As a result, I decided to make the process as simple as possible for other owners out there, and I began learning everything I could and consulting with the community and experts in order to gather as much information as I could and create a comprehensive guide for everyone.
As a result, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Peruvian guinea pigs. If you are also interested in learning about their origins, appearance, diet, habitat, grooming, and other aspects of care, I encourage you to stick with me until the end, and I promise you that you will have all of your questions answered. –
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Please note: Guinea Pig Name is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! Some links in the post are affiliate link and I get commission from purchases made through links in the post.
What is a Peruvian guinea pig?
Peruvian guinea pigs are long-haired guinea pig breeds that are known for their smooth and long coats. The coats usually grow from t
heir spine on all sides, and they can even cover their faces with their hands.
They are also well-known for having a fun-loving and inquisitive personality that makes any owner smile.
According to the American cavy breeders association, they were brought to the United States for the first time in the 18th century and are one of the first few recognized breeds.
There is a great deal more to their origin story, which we will go into detail about now.
Peruvian guinea pig Origin: Where are Peruvian guinea pigs from?
Peruvian guinea pigs are among the most ancient guinea pig breeds still in existence. They were believed to have originated in Peru’s Andes mountain range; however, it is still unclear why they were given the name Peruvian guinea pigs.
Previously, they were well-known as a food source, and some tribes even revered them as gods, according to legend. However, due to their endearing personality and adorable appearance, they quickly became popular as pets in France (unlike other breeds), and then in the United States.
They may not be as popular as other mainstream pets these days, but they can still be found in the majority of US households.
Additionally, Peruvian Guinea Pigs are an extremely popular breed of guinea pig and are available for purchase from nearly all professional breeders.
Keeping these guinea pigs requires a significant amount of commitment and time in order to keep up with their grooming requirements. As a result, they are not the best option for every guinea pig owner.
However, if you have the necessary time and resources to devote to them, they are unquestionably one of the most rewarding guinea pig breeds available.
So, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about their physical appearance.
What does a Peruvian guinea pig look like?
It is important to note that Peruvian Guinea Pigs have a distinct physical appearance that sets them apart from the other guinea pig breeds available on the market.
All four sides of their bodies are covered in straight, long hair, which extends down from the spine and covers their short head and long body as well as short limbs.
In addition, they have small ears and expressive eyes. If their hair is allowed to grow unchecked, it can completely cover their faces, giving them the appearance of wearing a wig of hair.
The majority of Peruvian guinea pigs have multiple rosettes all over their bodies, but their hair is extremely long and straight, unlike the hair of Abyssinian guinea pigs.
The hair that emerges from the rosette divides into two sections: one flows towards the front of the head, while the other flows towards the back of it.
The coat of your guinea pigs is of equal length from the front to the back part of their bodies.
They usually have two coats of hair on their bodies. Unlike the undercoat, which grows up to 7 inches in length, the overcoat grows up to 20 inches in length, with the undercoat remaining small and only growing up to 7 inches in length.
Table of Contents
Peruvian guinea pig size: How big are Peruvian guinea pigs?
Peruvians are one of the more substantial breeds of guinea pigs available. Peruvian guinea pigs are typically between 10 and 14 inches in length, depending on their breed and genetic background.
Unlike the male guinea pigs, which have a slightly longer body, the females have a relatively short body.
As a result of their shorter head length, Peruvian guinea pigs have a different head-to-body ratio than other breeds of the same species.
Their long hair, on the other hand, covers their entire body so well that you will be unable to distinguish between the two species.
| Age | At Birth | 8 weeks | 16 weeks | Maturity |
| Growth Rate | 3-4 inches | 6-7 inches | 8-12 inches | 12-14 inches |
A newborn Peruvian guinea pig is approximately 3-4 inches in length when it is born. The size of the guinea pig is determined by the number of babies in the litter.
It is also dependent on the health of the mother guinea pigs, among other factors.
It is normal for the Peruvian Guinea pigs to grow to be between 6-7 inches in length after 8 weeks.
