Crested Guinea Pig: Breed Spotlight(Care, Diet & More)

Guinea pigs of the American Crested Variety

American crested guinea pigs have a crest that is a different color than their body color, which distinguishes them from other species. Most of the time, they have a solid color body with a distinctive colored crest. The golden guinea pig with a white crest is the most common color available, and it is also known as the White-crested guinea pig. In addition to the colors shown here, there are numerous other color options available.

Guinea pigs with a self-crested coat

Self crested guinea pigs, also known as English crested guinea pigs, are distinguished by the presence of a crest that is the same color as their body.

Despite the fact that their crest is the same color as the rest of their body, you can easily distinguish it. A wide variety of colors and patterns are also available for purchase from this company.

Physical Characteristics of the Crested Guinea Pig

Making the distinction between a Crested guinea pig and another type is simple. Looking at the crest or rosette on the top of their head is all it takes to figure it out.

Based on the breed combinations, these guinea pigs have crests that are either the same color as their bodies or a different color from their bodies.

Crested guinea pigs are a type of short-haired guinea pig that is distinguished by its smooth, soft fur coat. Aside from the crest, they don’t have any other distinguishing features on their bodies.

They are similar in appearance to American guinea pigs, with a short, stocky body and broad shoulders. Because of their resemblance in appearance to American guinea pigs, it is quite common for beginners to confuse them with them.

Size of a crested guinea pig

When fully grown, crested guinea pigs can reach a height of 12 inches. When it comes to guinea pig growth, it is important to keep this in mind when selecting a cage for your little companion.

Weight of a crested guinea pig

A healthy crested guinea pig’s body weight can range from 1000 grams to 1200 grams, depending on its size. Male guinea pigs are slightly heavier than female guinea pigs in terms of weight.

Color differences include:

The most common colors you will see are brown, black, cream, and other neutral shades. While self crested guinea pigs have a much wider range of color options, American crested guinea pigs have only a few different color options.

A typical American crested guinea pig will be brown with a white crest on top of its head, whereas self crested guinea pigs will be much more colorful, with a much wider range of colors available.

Behavior Of Crested Guinea Pig

The temperament of crested guinea pigs is similar to that of American guinea pigs. They have a calm and sweet personality that will impress any guinea pig owner who comes across them.

Aside from their uniqueness, they are also simple to care for, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners. Due to their shy and docile demeanor, crested guinea pigs are easier to handle and train than their non-crested relatives.

These pigs can be shy and may not interact with you at first when you first bring them into your household. However, with time, they will become acclimated to your presence and voice and will make an excellent family pet.

They enjoy being in groups of two or more guinea pigs, just like the rest of the guinea pig population. Because they are a social animal, they enjoy spending time with a variety of companions and playing with them. It is highly recommended that you purchase at least a pair of them when you first purchase them.

When given the opportunity, crested guinea pigs are extremely appreciative of their companionship. Despite the fact that many people believe they can replace a companion, this is not always the case. Because we are unable to communicate with them in their native language, they may not receive enough social interaction. As a result, we will never be able to replace a guinea pig companion.

It is more effective to keep them in groups of two or more to ensure that they remain active, happy, and healthy. When it comes to guinea pigs, the saying “the more the merrier” holds true in every sense. Guinea pigs make excellent pets because they are very active.

You will constantly find them eating, playing, or making various noises in their environment. For their safety, it is recommended that you provide them with a large enclosure that is suitable for their size and activity level, as well as plenty of space to run around in.

The Lifespan of a Crested Guinea Pig

The lifespan of a crested guinea pig is typically between 5-7 years, though this can vary depending on a variety of factors such as diet, care, living environment, and so on.

Guinea pigs are known for living long and healthy lives if given the proper care and attention. It is essential to provide them with high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, pellets, and other nutritious foods.

Likewise, crested guinea pigs, like all other breeds, are susceptible to a variety of health problems. Some of the most common health issues among them include: mites, vitamin C deficiency, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses.

