active, vocal, and playful, and they also have a more outgoing personality than most people do.

In addition to their cage mates, they are also social and friendly with their keepers. Depending on whether they enjoy being cuddled or petted, you may need to be on the lookout for the latter group.

They also have an outgoing personality, which makes them less difficult to train than other breeds of dogs. For a while, they were popular show guinea pigs because of their appearance and charismatic personalities.

In addition, because they are calm and gentle, you can use them to care for children. It is important to ensure that there is an adult present to supervise and care for the guinea pig.

It is recommended that you never allow your child to complete the entire task because this can be fatal to your guinea pigs if they are not properly trained.

We’ve selected the best supplies for guinea pigs to help you care for your pet.

Before you read on, here are some supplies for your guinea pigs that have been hand-picked by us and that you absolutely must have on hand:

Abyssinian guinea pig care

According to other guinea pig breeds, the care required by Abyssinian Guinea Pigs is on the moderate to high side.

There is no difference between them and peruvian guinea pigs, which have extremely long hair that requires daily maintenance, and they and American guinea pigs, which require no grooming at all.

They fall somewhere in the middle, and as a result, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for to ensure that your guinea pigs remain healthy and live for a longer period of time.

Guinea pigs require the same nutrition, housing, and other necessities as other animals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Guinea Pig 101 | Guinea Pig Fundamentals

Aside from that, Abyssinian guinea pigs require regular grooming to ensure that they are as picture-perfect as possible on a consistent basis. So, let’s take a closer look at their diet, habitat, and grooming in greater depth.

Abyssinian guinea pig diet: What do Abyssinian guinea pigs eat?

The diet of Abyssinian guinea pigs should consist primarily of hay, with 15 percent fresh vegetables, 5 percent pellets, and some occasional treats thrown in for good measure.

While hay provides a significant portion of their nutritional needs, vegetables and pellets supplement their diet to complete their nutritional requirements.

Fresh fruits are also a great way to add variety to their diet while also providing them with additional nutrients. In order to provide some variety in taste as well as to spoil our piggies, commercial treats are served in small amounts only. LOL!

The guinea pig diet is covered in detail in an in-depth article written by us, where you can learn more about their diet plan in greater detail.

Hay

Grain such as hay is an essential component of any guinea pig’s diet. In addition to providing fiber, it also contains small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and protein.

However, only Timothy or Orchard hay is the most nutritionally beneficial for our guinea pigs’ nutritional needs. Timothy hay is available in many varieties for your guinea pigs’ nutritional needs.

guinea pigs require a specific balance of fiber, calcium, and protein, and this hay provides that balance. When your piggies are young, you can feed them other types of hay such as oat hay and alfalfa hay in small quantities to supplement their diet.

It should not, however, constitute a significant portion of your guinea pig’s diet. They have an unusually high calcium content, which can be detrimental to your guinea pig’s health because the extra calcium can cause bladder stones in guinea pigs, which can be fatal.

Using an Oxbow and small pet select blend is what I personally prefer for my guinea pigs’ bedding. These may be a little more expensive, but I can be confident that the hay I am purchasing is of high quality because of the brands I use.

Some low-cost brands can provide you with hay at a more affordable price, but they tend to mix in other types of hay, such as alfalfa, in order to keep the price as low as possible.

Also, because hay is the primary source of nutrition for your guinea pig, I believe you should avoid tampering with it unless you want to incur a higher vet bill in the future.

If you decide to go with tractor supply hay, there are a variety of other brands and types of hay to choose from. I’ve also written a comprehensive guide on hay for guinea pigs, in which I discuss the various types of hay available, as well as their nutrients, benefits, and potential hazards.

Also, I’ve thought about storing and serving grass to your guinea pigs, just in case. Please feel free to look over it if you want to learn more about hay for your guinea pigs in general.

Recommended reading:

• Guinea Pig Hay(What Type, How Much): A Complete Guide For Owners
• How much hay do guinea pigs eat a day? (Pack to buy, Storage & more)

Fresh Vegetables

You should also include vegetables in the daily diet of your guinea pigs to keep them healthy. It not only provides your guinea pigs with a new taste experience, but it also provides them with much-needed Vitamin C and other nutrients that our guinea pigs require. Guinea pigs are unable to produce vitamin C on their own; therefore, they require a vitamin C-rich diet in order to meet their entire vitamin C requirement.

