by Let us learn about these adorable piggies’ breeds, traits, and facts.
Do you know how the Himalayan Guinea pig got their name? Do you think that they are named Himalayan because they are found in the Himalayas? Well, the answer is No. The breed of Himalayan Guinea pig originates from South America.
It got its name ‘Himalayan” due to its distinct appearance from a Siamese cat. The Siamese cat originally came from Southeast Asia, so these pigs are named Himalayan.
These pocket-sized piggies are just like any other pig in America. They are curious little fellows that you will adore. This article will find all the important details and facts about a Himalayan Guinea pig.
Are Himalayan Guinea Pigs Friendly?
The Himalayan guinea pigs are just like any other guinea pigs. They are very friendly and lovable animals and like attention. If you give them love, you will receive love. They are absolutely a delight to have as your pets, and they also don’t bite, so children can play with them. They are very easy to take care of. These docile animals make up the perfect pet for your family.
Are Himalayan Guinea Pigs Rare?
Their unique appearance from other guinea pigs makes them a scarce species. Their coat, unlike others, is purely white. They are very different from other Guinea pigs, and they are not easy to find as they are very rare and distinctive animals. You will especially have to look for a person who breeds these guinea pigs.
How Long Does A Himalayan Guinea Pig Live?
The Himalayan Guinea pig can live for about five or six years and reach even eight years. The life span of a guinea pig also depends upon how much you care for it. If you take proper care of its nutritional requirement, it can live a full life. You should keep them indoors, and direct exposure to sunlight can greatly decrease their life span.
Health And Care Of Himalayan Guinea Pigs:
Although they look quite small, these little piggies are quite tough. It is still a guinea pig, after all. If not properly cared for, it can be susceptible to various diseases. The most health-related issue regarding a Himalayan guinea pig is the deficiency of Vitamin C.
They don’t synthesize Vitamin C in their bodies. Any deficiency will make them weak, lethargic, and lose weight. They will also develop diarrhea, internal bleeding, or a coarse coat. To save it from all these troubles, introduce a diet full of Vitamin D. You can buy commercial pellets enriched with Vitamin C.
You should keep them in a clean cage. In a dirty environment, they can get diarrhea and other urinary infections. Bath them once a week as their white coat easily gets dirty. The coat is small, but you should brush it once a day. It will brush off any dirt or parasites from their body. You should also clip their nail after every two weeks. These big nails can harm you and the Guinea pig itself. Take good care of the pig to live its life to the fullest.
Himalayan Guinea Pig Temperament:
The temperament of a guinea pig is much similar to other pigs. They love attention and are quite playful. If you treat them right, they will send the love back to you. They are quite timid animals and scared easily. If their surroundings change, they will require extra attention and care. You can also provide them with hideouts in their enclosures. It helps them out when they are feeling scared.
You should know that these pigs are herd animals and love company. If you plan to buy a Himalayan Guinea pig, make sure you buy a pair. A pair means you should get ready to take care of miniature baby guinea pigs. It is necessary to introduce the two in the beginning. It is very difficult for the guinea pig to bond with others after some time.
Himalayan Guinea Pig Weight:
These pigs are usually pocket-sized. They weigh from a range of 700g to 1200g. Typically they can grow to a size of 8-12 inches, which is average in comparison to other breeds of guinea pigs. They have fairly broad shoulders and a thick body.
Himalayan Guinea Pig Life Span:
The average life span of a Himalayan guinea pig is five years. Some can live up to eight years. If you don’t take care of the pig properly, it can decrease its life span. Any prolonged exposure to the sun can reduce their life. Just make sure you take care of their dietary and nutritional requirements.
Similar Breeds To The Himalayan Guinea Pig:
If you adore and love the Himalayan guinea pig, you can look for a pig with a similar personality, sizing, and ease of maintenance. The guinea pigs usually have similar eating habits. They all are mostly friendly and adorable. The only distinguishing property of other guinea pigs is their physical appearance.
A few other similar breeds that you may add to your collection of pets include the breeds of Argente, Albino, and American guinea pigs. They are easy to look after and easily available at pet stores. Their diet and lifestyle are similar to that of the Himalayan Guinea pig.
Is A Himalayan Guinea Pig Right For Me?
The Himalayan guinea pigs are indeed the right choice for you. They make great pets as they are low-maintenance animals. Moreover, they look very cute, with their white fur coat and pink eyes. They are extremely lovable and crave your attention as a pet.
In addition to all these adorable features, these guinea pigs love to chatter. They like to communicate by using a variety of sounds. They are little explorers and want to run here and there. If you wish to get an animal that is fun, lively, and easy to live with, these little Himalayan guinea pigs are perfect.
What Do Himalayan Guinea Pigs Eat & Drink?
The diet of the Himalayan Guinea pig is quite similar to that of other Guinea pigs. Like all animals, they have certain dietary requirements. The central part of their diet consists of vegetables and hay. They are fond of meadow and timothy hay, which is beneficial for them. You should set a timetable and give food according to it. Overeating can cause several health issues to the guinea pig
You can give them a fresh carrot top, lettuce, or parsley for vegetables. Just make sure you don’t overfeed them. You can also give them fruits as treats. Abrupt changes in their diet can cause stomach issues in the guinea pig. Always give them fresh food and in a limited quantity. A Poor dietary regime can cause health issues that can be fatal to the pig. They love to drink water. You must give them enough water, so they can stay well hydrated.
FAQs:
How Big Does A Himalayan Guinea Pig Get?
The Himalayan guinea pigs are just like any other breed of guinea pigs. They range from a minimum size of 8 inches to a maximum size of 12 inches in length. They are primarily pocket-sized.
Where Does The Himalayan Guinea Pig Come From?
You are mistaken if you think that the Himalayan guinea pigs come from the Himalayas. They are found in South America. The marking on their body is pretty similar to the Siamese cat. These cats originally come from southeast Asia, hence the name Himalayan.
How Does The Himalayan Guinea Pig Look Like?
The Himalayan Guinea pig looks Albino in appearance. The coat is white with black markings all over. It looks a lot like the Siamese cat. When they are born, they are purely white. As they grow up, black or brown spots appear on them. Their nose, ears, and feet are black or brown.
Final Thoughts:
If you can become a responsible pet owner, then a Himalayan Guinea pigs an excellent choice. It can be a wonderful addition to your family. They love to interact with children and are very sociable. Just make sure you take proper care of their hygiene and nutrition. These cute little critters will follow you everywhere if taken proper care of. Just make sure you always buy them in pairs. Get yourself a Himalayan Guinea pig and enjoy the perks of owning a joyful pet.
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