During the first eight weeks of their lives, you may have noticed that your guinea pigs had grown significantly in size, nearly doubling in size.
The next eight weeks, on the other hand, will be a little slower for them. During the next eight weeks, they will continue to grow and will reach a length of 8-12 inches.
You should be able to distinguish some differences between male and female guinea pigs at this point.
As they continue to grow and reach maturity, you can expect them to reach a length of between 12 and 14 inches at the most.
While male guinea pigs will be slightly taller than female guinea pigs, the female will only be a couple of inches shorter than the males.
Female guinea pigs, on the other hand, can grow to be as large as male guinea pigs on occasion. As a result, it is not the most effective method of distinguishing between them.
Peruvian guinea pig weight: How much do Peruvian guinea pigs weigh?
The average weight of a Peruvian guinea pig is between 900 and 1400 grams, depending on the breed. Unlike male Peruvian guinea pigs, which can weigh anywhere from 1000 to 1400 grams, female Peruvian guinea pigs can weigh anywhere between 900 and 1200 grams.
Depending on their diet and the level of care you give them, the weight of the guinea pigs may fluctuate significantly.
| Guinea Pig Weight | New Born | 8 Weeks | Maturity |
| Male | 90-110 grams | 500-550 grams | 1000-1400 grams |
| Female | 70-90 grams | 420-450 grams | 900-1200 grams |
A newborn female guinea pig weighs between 80 and 100 grams on average, depending on the breed. Male guinea pigs weigh slightly more than female guinea pigs.
However, at this early stage, the health of the mother guinea pig and the size of the litter are both critical considerations to consider.
Because guinea pigs grow at a rapid rate during their first eight weeks of life, they will weigh between 450 and 550 grams by the time they are eight weeks of age.
Male guinea pigs are slightly heavier than female guinea pigs at this point in their development, if you are keeping track of the weight of the animals.
Following the initial growth phase, your guinea pig will continue to grow at a slower rate until reaching maturity in the next few weeks, at which point they will reach a growth plateau.
A male Peruvian guinea pig should weigh between 1000 and 1400 grams, and a female Peruvian guinea pig should weigh between 900 and 1200 grams, according to the USDA.
In some cases, the weight of a female guinea pig can become excessive, making it difficult to distinguish between the two genders.
Keeping track of the weight
It is critical to keep track of your guinea pigs’ weight in order to ensure that they live a long and healthy life.
It’s similar to performing a weekly health check on your pet that you can do at home on your own. It would be beneficial if you kept track of your guinea pig’s weight on a piece of paper or on your phone.
Here is a chart that you should adhere to:
| Weight change | Action |
|---|---|
| 0-20 grams | Usual change, Nothing to be concerned about. |
| 30-50 grams | Should lookout for other symptoms. |
| 50+grams | Reach a vet immediately. |
Instructions on How to Weigh Your Guinea Pigs
In my personal life, I use this incredible digital scale from Etekcity, which I purchased from Amazon. It performs admirably and measures the weight with pinpoint accuracy.
Guinea pigs are prey animals, and they have a reputation for hiding diseases until the situation becomes untenable. As a result, keeping track of your guinea pig’s weight can assist you in understanding his or her health.
When your guinea pig is sick, it will most likely lose weight as a result of the illness. As a result, make a habit of checking your weight once a month.
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Peruvian guinea pig colors
Peruvian guinea pigs are available in a variety of colors and patterns to choose from. They are available in a variety of colors, including solids, bi-colors, and even tri-colors.
Even though solid colors and bi-colors are more commonly found everywhere, tricolors are more difficult to come by.
Because only a small number of professional breeders raise these guinea pigs, their availability is extremely limited.
It’s possible to see some of the most common shades of shade that Peruvian guinea pigs have in this photo:
| Solid colors | Bi-colors | Tri-colors |
|---|---|---|
| White | Slate-white | Slate-Cream-White |
| Cream | Cream-White | Cream-Black-Brown |
| Black | White-brown | |
| Grey | Slate-cream | |
| Brown | Black-White |
You can certainly find Peruvian guinea pigs in a variety of colors other than those I’ve listed here, but these are some of the most common colors available on the market.
