Rosette guinea pigs: breed features and subtleties of care

Guinea pig is a friendly and affectionate pet that can be found in many people. One of the most unpretentious breeds is considered an Abyssinian pig, it is also called a socket. This cute rodent is suitable as a friend even to a child. But in order for the animal to feel happy at home, it is necessary to provide him with comfortable conditions of detention.

Choosing a wire-haired abyssinian among guinea pigs, it is worth getting acquainted with the features of this breed in advance. Rosette pigs are good-natured, they are quickly tamed and adapt to new conditions. Among individuals, there are rarely those who allow themselves to bite the owner’s finger. Most often, animals are born black-and-white-red. Tortoise and roan individuals are rare.

Rosette pigs got their name for the presence of unusual patterns of wool, similar to sockets. Purebred animals have from 8 to 12 symmetrically located outlets. Two outlets are located on the back of the nose, in the forearm, on the hind legs, on the sacrum. Four more outlets can be on the back. Also, the breed can be distinguished by a pronounced mustache, bulging eyes, thick, hard hair, the presence of sideburns, and wide-set ears.

Keeping an Abyssinian guinea pig in a house often becomes the only way out for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. On the fur of these animals is rarely allergic. In addition, these animals themselves have a fairly strong immunity to diseases, although it rarely happens that ailments do not bypass them. It is believed that individuals of this breed are very smart and smart and therefore easily amenable to training.

Another important feature of outlets is their delicate hearing. For example, a rodent can hear the approach of the owner, who has just entered the porch, and begin to squeak joyfully, greeting the owner.

Abyssinian pigs like to sit in the arms of a person and get along well with children. Some pets can even lick the fingers of the owner, thereby expressing their confidence. However, when keeping it, it is important to consider that the pigs of this breed are afraid of harsh sounds and movements, any sudden change can lead to a panic attack.

In nature, guinea pigs prefer to live in groups of 5-10 individuals, they build burrows and get food together, and at home two relatives often can not get along, especially if they are of the same sex, and even more so if they are two males. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase only one pet if the owner does not plan to breed guinea pigs. Only littermates can get along well.

In the case of breeding guinea pigs should be prepared for the fact that the cubs may appear smooth-haired. This happens, and this situation is not considered a deviation from the norm. But if the babies have the wrong sockets or there are fewer of them than necessary, then probably the little pigs have become the fruit of the love of unclean parents, and further reproduction of these individuals is not recommended.

Life expectancy of a guinea pig at home is 8–10 years, but there are real long-livers who, with proper care, live up to 16 years. In order for the animal to live as long as possible, it is important to follow some recommendations on the content. First of all, before buying a pet, the owner must buy a spacious cage, the two walls of which have a length of at least a meter. Next, the future home should be equipped with various attributes:

• a house where the pig will rest, hide and store its supplies;
• feeding trough and drinking bowl;
• toys to release the energy of an active animal: wheel, stairs, turnstiles, labyrinths;
• manger for hay;
• mineral stone - needed for the health of a pet’s teeth.

Sawdust or pellets are suitable as a filler. Judging by the reviews of the owners, wood pellets absorb rodent waste better, and therefore, better protect against unpleasant odors.

It is recommended to arrange the toilet in the opposite corner from the feeder. The cells are cleaned once a week, and feeders and drinkers need to be washed every day. Regular cell cleaning is an important procedure, as abyssinas are fairly neat animals.

Pig sockets quite resistant to cold, and in regions with a mild climate they can be kept even on the street. However, it is important to protect the animal from dampness and drafts. But the heat for these creatures can be even disastrous, therefore Never place the cage in direct sunlight.

When caring for a female pig, follow these guidelines.

• Try to let your pet out for a walk once a day. To maintain health and increase life expectancy, it is important for him to move a lot. Before the pig goes to walk around the apartment, do not forget to isolate other pets, as well as to warn the household so that they look under their feet. Block in advance all the places where the pig could climb and not crawl out. You can purchase a special walking ball at the pet store that will not allow the animal to escape or become the prey of a domestic cat.
• Carefully check the purity of the water. Change the water daily, washing the drinker well. When you see that trash is in the tank, change the water.Every day, a rodent needs at least 250 ml of liquid.
• Once a week, wipe the pet’s hair with a damp cloth to remove dead hair. Comb the rodent with a special comb. Choose a brush made of soft plastic material - such a product will not harm the skin of a fragile pet.
• Regularly include tree twigs to grind your teeth. If the incisors grow back, they will damage the cheeks of the pet, as a result of which the animal will always feel discomfort. In the wild, the rodent grinds its claws during a constant run. At home, its motor activity is somewhat limited, and therefore the claws grow quite quickly and cause the animal inconvenience. In this regard, regularly cut the claws. If you are afraid to do it yourself, then take your pet to the veterinarian.
• The animal does not need swimming, this procedure can provoke stress. But if there is still a need to wash the pet in case of severe contamination, then the procedure is carried out in a basin with a non-slip bottom. Water temperature is moderate. Do not wash the mumps in the area above the neck so that water does not get into the ears and eyes.

Particular attention should be paid to the nutrition of the Abyssinian guinea pig. The fact is that for the full development of these animals need vitamin C, but their body does not produce it, so it is important to fill this gap with appropriate products. This element is found in rosehips, currants, parsley, bell pepper. Proper feeding of a rodent consists of the following ingredients:

• cereals (1 tbsp. l. per day): wheat, barley, rye;
• greens (bunch per day): leaves of dandelion, clover, parsley;
• hay without restrictions;
• root crops: beets, carrots;
• fruits and berries: grapes, watermelons, mountain ash;
• vegetables: cabbage, peas, pumpkin, zucchini;
• special additives: vitamins and minerals.

Each pet has individual taste preferences. Seeing that the animal eats from what is offered first of all, you can understand his taste preferences, and next time feed him with what he loves. It is also important to know what guinea pigs cannot be offered:

• meat, fish, any smoked products;
• confectionery, pastries;
• canned, canned or boiled vegetables;
• poorly washed or rotten root crops.

Beware of giving slices of moldy food, remove juicy vegetables that the rodent has not eaten from the feeder to protect the cage from the spread of mold.

It has already been noted above that rosette guinea pigs are famous for their strong immunity, but under poor conditions, this immunity decreases, and then the animal risks becoming a victim of any disease. The most common ailments for these animals are parasites, diseases of the digestive tract, eye diseases, ear mites. To prevent the development of the disease, carefully monitor the behavior of the pet. If you feel unwell, the rodent will hide deeper into the house and will not go out to greet the owner, he will not play and eat.

It is important to observe the external state of the pet. So, periodically check the cleanliness of guinea pig ears. If a yellowish plaque is detected, it can be assumed that the pet picked up an ear tick. Usually this disease is indicated by the desire of the mumps to scratch all the time. If you identify any symptoms of malaise in a domestic rodent, immediately bring your pet to the veterinarian.

In conclusion, we suggest you watch a video about charming rosette guinea pigs.