Scurvy in guinea pigs is frequently caused by a lack of Vitamin C.

It is recommended that you provide your guinea pigs with at least a cup of vegetables every day. Alternatively, you could divide it into two portions and serve half of it all at one time.

According to the majority of experts, you should serve at least 5-6 different types of vegetables every day. Make sure, however, that you serve your guinea pigs a variety of vegetables that are high in vitamin C and low to medium in calcium.

We can provide our guinea pigs with vegetables on a daily basis such as bell peppers, cilantro, and lettuce, while other vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, and kale can be served sparingly throughout the week.

Two leafy vegetables should be combined with three other vegetables to make a nutritious mix for your guinea pigs.

Please keep in mind that if you want to introduce a new vegetable into your guinea pig’s diet or change their current diet, you should proceed cautiously at the beginning. The digestive system of our guinea pigs is extremely sensitive, and any sudden change can cause it to become out of balance very quickly. As a result, take it slow and steady!

Recommended reading:

• What do you do if your guinea pig won’t eat vegetables?
• List Of Vegetables For Guinea Pigs. (Can/Can’t eat, Benefits, Hazards!)
• Vitamin C for guinea pigs

Pellets

Pellets account for the remaining 5 percent of the total diet.. In the diet of some guinea pigs, pellets are an essential part of the diet.

Some people are picky eaters and will not eat vegetables such as bell peppers and cilantro, which contain a high concentration of vitamin C. As a result, vitamin C fortified pellets are extremely important for these guinea pigs.

Pellets can provide guinea pigs with fiber, vitamins, and other minerals that they would otherwise be unable to obtain on their own. As a result, including pellets in your guinea pig’s diet can be beneficial.

Make certain, however, that you only serve the quantities that are required at one time. The majority of experts recommend giving your guinea pigs an eighth to a sixth cup of pellets every day.

The amount of food your guinea pigs consume may vary depending on their diet and age. You have the option of refilling the bowl whenever you feel the need. Your guinea pigs are not going to eat all of the pellets, so don’t bother.

Consequently, whenever you clean the cage or serve them vegetables, feel free to refill it. Make sure you don’t overfill the bowl because your guinea pigs will toss the pellets out of the bowl or decide to pee or poop on the dish for no apparent reason if you overfill it.

In addition, small feeding ensures that the pellets are fresh and that they do not lose their nutritional value while sitting in the cage.

My guinea pigs have been enjoying Higgins vita garden pellets for the past few months, so I’ve been purchasing them myself. I’ve also experimented with small pets select in the past, and those were fantastic as well.

Recommended reading:

• Pellets for guinea pigs: A complete buyer’s guide

Treats

Treats can also be used to spice up the diet of your guinea pigs, which is beneficial. Some guinea pig owners use them as a positive reinforcement when training their guinea pigs, which is acceptable.

Keep in mind that you should only consume these items once or twice per week in any case. Fresh fruits or commercial treats can be given to your guinea pigs, depending on their preferences.

Despite the fact that commercial treats are available in a wide range of flavors and varieties, not all of them are suitable for your guinea pigs. While some are healthy and safe, others may contain ingredients that are prohibited by the FDA.

Oxbow natural treats with bell pepper and timothy hay are my go-to treat for my dogs.

They are considered to be one of the most dependable brands available. In addition, this particular treat is ideal for our guinea pigs because it contains traces of bell peppers and hay, as well as less sugar when compared to other options available on the market.

Fresh fruits, in addition to those sold at convenience stores, are a healthy option to consider. Fruits such as apple, orange, grapes, kiwi, strawberries, and other similar fruits are high in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy snack option as well.

However, most fruits also contain some natural sugar, which can be detrimental to the health of your guinea pig’s digestive system. As a result, only small amounts of food should be provided once or twice a week.

I personally rotate the commercial treats and fruits in my diet on a daily basis. Let’s say I gave them a piece of fruit on Wednesday, and the next treat (an Oxbow) will be given to them the following Sunday. Avoid feeding it frequently to avoid health issues like obesity, diabetes, etc.

Abyssinian guinea pig habitat

So, now that we’ve learned a little bit about the diet of our Abyssinian guinea pigs, let’s move on to the topic of their living environment.