It is possible to prevent these diseases by providing them with a nutritious diet and a safe living environment. However, if your guinea pigs are sick for an extended period of time, their lifespan may be significantly reduced.

Studies also claim that males have a longer lifespan as compared to female guinea pigs.

What to Feed a Crested Guinea Pig

We can ensure that our crested guinea pigs live a happy and long life by providing them with a nutritious and well-balanced diet. For a crested guinea pig’s diet, plenty of timothy hay, approximately one of the fresh vegetables daily, along with occasional treats and vitamin C fortified pellets, are recommended.

Timothy hay is a staple part of the crested guinea pig’s diet, and it is consumed in large quantities. Timothy hay contains the ideal combination of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients for maintaining the digestive and dental health of your guinea pigs. Timothy hay is a natural source of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.

Good quality hay are must for our guinea pigs. I personally love these farm fresh hay from small pet select. They are really nutritious.

• Check Out Our Recommended Hay For Your Guinea Pigs

Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables are a must-have in any diet, especially in the morning. Guinea pigs are unable to synthesize Vitamin C on their own. As a result, they require vitamin C-rich foods in order to maintain their health. Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, lettuce, spinach, and other varieties, are among the most nutritious options available.

Bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and other vegetables can be added in small amounts, whereas tomatoes can be added in large quantities. You should serve at least one bowl of vegetables every day, and you should mix a variety of vegetables together.

Pellets: Some guinea pigs are very particular about what they eat. If you have a guinea pig that does not enjoy eating a lot of vitamin-rich vegetables, supplementing their daily diet with pellets fortified with Vitamin C can be beneficial. G Guinea pig pellets do provide essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals to guinea pigs, and these nutrients are required on a daily basis by the animals.

To meet our guinea pigs’ nutritional needs, we must use high-quality pellets that are high in nutrients. Small pet select pellets are my personal preference because they are fortified with essential nutrients that our guinea pigs require to thrive.

• Check Out Our Top-Rated Guinea Pig Pellets For More Information.

Fresh fruits and treats: Include some fresh fruits in your guinea pig’s diet, but only in small quantities. Despite the fact that some fruits, such as kiwi, strawberry, oranges, and other similar fruits, are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients, they are also high in sugar, so including them in small amounts once a week is ideal.

You can also include treats in your guinea pig’s diet on an as-needed basis. They are extremely useful, especially when it comes to training your guinea pigs. There are a variety of commercial treats available for your guinea pig from which you can select any good one, such as Oxbow apple treat and Oxbow strawberry treat.

• Take a look at our list of recommended treats for your Guinea Pigs.

The availability of fresh and clean water is essential for guinea pigs at all times. Guinea pigs can drink anywhere from 50ml to 300ml of water per day, depending on their size. Always use a high-quality, leak-proof water bottle for your guinea pigs to keep them hydrated. A cheap water bottle can leak and soak the bedding, causing your guinea pigs to become ill with a variety of diseases.

Also Read:

• Learn in-depth about water for your guinea pigs
• How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Water? (Dehydration+Treatment)
• How To Stop Guinea Pig Water Bottle From Freezing?
• Check Out Our Recommendation On Leak Proof Water Bottle For Your Guinea Pigs

Taking Care of Your Crested Guinea Pig

Crested Guinea Pigs are a short-haired guinea pig breed that is popular in the United States. Their fur is smooth and soft, and they have a crest on the top of their heads. Their grooming requirements are less frequent than those of other breeds, which makes them easier to care for and keep in shape. If you do happen to own one, there are a few things you should be aware of and address.

Nail Clipping

The clipping of your guinea pig’s nails is a regular grooming activity that we must perform once a month for them. Guinea pigs’ nails grow at a rapid pace, and if we don’t keep them properly trimmed, their nails may grow inwards, causing pain and, in some cases, infection in the process.

Every month, we need to have our nails clipped professionally. If you are a newbie and have never done anything like this before, go to a veterinarian for the first time and try to learn by observing them perform the procedure on your pet.