Peruvian guinea pig life span: How long do Peruvian guinea pigs live?
It takes an average of six years to develop into an adult Peruvian guinea pig. While some guinea pigs can live for up to five years, only a small number of them can live for up to eight years.
Snowball, a Peruvian guinea pig who lived for more than 14 years, holds the world record for the longest living animal in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Providing the proper living environment, diet, and care for your guinea pigs will ensure that they will live a long and healthy life. When compared to other guinea pig breeds, Peruvians are renowned for having the longest lifespan of any of the species.
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Peruvian guinea pig personality: Are Peruvian guinea pigs good pets?
Peruvian guinea pigs have one of the most endearing personalities of any animal on the planet. With their playful and inquisitive nature, they get along well with children and other members of the household.
The best choice for you may be Peruvian guinea pigs if you are looking for a breed that you can hand-feed, pat, and cuddle on a regular basis.
A calm and social breed, Peruvian Guinea Pigs get along with most other guinea pig breeds, according to most people who own them.
They are also less difficult to train because they have an outgoing disposition. The fact that they have a long coat means that they are limited in the number of tricks they can perform.
Peruvian guinea pig care
Peruvian guinea pigs have some of the most demanding care requirements of any of the guinea pig breeds available. They are well-known for having long hair that covers their entire body, but that does not ensure that they remain clean on their own!
It is your responsibility to assist them in maintaining a clean and healthy coat. Unlike short-haired guinea pig breeds such as Teddy or Crested guinea pigs, which require little grooming, Peruvian guinea pigs require a significant amount of time to maintain their picture-perfect appearance all of the time.
Apart from grooming, there are a few other essential supplies that you should keep an eye out for as well. Diet, habits, and grooming are just a few examples. Let’s take a closer look at each of them individually.
Peruvian guinea pig diet: What do Peruvian guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs require a well-balanced and nutritious diet in order to maintain their health. Providing your guinea pigs with the proper nutrition and care is all that is required to ensure they live a long and healthy life. But what exactly do Peruvian guinea pigs eat is a mystery.
It is recommended that you feed your Peruvian guinea pig at least 80 percent hay, 15 percent fresh vegetables, 5 percent pellets, and some treats on occasion. It is possible to keep this ratio relatively constant, which means your guinea pig will never suffer from diet-related problems at least.
The hay itself contains a significant amount of important nutrients, such as fiber and carbohydrates. Vegetables contribute to the rest of a person’s nutrient requirements, including vitamins and minerals, by providing them.
Fresh fruits are also a great way to spice up their diet and add some variety to it. Moreover, they contribute to the nutritional requirements while also bringing about a slight change in the taste.
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
The hay that your Peruvian guinea pig consumes is an essential part of his or her diet, as we’ve already discussed. Although there is a wide variety of feed available on the market, your guinea pigs will not be able to consume all of the different types of hay.
Timothy hay and Orchard hay are the best types of hay for your guinea pigs because they are the most nutritious. Our guinea pigs require a specific balance of nutrients, and these hays provide that balance.
Hay from other sources, such as Meadow, Oats, Bermuda and other varieties, may lack the necessary nutritional balance. They also contain higher levels of calcium and protein, which have been linked to a number of common health problems in guinea pigs.
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.
Hay for Guinea Pigs: What to Feed Them, How Much to Feed Them, and Why
Our in-depth articles on hay for guinea pigs will teach you everything you need to know about it. I strongly advise you to read those because hay is an essential part of your guinea pig’s diet, and you should become well-versed in its care and maintenance.
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
Vegetables are another important component of your guinea pig’s diet, and you should avoid skipping them even for a day. Did you know that a large number of guinea pigs suffer from scurvy as a result of a deficiency in Vitamin C?