The habitat of a guinea pig is an absolute necessity for it. There are several components to this set up: the cage or enclosure, bedding for the guinea pigs, food bowls, water bottles, toys, and hiding places for the animals.

So, let’s start by taking a look at the cage that will house your Abyssinian guinea pig.

Abyssinian guinea pig cage

A guinea pig’s cage or enclosure is the most basic of all of his or her needs. The majority of new guinea pig owners make the mistake of purchasing a smaller pen than what is required, resulting in them having to spend more money later to upgrade.

I’d like to caution you to avoid making the same mistakes. Yes, guinea pigs are caged animals, but they are unable to survive in such a small space. They require at least 8 square feet of space in order to be healthy and happy.

Because your guinea pigs will be spending the majority of their time in their cage, it is essential that you provide them with a reasonably large pen to live in. They must have a safe place to eat, sleep, and engage in physical activity.

Include some hiding places, food bowls, and water bottles in your design as well. Ensure, however, that the cage is not overly cluttered, as this can restrict their movement and reduce the amount of space available for exercise.

The majority of pet store cages are insufficient for your guinea pigs. For your guinea pigs, you should either purchase a MIDWEST cage or construct a C&C cage from scratch.

These cages provide your guinea pigs with ample space as well as a pleasant living environment, which is essential for their well-being. When it comes to housing a guinea pig, the location of the pen is also important to consider.

When placing the cage, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area that is away from drafts and direct sunlight. To keep the temperature in your room stable, consider installing a heating or cooling unit nearby if at all possible.

If you live in a cold climate where the temperature can drop to dangerously low levels, investing in a heater is a must.

Personally, I use this incredible Honeywell heater with a built-in thermostat, which I highly recommend. Even when it’s freezing outside, it keeps my guinea pigs warm and comfortable in their enclosure.

Recommended reading:

• How big should a guinea pig’s cage be and why?
• Best large size cage for two or more guinea pigs
• Midwest guinea pig habitat plus cage review
• Can you keep guinea pigs in your bedroom?

Abyssinian guinea pig bedding

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• Guineadad Fleece liners review
• Is aspen bedding safe for guinea pigs
• The best bedding for guinea pigs: A buyer’s guide

Abyssinian guinea pig food bowl and water bottle

The food bowl, hay racks, and water bottle for your guinea pigs are some of the other essential supplies for the cage.

While the food bowls are essential for delivering pellets and vegetables to your guinea pigs’ cages, the hay racks ensure that hay does not become dispersed throughout the cage, resulting in less cleaning and maintenance on your part.

Always choose a bowl that is stable and won’t tip over easily when serving. Guinea pigs are prone to tipping over their food bowls for no apparent reason, which can be entertaining for them but not so entertaining for you.

I personally use the STAYbowl Tip-Proof Ergonomic Pet Bowl for Guinea Pigs, which is available on Amazon. They are extremely sturdy and difficult to tip over, and as a result, they work perfectly for me.

In addition, I use a hay rack to ensure that all of the hay remains intact and does not become dispersed throughout the cage. Consequently, the pen will always be free of dirt and will be simple to maintain.

The next component of the cage that must be included is a water bottle that is leak-proof. A healthy guinea pig can drink anywhere from 50-300ml of water per day, depending on his or her weight.

As a result, you must make certain that your guinea pig has constant access to fresh and clean water sources. Also, make sure your water bottle does not leak because a leaking water bottle can completely soak the bedding and cause your guinea pig’s feet to become excessively heavy, which can lead to serious health problems in the long run.

For my guinea pigs, Choco nose water bottles are by far the best option I have found. Maintaining and setting it up correctly will ensure that it works exceptionally well and does not drip at all when needed.

In terms of providing water to your guinea pigs, there is much more that you should be aware of. To learn more about water for your guinea pigs, I recommend that you read our in-depth guide on the subject.

Abyssinian guinea pig toys & hiding spaces

Guinea pigs are prey animals that are constantly afraid for their lives. When kept in a small space, such as an animal cage, it can be extremely stressful for them to be confined without having a safe place to hide when they are scared.

Anything, whether it’s your cat, a predator, or even a storm outside, can cause stress in your guinea pigs. Having a large number of hiding spaces in their cages helps them feel more at ease and makes their environment more familiar.