You will soon discover it and will be able to do it yourself. Getting a good quality nail trimmer is a big help while you are trimming the nails of your guinea pigs.

• Guinea Pig Nail Broke Off? (Injured, Ripped off, Fell Off + Recovery)

Brushing

Brushing your guinea pigs’ fur and skin on a regular basis will help to keep their coats and skin in good condition.

Brushing is required for short-haired guinea pigs, such as the crested guinea pig, once or twice a week. When it comes to the early summer and spring, they do shed a lot of hair, so brushing them more frequently during those days will benefit them tremendously.

Make an effort to brush and comb their hair in the direction of their hair with a soft bristle brush. That is all there is to it! If you get crested guinea pigs for yourself, you won’t have to worry about hair trimming like you would with other long hair guinea pig breeds.

• Grooming kit for guinea pigs

Dental Care

Guinea pigs have a set of teeth that is constantly growing and needs to be ground down on a regular basis. Making sure that they get plenty of hay will aid in the grinding down of their teeth, allowing them to maintain their proper sizes.

If we don’t provide them with enough hay, their teeth may overgrow, resulting in tooth impaction and other complications.

Your guinea pig may experience discomfort as a result of a tooth impaction. It may also result in them having difficulty eating, and as a result, their health will deteriorate.

If anything like this happens to your guinea pig, you will need to take him to the veterinarian right away.

Also Read:

• Teeth Discoloration In Guinea Pig (Causes+What To Do)
• Why Is My Guinea Pig Grinding His Teeth? (Causes+What To Do)

Cleaning the Grease Gland

Grease glands are opening at the base of their spine, just below their tail bone, and this is causing them to sweat. guinea pig grease glands secrete an oily substance that is used by guinea pigs for the purpose of marking and scenting themselves.

Generally, if you notice a buildup of grease around it, you will need to clean it. You can take note of the area and determine whether or not the hairs are sticky and hard; if so, you must conclude that it is time to clean up.

This article, Cleaning the grease gland of your guinea pigs, will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning the grease gland of your guinea pig.

Bathing

In contrast to dogs and cats, guinea pigs do not require a bath on a regular basis. If you notice that your guinea pig’s coat is filthy and smelly, you should bathe him or her immediately.

Fortunately, short-haired guinea pigs, such as crested guinea pigs, don’t get dirty very often, so you won’t have to bathe them for a long time.

You should, however, exercise caution if you must bathe them. Guinea pigs are not fond of being submerged in water. Consequently, it is advisable to give them a quick bath and to dry their coat as quickly as possible.

If you want to learn how to bathe your guinea pig, you can check out this article: Bathing Your Guinea Pig

• Do guinea pigs need baths? (How often, How to & More)
• How to bath a guinea pig and which is the best shampoo for guinea pigs?

Habitat For Your Crested Guinea Pig

If you can provide them with a large cage in a well-ventilated area, crested Guinea pigs do exceptionally well. The cage should be placed in an area where there is some level of household activity, but it should be kept out of direct sunlight.

You will also need to make sure that the room temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees F, which is considered to be acceptable (18 to 24 degrees C).

Guinea pigs require a cage that is sufficiently large to allow for adequate exercise and nesting space, as well as a separate food and water area.

The recommended space for two guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet at the very least. However, if you can get something even more substantial than that, that would be even better.

Many commercial cages fail to meet the requirements, but a few stand out as being particularly effective in this regard.

This incredible Midwest cage for a pair of Guinea pigs is available exclusively on Amazon.

Alternatively, if you are looking for the appropriate size cage for your guinea pigs, you can look at our recommendation:

• Large cage for guinea pigs

In addition to a suitable cage, crested guinea pigs require high-quality bedding to keep them comfortable. Good quality bedding not only aids in odor control, but it also helps to keep our guinea pigs’ feet dry, which is extremely important for their overall well-being.

When it comes to bedding for my guinea pigs, I prefer to use fleece and high-quality paper bedding as my primary options. These beddings are extremely absorbent and odor-free, which makes them an excellent value for the money they cost.