Because vegetables are their primary source of Vitamin C, you must make certain that they are included in their daily diet. Aside from adding flavor to your guinea pig’s diet, vegetables are also an excellent way to supplement it.
There are over 70 varieties of vegetables that your guinea pigs can eat.
However, you are not required to provide them with a complete buffet of vegetables all at once.
It is recommended that you serve your guinea pigs 5-6 different types of vegetables at a time, according to experts. While the total serving size should not be more than a cup, you are free to divide it into two portions if you prefer.
Vegetables like Bell peppers, Cilantro, Lettuce can be provided daily to our guinea pigs while other veggies like Tomatoes, spinach, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, kale can be served sparsely over the week.
Vegetables that are safe for Guinea Pigs
You can learn more about which vegetables are high in vitamin C and what to do if your guinea pigs aren’t interested in eating vegetables by reading the articles listed below.
Please keep in mind that if you want to introduce a new vegetable into your guinea pig’s diet or change their current eating routine, you should do so gradually. The digestive system of your guinea pigs is extremely sensitive, and any sudden change will almost certainly throw it out of balance.
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Pellets
Additionally, pellets are an important component of your guinea pig’s diet. The fact that it only accounts for 5% of the guinea pig’s diet does not diminish the fact that it is an important part of some guinea pigs’ diet.
If your guinea pig is picky about vegetables and refuses to eat vegetables such as bell peppers, cilantro, spinach, and so on, you may need to provide them with Vitamin C fortified pellets as an additional nutritional supplement.
However, while pellets are not a substitute for vegetables, they can provide your guinea pigs with much-needed Vitamins and Minerals that they would otherwise be unable to obtain.
The majority of experts recommend giving your guinea pigs an eighth to a sixth cup of pellets every day.
The serving size will vary depending on your guinea pig’s age, diet, and overall health, so keep an eye out for these factors.
Always ensure that you feed your pellets at a slow rate. Don’t dump a full bowl into the trash right away. The pellets lose their nutritional value when they are left out in the open, so keep them covered when not in use.
In addition, your guinea pigs are more likely to pee on the bowl or even throw the bowl away without a reason when they are bored. As a result, consuming small portions twice a day is a wise decision to make.
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.
Treats
Treats are a great way to keep your guinea pigs happy and entertained. Once your guinea pigs discover that they are about to receive a treat, they will not be able to stop themselves from munching on popcorn. They also serve as a great positive reinforcement for training purposes, as treats help to spice up their diet.
You should, however, limit yourself to serving small portions of treats once or twice a week. I enjoy combining commercial treats with fresh fruits and serving them in a variety of ways.
For example, if you assisted with a commercial treat on Sunday, I will toss a fruit on Wednesday or Thursday. Keeping a few days between servings and serving only a small amount of treats can help to minimize the negative impact treats can have on your guinea pigs’ health and well-being.
Treats contain a significant amount of sugar. Treats can cause obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in guinea pigs if they are given on a regular basis. As a result, make sure to serve it in small portions.
Don’t be tempted by your guinea pig’s cute little face or by their wheeking when they want more food; instead, focus on other things. Although it is acceptable to include a small amount of extra, avoid serving them an excessive amount.
Even though commercial treats are available in a wide range of flavors and varieties, not all of them are suitable for your guinea pigs’ consumption. Try to stay away from ones that contain a lot of nuts and seeds in them.
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. This particular treat contains the fewest potentially harmful ingredients and contains the fewest calories.
Fruits are also used as guinea pig treats in some cases. While not all fruits are suitable for serving to your guinea pigs, there are a few that you can use as a starting point.
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.
You can also give your guinea pigs a variety of other fruits to snack on.
We have created an in-depth guide of 70+ fruits for your guinea pigs, which you can go through to learn more about them.
Peruvian guinea pig habitat
It is the most basic requirement of any guinea pig, and this is true for Peruvian guinea pigs as well as other guinea pigs. When it comes to creating an ideal environment for Peruvian guinea pigs, extra care must be taken to ensure that they are properly cared for.
