Bald guinea pigs: features, breeds and content

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

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

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

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

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

If we talk about the appearance of these animals, then they are not completely bald, they still have fluff. And, nevertheless, bald pigs can be bought by people who are allergic to wool.

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

Even bald pigs get used to different sounds and react to them in an interesting way. For example, if they hear the sound of a refrigerator opening, they whistle happily. This means that they are waiting for the owner to feed them with something tasty. In addition, the pig remembers other sounds, which is pretty funny. Many owners even specially train their pets. The pigs react to the rustling of the package, the phone ringing, the slamming of the door, if these sounds are accompanied by something pleasant for them.

Bald pets need attention. If you want your pig to be complacent and affectionate, pick her up often, lay her next to you when watching a movie, talk to her and stroke her.

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

First you need to get acquainted with the first breed of these interesting animals. Their body length does not exceed 34 centimeters. The weight of the male is up to one kilogram, but the female is slightly smaller. The leather is soft to the touch and slightly resembles the surface of velor. However, these animals have a small fluff, which is located on the neck, head and shoulders. They are gray, white or chocolate in color. In some cases, multi-colored pigs can be found.

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

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

These guinea pigs are very mobile and noisy. If they play, they may squeak or squeal loudly. At the same time, males have more emotions, moreover, they are more affectionate than females. They live no more than 9 years if they are provided with good care.

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

Babies are born completely in wool, but after 5 days they begin to go bald, and after 2 weeks they are almost naked... Their body is slightly wrinkled, this is especially noticeable in the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe crown, shoulders, and also near the legs. Their ears are a bit like rose petals, and hang down very freely. The Baldwin's head is large, and the eyes are very expressive, with a dark or light color.

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

How long the pigs live is determined primarily by their care and living conditions. The cage must be spacious, with an area of ​​50 centimeters... Very often, instead of cages, they use aquariums so that there are no drafts. In addition, a heating lamp is already installed in them.

The bottom of the cage must be covered with sawdust.... However, the sawdust should be fine so that it does not damage the delicate skin of the guinea pig. If this is a special cage, then it must be ensured that it closes, while the valve must be good. After all, some pigs can easily open it.

Although bald pigs do not need to be brushed daily, they do need to be cared for. This breed of pigs is too sensitive to temperature extremes, and this must be treated responsibly. Pets will need special care to keep them comfortable.

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

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

Also, these animals must be sure to trim their claws from time to time so that they do not accidentally damage themselves with sharp claws. In addition, the litter should be changed regularly. It is recommended to do this once every 3 days, and also once a week it is necessary to completely wash the entire cage and treat it with various disinfectants. It should be understood that immediately after treatment, the mumps cannot be placed in a cage so that it does not breathe harmful fumes. Let the home ventilate first.

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

• 65% fresh hay or succulent grass, depending on the season;
• 15-20% fresh fruits or vegetables: you can give carrots, apples, and beets;
• 15-20% cereals, which are best given sprouted or granulated (such cereal supplements can be purchased at any specialty store);
• you can add chalk or vitamin mixtures;
• water must be given daily, while changing it is best three times a day, and even more often in the summer.

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

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

If any of the listed products get into the feed, it can even be fatal. The same goes for their starvation.

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

After the pets have lived for a year, breeding may not work if the pigs get fat. You shouldn't overfeed them. But too early pregnancy can have some complications that can lead to the death of babies. Gilts carry pups from 2 months to 70 days. One brood usually consists of 5-6 babies. Breeding can take place at any time of the year and, moreover, more than once a year, because the gestation period is very short.

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

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

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

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

Summing up, we can say that hairless guinea pigs are ideal pets. Indeed, due to their appearance, they are hypoallergenic, which allows them to be kept even by those people who suffer from allergies. In addition, with such "friends" it will not be boring, because they are very mobile and cheerful.

For the features of keeping Baldwin guinea pigs, see the following video.