Guineadad fleece liners are the best choice for guinea pig bedding if you want to keep your pet warm and cozy. They’ve been at the top of my list for more than a year.

You can check out our in-depth review on all bedding types available for guinea pigs:

• Best bedding for your guinea pigs

In addition to this, your guinea pig will require a safe haven or hiding place. Due to the fact that they are prey animals, providing them with a safe haven is essential for their well being. Make use of some fleece Hideouts, tunnels, or other standard hiding places. In our recommendation, you can find some excellent guinea pig toys and hideouts, including:

• Shelters and Hideouts for guinea pigs (My guinea pig loves them all)

Crested Guinea Pig Care and Feeding

Apart from providing a nutritious diet and a comfortable living environment, we must also consider a few other factors to ensure that our crested guinea pigs live long and healthy lives. Let us take a look at a few of these considerations.

Toys

Guinea pigs require good toys in their cage in addition to a healthy diet and a comfortable living environment.

Guinea pigs are an active animal, and providing them with toys helps to keep them engaged and in good health. Tunnels, hammocks, chew toys, and hides, among other things, are some of the best toys that guinea pigs enjoy playing with.

It is through the use of these toys that they remain active. Some high-quality chew toys can also aid in the maintenance of their dental health by wearing down their teeth as they chew.

Because guinea pigs have a strong desire to chew on their toys, you should purchase pet-safe toys. If you add some homemade cardboard to the mix, you can expect it to be shredded within a few days.

Aside from that, make sure you get two sets of toys that you can rotate on a weekly basis. Because guinea pigs can become bored with a single toy, a dual collection of toys not only makes weekly cleaning easier, but it also keeps them active.

Playing with your guinea pig consists of the following activities:

The shy nature of crested guinea pigs does not rule out the possibility of them opening up to you.

If you give them enough time and attention, they will almost certainly develop a strong attachment to you as well. Playing with your guinea pigs for at least an hour every day will assist you in developing a strong bond with them.

Guinea pigs enjoy spending time on the floor, so designating a guinea pig safe area somewhere in your home will be beneficial. Cuddling your guinea pig also contributes to the development of a strong bond.

If you are a beginner, you can try wrapping a soft towel around them to ensure that they are held firmly in place. This will also help if your guinea pigs have long nails, which they most likely do.

Because guinea pigs have a loose bladder and pee and poop on a regular basis, the sheet is also useful for keeping yourself clean and sanitary.

Do you know how much time you should spend with your Guinea Pig?

Cleaning their cage consists of the following steps:

Cage cleaning is extremely important for the overall health of your guinea pigs, and it is something that should be done daily. Guinea pigs are notoriously messy, so keeping up with a regular cleaning schedule is essential for keeping them healthy and happy.

Cleaning a guinea pig cage can be broken down into two distinct steps. Initial cleaning consists of daily spot cleaning, followed by a deep cleaning once a week. The term “spot cleaning” refers to cleaning the messy areas of our guinea pigs’ cage as well as the poop from around the cage while performing a spot cleaning.

Using a wipe, a brush, and a dustpan, we can collect and remove the debris from the area. You can also change the bedding spot that has become too meshy by replacing the patch that was previously there.

Using bedding materials like paper bedding or aspen bedding, it is possible to achieve this. The following step would be a thorough cleaning once a week. To accomplish this, you must first remove everything from the cage.

Put your guinea pigs somewhere safe and remove all of the soiled bedding, replacing it with a fresh one, cleaning the cage with a vinegar and water solution, and putting everything back together as it was originally.

This should be done on a weekly basis to ensure that your guinea pig has a clean and odor-free environment to live in.

In order to keep a guinea pig cage from smelling, you must first clean it. (Avoid Using Risky Thoughts)

Make certain that your crested guinea pig is in good health.