The fact that they can run towards hiding when they are scared helps to reduce stress and make them feel safe and protected. I personally keep some fleece hideouts and snuggle sacks in the cage so that my guinea pigs can hide and be comfortable while they are in the cage.

We must also provide them with a large number of toys in order for them to be happy and healthy. Our guinea pigs benefit from the mental stimulation provided by toys. Guinea pigs are intelligent and active animals who require something with which to interact or play in order to keep their minds occupied.

It is possible that they will experience boredom and depression in the long run if their mind is left idle and not sufficiently stimulated. A large number of different types of toys are available for purchase on the market.

You are free to choose any toy that you believe is safe for guinea pigs. I purchased this toy set from Amazon, and it has proven to be extremely effective for me. To add even more variety, you can purchase the Kaytee Chew & Treat Toy as well as the Small Animal Hanging Hammock.

Abyssinian guinea pig grooming: How to groom Abyssinian guinea pig

Grooming your Abyssinian guinea pig can be a little difficult when compared to grooming other short-haired guinea pig breeds. However, it is not impossible.

Grooming for Abyssinian guinea pigs includes nail trimming, brushing, grease gland cleaning, and an occasional bath and hair cut as part of their regular grooming routine.

Grooming is not as time-consuming as it is for other long-haired guinea pig breeds; however, their coat does require some extra attention in order to maintain their appearance. So let’s move on and learn a little more about grooming your guinea pigs in greater depth.

Abyssinian guinea pig brushing

If you have an Abyssinian guinea pig, brushing is one of the most routine grooming tasks that you will need to perform on a regular basis. Yes, they don’t have particularly long or curly hair; however, brushing them regularly helps to keep their coats in good condition.

Whenever you brush your guinea pig, you are removing excess hair, debris, and dead skin from the coat, which leaves it feeling clean and smooth. Brushing their hair also helps to prevent tangles of hair from forming all around their rosette.

Brushing an Abyssinian guinea pig is a relatively simple procedure that requires no special equipment. Simply use a soft bristle brush to brush them from the bridge of their nose to the base of their rump.

Keep in mind that you should always brush in the direction of the fur growth. Make sure you don’t push yourself too hard, or you might end up hurting your guinea pig in the process.

In addition, keep in mind that they will not appreciate you brushing them around their rump area, so be gentle and keep them engaged while you are brushing them.

Usually, a piece of carrot will suffice to get their attention. If you’re looking for a brush, you might want to give this one a shot. It’s a fantastic system!

Abyssinian guinea pig nail care

The nails of Abyssinian guinea pigs should be trimmed once a month. Their nails grow extremely quickly and are extremely sharp, just like those of other breeds. As a result, make sure to trim them on a regular basis.

Some guinea pig owners neglect to trim their animals’ nails, or they avoid doing so because they believe it is difficult to do so properly. However, doing so on a regular basis can result in serious health problems, such as a foot infection, so make sure you do it regularly.

I understand how difficult it can be for a new owner to make this decision. In such a case, you can either ask a veterinarian to do it for you and learn by watching them, or you can purchase a good nail clipper, enlist the assistance of a friend, and get started. Here’s a helpful video to help you learn more about it:

How to Trim Your Guinea Pig’s Nails (with Pictures)

As an added precaution, wrap your guinea pig in a towel and place their front paws directly above a flashlight to keep them safe. You will be able to see the veins as a result of this. Make a small cut around the veins and you are ready to go. It is possible to injure a vein by accident. If this occurs and blood begins to flow, dab some cornflour on the wound and press the nail down to stop the bleeding immediately.

Maintaining good nail clipper quality can make a significant difference, so keep an eye out for that.

Abyssinian guinea pig grease gland

Have you ever noticed a distinct odor emanating from your guinea pigs (particularly the males)? It’s possible that the smell is caused by their grease. Guinea pigs secrete a greasy substance from their back portion, which is located in their rump area, and this gland is referred to as the grease gland in the scientific community.

Cleaning the Grease Gland of Guinea Pigs

They use the grease as a mating call or to mark the boundaries of their territorial territory. If your guinea pigs have an active grease gland, it is possible that they will produce grease on a regular basis.

The grease can put a strain on your cage’s structure and also leave a foul odor in the cage’s vicinity. Once every few weeks, cleaning their grease gland can make a significant difference in the same.