In order to provide your guinea pig with the best environment possible, you’ll need to invest in a suitable cage, good quality bedding, food bowls, and water bottles, as well as some toys and hiding places for their entertainment.
Let’s take a closer look at the supplies you’ll need for your Peruvian guinea pigs today.
Peruvian guinea pig cage
A cage is one of the first and most important supplies you’ll need for your Peruvian guinea pigs when you get them. Your options for food dishes, water bottles, and bedding will be dictated by the size of the cage and the type of enclosure you choose to purchase.
So, let’s start with a look at the cage that you’ve set up for your guinea pigs. Many new guinea pig owners make a costly mistake when purchasing their first cage for their animals.
Or, alternatively, they are given a cage that is insufficient for the size of the animals housed within it. Before purchasing a guinea pig pen for your animals, I would suggest doing some preliminary research on the product.
A pair of Peruvian guinea pigs should be housed in a cage that is at least eight square feet in size to accommodate them. As caged animals who will spend the majority of their time in their cage, it is important to purchase a guinea pig enclosure that is suitable for the number of animals you intend to house.
The cage should be large enough to accommodate all of the supplies required by our guinea pigs, as well as enough space for them to eat and play comfortably in it.
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.
You should also make certain that the cage is set up in the proper location. A few things to keep an eye out for are as follows:
It is essential that the area be well ventilated.
There should be no direct sunlight coming in through the windows or through the ventilation system.
Temperature stability is essential in a working environment.
There should be no drafts in the room that could make your guinea pigs feel cold.
If you live in an area where the temperature drops significantly during the winter, you should also consider purchasing a heater. Personally, I use this incredible Honeywell heater with a built-in thermostat, which I highly recommend.
This is extremely helpful in maintaining a comfortable living environment for my guinea pigs, and the best part is that you don’t have to manually check the temperature to turn it on or off.
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- 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?
Bedding
Bedding is the second most important component of a healthy guinea pig’s environment, after food. In a variety of ways, good bedding is beneficial.
It aids in the absorption of pee and the preservation of the cage’s moisture.
The feet of your guinea pigs are protected from hard surfaces and wire mesh with this boot.
It helps to keep your guinea pigs warm by adding additional insulation.
The market offers a diverse selection of bedding materials to choose from. Fleece, paper, wood shavings (aspen), hemp, and other natural fibers are some of the most popular choices. However, not all of them are suitable for use with guinea pigs in your home.
Before purchasing a guinea pig, make sure that the bedding you choose is safe for the animal. If you have a Peruvian guinea pig, I would strongly advise you to use fleece bedding for them, as it is very comfortable.
Aspen, paper, and other bedding can become entangled in their coat, resulting in a dirty coat that takes longer to clean and therefore more time. It’s also difficult to clean poop out of such bedding, so the poop ends up getting into your guinea pig’s coat and making it dirty.
Using fleece bedding provides the ideal solution because it is super absorbent and easy to clean, and nothing can get trapped in your guinea pig’s coat in this manner.
I’ve been using guinea dad fleece liners for over a year now, and I haven’t looked at any other bedding options since I purchased them. I recommend them highly. It is one of the most dependable, affordable (in the long run), and simple to care for types of bedding available.
These are ESSENTIAL! Review of the Guineadad Liner
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Recommended Supplies For Guinea pigs: Our Top Picks!
Before you learn more here are some hand-picked supplies for your guinea pigs that you must add to your wish list today:
Food bowl
Our guinea pigs also require other supplies such as a food bowl and hay racks, among others. While the food bowl is used to serve vegetables and pellets, the hay racks are used to keep all of the hay in one place, which makes cleaning a little bit easier in the future.
Yes, your guinea pigs will still throw some vegetables and hay around the cage, but it will not be as bad as it could be if you don’t provide them with these bowls and racks.
Always make sure that the food bowl you use for your guinea pigs is not susceptible to tipping over. It’s almost certain that your guinea pig will tip any dish that you give him as a reward for his good behavior. This group is well-known for its infamous activities.