If you want to keep your guinea pig healthy and happy, you must pay close attention to him or her. If you want to make sure your guinea pig is in good health, there are some things you should keep an eye out for. Check out some of the things you should be on the lookout for in the following list:

The eyes and the nose:

Examine the eyes and nose of your guinea pig. When you look at a healthy guinea pig, you will notice that both their eyes and their nose are clear.

It’s normal for them to have some milky discharge coming from their eyes, so don’t worry. Guinea pigs groom their coats with the discharge they produce.

Aside from that, they should not be allowed to discharge their responsibilities. If you notice any unusual discharge, it may be time to take your pet to the veterinarian.

What Is the Cause of My Guinea Pig’s Eye Boogers? It is necessary to clean the eyes after they have become crusty.

Coat:

Guinea pigs’ coats are the second most reliable indicator of illness in any animal. A healthy guinea pig will have smooth skin with no bald spots on its head or tail..

Any bare patches on their coat may indicate that it is time to consult with your veterinarian. Aside from the coat, the skin is yet another component that must be examined closely.

Examine the area for signs of redness, flaking, or dryness. Any animal with such concerns should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Guinea pigs are susceptible to mite infestations, which can be extremely painful for them. They may require immediate medical attention as a result of this situation.

Teeth:

Another important factor to consider is dental health, which you should not overlook. Guinea pigs are born with a pair of teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives.

It may become overgrown if they do not have access to wooden chew toys and enough hay to grind their teeth. This can result in a painful situation for your guinea pigs if not handled properly.

It may also result in them losing their appetite, so it is best to consult a veterinarian if you notice any irregularities.

How Do You Keep the Teeth of Your Guinea Pig Short? (+Problems with the teeth for a long time)

Droppings:

The droppings of guinea pigs are also a reliable health indicator for us. If you notice that your guinea’s droppings are regular and consist of hard pellets, this is a sign of overall good health.

They may be sending out an emergency signal if their drop is loose and watery, however. Your guinea pig is almost certainly suffering from diarrhea, and he or she requires immediate medical attention.

If guinea pigs are subjected to diarrhea for an extended period of time, they may become dehydrated and weak.

Bottom of the Guinea Pig:

Checking the bottom of your guinea pig can also be beneficial in determining the health of your guinea pig. The base of your guinea pig’s cage is wet and smelly, which indicates that it may be suffering from a urinary tract infection or severe diarrhea. In such a situation, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What Is The Best Way To Clean A Guinea Pig’s Bottom? (Includes a Step-by-Step Guide as well as helpful hints)

FAQ

Is it uncommon to see white crested guinea pigs?

Yes, white-crested guinea pigs are an extremely rare breed of guinea pig. This product is difficult to come by in pet stores and animal shelters. Breeders, on the other hand, will almost certainly have one available.

What is the range of prices for Crested Guinea Pigs?

A crested guinea pig can be purchased for anywhere between $20 and $40 dollars on average. However, if you purchase it from a reputable breeder, it will likely be a little more expensive than average. Check out your local pet stores and animal shelters to see if you can find one at a more affordable price.

First-Time Crested Guinea Pig Owners Should Consider These Pointers

• Make certain that the cage you purchase is the proper size for your guinea pig.
• Constantly check to see that their cage area is clean and free of odors.
• A well-balanced diet is essential for keeping guinea pigs happy and healthy.
• Make sure they have plenty of time to run around and play on the floor.
• If you are picking up your guinea pig for the first time, always place one of your hands in the bottom of the cage where they can rest their legs while you are picking them up. Holding them by the shoulders and lifting them up can cause them to become fearful of you.
• When going to get one, always make sure that they are in good condition. Identification of the right one is aided by a healthy coat, glowing eyes, good sound, and good dental health
• Always purchase them in a set of two or more. You should also make certain that you get the same gender, otherwise you may end up with a baby situation.
• 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.
• Guinea pigs enjoy chewing on anything and everything they can get their teeth into. As a result, expect to have a large number of toys shredded every month. It is a pleasurable activity for them. Additionally, make certain that everything you put in their cage is non-toxic to them.

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