If you discover that your guinea pig has an active grease gland, make certain that you clean it on a regular basis.

An in-depth article about grease glands and how to clean them can be found here. More information about it can be found in that article as well.

Abyssinian guinea pig haircut

Occasionally, Abyssinian guinea pigs may require a small haircut to maintain their appearance. The majority of their fur will not need to be cut, but only a few spots here and there will require trimming.

Occasionally, they can have uneven hair lengths, with some hair growing longer and others remaining shorter than others. Therefore, giving them a haircut on a regular basis is sufficient.

To make the cut, you can use any hair thinning scissors that you want. Make sure you are gentle with your guinea pigs while trimming so that they do not suffer any harm.

Abyssinian guinea pig bath

Abyssinian guinea pigs will not require routine bathing unless and until the veterinarian recommends it. Your guinea pigs are capable of grooming themselves, so you won’t have to get into their cages and do anything for them.

They take pride in keeping themselves tidy and clean. However, if you do not keep your guinea pig’s cage clean, it is possible that it will become sick. Poop and food particles can become lodged in their coats, causing them to smell bad in addition to being disgusting to look at.

It is possible that you will need to bathe them in such circumstances. You don’t need anything fancy to bathe your guinea pig, and bathing them is a relatively simple process.

When Should Your Guinea Pigs Be Bathed?

Our full detailed article on how to bathe them and when to bathe them can be found here. Please see that article if you require additional information.

Where to buy Abyssinian guinea pig?

Abyssinian guinea pigs are readily available from most rescues and breeding facilities, and they make excellent pets. It is best to avoid purchasing one from a pet store because they are not the healthiest option available.

There are numerous rescue organizations in the United States and the United Kingdom; if you search for them online or inquire in your local area, you should have no trouble finding one. I would encourage you to check out some of the rescue organizations and see what they have to offer.

Consider purchasing something from the store if you can find something that suits your needs. It is extremely beneficial to both the rescue organization and the community as a whole.

Always keep an eye out for the signs of healthy guinea pigs before you decide on one to keep as a pet. The following are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:

• Active and moving around
• Eating their food properly
• Solid and usual poop
• Soft and smooth looking fur

How much do Abyssinian guinea pigs cost?

Abyssinian guinea pigs can be purchased for anywhere from 15$ to 100$ depending on the breed. You can easily obtain an Abyssinian guinea pig from a rescue for a price ranging from 20$ to 40$.

However, if you purchase them from a professional breeder, the cost can be significantly higher, ranging between 50 and 80 dollars on average. Some Abyssinian piggies on display are also sold for more than 100 dollars, depending on how well they are presented in their environment.

You should also keep in mind that these are prices for a single guinea pig, and in order for them to live happily ever after, you should purchase at least a pair.

Do Abyssinian guinea pigs shed?

In comparison to other guinea-pig breeds, Abyssinian guinea pigs do shed a little more than other guinea-pig breeds. The majority of their shed occurs during the spring or late summer in preparation for the summer heat.

In the summer heat, getting rid of excess fur aids them in maintaining their body temperature by allowing them to breathe more freely. During the shedding phase, I would recommend brushing the cage on a daily basis to avoid a cluttered environment around the cage. It also aids in the maintenance of their coat’s overall health and appearance.

In order to learn more about guinea pig shedding, we recommend that you review our in-depth guide on the subject.

Are Abyssinian guinea pigs hypoallergenic?

No, Abyssinian guinea pigs are not hypoallergenic in any way shape or form. In reality, no animal with fur, a coat, or feathers can cause an allergic reaction in humans.

In addition to hair, dander, saliva, and urine can all be sources of allergic reactions in people with hair allergies.

More information on guinea-pig allergy and how to cope with it can be found here. You should read our article on the subject, which I would highly recommend.

Conclusion:

FAQ

Sources: Abyssinian guinea pig, Biology of the Guinea Pig, Housing Guinea pig colony, Guinea pigs housing, Petsaver guinea pig guide, Guinea pig care, GUINEA PIG GENERAL CARE GUIDE, The effects of lowering the bath temperature, Weight Loss in Guinea Pigs, THE DEPLETION OF VITAMIN C, Discussion with a vet, The Journal of Nutrition, NCBI, NCBI, Journal of animal health, Petmd, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology, and Health in the Guinea Pig.