To care for your Guinea Pig, use the STAYbowl Tip-Proof Ergonomic Pet Bowl. They are extremely sturdy and difficult to tip over, and as a result, they perform admirably. In addition, a hay rack should be used to ensure that all of the hay is kept in one place. Cleaning and maintaining their cage is made much simpler as a result of this.
Water bottle
A water bottle is also a necessary component of the guinea pig’s cage environment. A guinea can drink anywhere from 50 to 300 mL of water per day, depending on its size. Thus, it is extremely important that you provide your guinea pig with an appropriate water bottle.
It is critical to use a high-quality water bottle in order to keep the bedding from becoming soaked. Cheap quality water bottles have a tendency to leak, soaking the bedding and making your guinea pigs ill in the long run.
Another major concern is the possibility of running out of water when you are not present. This can cause them to become dehydrated, which can result in a variety of health problems in them.
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.
Toys & hiding spaces
When it comes to guinea pig cage accessories, toys and hiding places are essential. Guinada pigs, because they are prey animals, require a number of hiding places around their cage where they can run to protect themselves from predators.
They enjoy taking naps in their hiding places because they make our guinea pigs feel safe and secure. Toys are an additional important component of the habitat’s design. Guinea pigs are intelligent and energetic animals.
They require something or someone with whom they can interact and keep themselves occupied. Inactivity, sluggishness, or biting their cage are all signs of boredom in guinea pigs, which can be detected by their behavior and behavior. Make certain that they have something to do in their cage to keep them entertained and happy at all times.
I purchased this toy set from Amazon, which my guinea pigs have enjoyed immensely. To add even more variety, you can purchase the Kaytee Chew & Treat Toy as well as the Small Animal Hanging Hammock.
How to groom Peruvian guinea pig?
Peruvian guinea pigs require a lot of attention and time from their owners when it comes to grooming. When it comes to maintaining their coat and staying clean, short-haired guinea pigs do an excellent job, but long-haired guinea pigs such as Peruvian guinea pigs don’t fare as well.
Grooming of Peruvian guinea pigs includes nail trimming, brushing, grease gland cleaning, some hair cutting, and occasional bathing. Nail trimming, brushing, and grease gland cleaning are all required.
Achieving and maintaining an attractive and tangle-free coat is difficult, especially for guinea pigs, whose coats can grow to be up to 20 inches in length.
For this reason, a Peruvian Guinea Pig is not the best choice for first-time pet owners in the United States and Canada.
However, if you are willing to put forth the time and effort that they require, you will be able to keep a Peruvian guinea pig healthy and happy.
Begin by taking a look at some grooming tasks you will need to complete:
Brushing
How to Brush and Comb a Guinea Pig – Grooming a Guinea Pig on a Weekly Basis
Daily brushing of your Peruvian guinea pig is essential for maintaining a healthy and clean coat on your pet. Guinea pigs born in Peru have long coats that can grow to be as long as 20 inches in length.
While they do their best to groom themselves, it is not always enough in most cases. Daily brushing is required to ensure that any dirt, debris, hay, or other particles that may have become trapped in their coats are removed from the animal.
Brushing a Peruvian guinea pig is a simple process. Simply use a soft bristle brush to brush their hair in the direction of its growth. Make sure to brush slowly to avoid pulling their hair too much, as this can be extremely painful for the child.
You can begin brushing them from the bridge of their nose and work your way down to their rump. Keep in mind that Peruvian guinea pigs do not appreciate having their rump area brushed, so be gentle when doing so.
You can use a treat as a lure to keep them occupied while you brush their teeth. If you’re looking for a brush, you might want to give this one a shot. It’s a fantastic system!
Nailcare
Maintaining the health of your Peruvian guinea pigs’ nails is also an important part of their overall care and grooming regimen. Guinea pig nails grow at a rapid pace, and they will need to be trimmed at least once a month.
Not keeping your guinea pig’s nails trimmed on a regular basis can be detrimental to its health. They may injure themselves or each other with their sharp nails, and they may develop a foot infection as the nails grow and penetrate deeper into their skin as they mature.
As a result, ensure that it is regularly trimmed. I understand that trimming a guinea pig’s nail can be intimidating for a first-time owner. I’ve been there. You can ask a veterinarian to cut your pet’s nail for the first time and observe their procedure.
You can also enlist the assistance of a friend who can hold your guinea pig while you cut their nails, if necessary. The use of a high-quality nail clipper can make a significant difference and make the process much easier overall.
If you’re not sure how to do it correctly, you can watch this video to learn how to do it correctly:
How to Trim Your Guinea Pig’s Nails (with Pictures)
A quick tip: wrap your guinea pig in a towel and hold them firmly in place with the towel. If you give them a treat to keep them calm, you can use a flashlight to shine it directly into their paws, which will allow you to see where their blood veins are.
Make a cut away from their blood veins, leaving a small margin. You can use cornflour to dab at the nails if you accidentally cut a little more than you intended and blood starts to come out of the cut. After a minute of firm pressure on the nails, you should be good to go.
Grease gland
Grease glands are a small opening at the end of your guinea pig’s spine that allows for the release of grease. In addition to marking their territory and calling for mating, Guinea pigs use the greasy substance that they secrete from these glands to attract mates.
It’s possible that a strange smell (especially in males) is emanating from their grease gland if you notice it occasionally in their breath. While some guinea pigs have more active grease glands than others, they require more maintenance as a result of their higher activity.
If your Peruvian guinea pig has a grease gland that produces a lot of grease, it may be difficult to keep the gland clean. It is possible that you will need to trim the hair around their rum area in order to properly clean their grease gland.
Cleaning the Grease Gland of Guinea Pigs
An in-depth article about grease glands and how to clean them can be found here. If your guinea pig has a grease gland that is active and you want to clean it, you should definitely read this article.
Hair cut: how to cut Peruvian guinea pigs hair?
The Correct Method for Trimming the Hair of Your Long Haired Guinea Pig.
Peruvian guinea pigs have a coat that is unusually long. While it is beautiful to look at, it is also difficult to keep up with in terms of maintenance. Depending on how healthy you want your dog’s coat to be, you may need to trim them about once a month.
You can also get a haircut by visiting a grooming service in your area, but this will be more expensive in the long run. So it’s best to invest in a good pair of scissors and give it a shot. The hair on your Peruvian guinea pig should not be touching the ground if it is not already.
Take a single lock of hair between your index and middle fingers and cut the hair off with your finger. Make sure you cut them evenly on all sides by repeating the process. You should make certain that you trim the hair evenly in a round shape so that you do not make their coat appear unsightly or unkempt.
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.
Bathing
Peruvian guinea pigs are the dirtiest of all the guinea pig breeds. As soon as their hair comes into contact with the ground, dirt and food particles begin to accumulate in their coat.
A dirty coat, as well as a foul odor emanating from their clothing, can result as a result of this behavior. It’s possible that you’ll have to bathe your Peruvian guinea pigs every few months.
While this may not be necessary for other guinea pig breeds, it is absolutely necessary for Peruvians to be bathed whenever they become unclean.
Sometimes your veterinarian will instruct you to bathe your guinea pigs on a regular basis, particularly if they are suffering from a skin disease or mite infestation. As a result, you may need to give them a bath more frequently in this situation.
Several Pointers on Bathing Long-Haired Guinea Pigs!
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 Peruvian guinea pigs?
There are a few rescues and breeders located throughout the United States and the United Kingdom from which you can obtain your first Peruvian guinea pigs. I would suggest that you go ahead and try out some of the local rescues first, if possible.
Many new guinea pig owners purchase Peruvian guinea pigs without understanding the special care they require, and later abandon them because they are unable to keep up with their piggies.
Such piggies can be found in rescues in the surrounding area. If you are certain that you want to adopt a Peruvian guinea pig, go ahead and look for rescue groups in your area. If you are unable to locate any, you may be able to obtain one from one of the professional breeders in the area.
Always make sure to ask about the guinea pig’s medical history, as well as their diet and other pertinent information, before proceeding. I know you are very excited to get one for your family, but don’t forget to go through some regular health checkups before getting one.
Before purchasing a guinea pig, it is important to look for positive signs in the animal.
- Active and moving around
- Eating their food properly
- Solid and usual poop
- Soft and smooth looking fur
The following are some of the warning signs you should look out for before purchasing your Peruvian guinea pig. The guinea pig must also be free of signs of illness, which you must check as well. However, while a shelter will not give you a sick pet, it is always a good idea to go ahead and inspect the animal before adopting it.
How much does a Peruvian guinea pig cost?
Peruvian guinea pigs can range in price from 30$ to 80$ on average, depending on where you live. The cost is determined by the breed quality, the color and pattern of the animal, as well as the source from which it was obtained.
For a Peruvian guinea pig, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100, depending on where you get your animal from and how big it is. However, while some well-known guinea pig rescues, such as LAguineapigrescue, can provide you with a pair for significantly less money, you should expect to pay between 60 and 80 dollars for a pair in the majority of rescues.
The cost of the rescue will vary depending on the circumstances and your location. So keep that in mind at all times.
It is possible that the cost will be significantly higher if you purchase one from a professional breeder. If you plan to purchase a Peruvian guinea pig from a licensed breeder, you should expect to pay anywhere between $60 and $100.
Do Peruvian guinea pigs shed?
Yes, Peruvian guinea pigs have a lot longer coat than any other guinea pig breeds out there, which means they shed a lot more than other breeds do.
While the shedding is not significant during fall & winter, you can expect a heavy shedding during spring and summer. All guinea pigs breed tends to shed more during the spring and summer to get rid of excess hair so that their body temperature can remain down during those heat waves.
Brushing your guinea pigs daily can help to get rid of excess hair as well. Doing so will ensure the hairs are not tangling all-around your Peruvian guinea pig.
If you want to learn more about shedding in guinea pigs, we will encourage you to read our in-depth guide on it.
Are Peruvian guinea pigs hypoallergenic?
Peruvian guinea pigs are not at all hypoallergenic, and they should not be kept as pets. Guinea pigs of any breed, in fact, have the potential to cause allergic reactions in humans.
However, while many people believe that skinny pigs are hypoallergenic in nature, the reality is far from this belief.
Humans can develop allergic reactions to any living creature that has fur, a coat, or feathers on its body. Some people are more susceptible to the allergy than others; it is simply a matter of genetics.
Many people are allergic to hay rather than guinea pigs, which is a common misconception. So make sure you keep an eye out for that as well.
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
First-Time Peruvian Guinea Pig Owners Should Know These Tips:
- Peruvian guinea pigs require a cage with a minimum floor space of 8 square feet in which to eat, play, and exercise.
- To ensure that your guinea pigs remain healthy and that their cage remains clean, high-quality bedding is essential. I would prefer to use fleece over other types of bedding because it does not get stuck in their coat like other types of bedding.
- It is essential to provide a high-quality, well-balanced diet to ensure that they remain healthy.
- Make sure they have plenty of time to run around and play on the floor.
- Peruvian guinea pigs require daily brushing as well as monthly nail trimming in order to remain clean and hygienic at all times.
- If you are a complete novice, make sure you do not clip their nails by themselves. Seek assistance from a veterinarian or a friend.
- Make certain that you only bathe your Peruvian guinea pig when it is absolutely necessary. Taking a bath can strip away the natural oil from their skin, which is detrimental to their health.
- A regular veterinarian visit (once every three months) aids in the prevention of diseases, allowing your guinea pigs to live a long and healthy life.
- When going to get one, always make sure that they are in good condition. It is easier to identify the right one if it has a healthy coat, glowing eyes, clear sound, and good dental health.
Sources: Guinea pigs, 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.
