Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs have differences in appearance and fur compared to other breeds of guinea pigs, but their habits, diet, and reproduction methods are almost the same. They can eat the same things, cannot eat certain things, and reproduce in a similar way.
Chinese Title
: 秘鲁缎毛天竺鼠
Common Name
: 秘鲁缎毛荷兰猪、秘鲁缎毛海猪、秘鲁缎毛彩豚
English Name
: Peruvian Satin
Reproduction Method
: Viviparous
Birth Weight
: 100g
Body Size
: Weight 1-1.5kg, length 20-30cm
Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs have the biggest difference with other guinea pigs in their appearance. Their fur grows towards the head, covering the entire head, and the fur is glossy, like satin fabric. Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs have a body length of 22-34 cm and weigh about 400-700 grams.
Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs like to live in groups. They have a large head, short neck, round ears, no tail, and their whole body is covered with fur. Their four limbs are relatively short, with four toes on the front limbs and three toes on the hind limbs. They have sharp short claws and the habit of scratching people. They do not like to climb and jump, so they can be raised in an open small cement pool. They have a gentle nature and are easily frightened. Sometimes they make squeaking screams. They like a dry and clean living environment.
Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs have well-developed sense of smell and hearing, and they have a strong reaction to various stimuli. They are very sensitive to sound systems, smells, and sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, they are prone to pneumonia in polluted and cold environments, which can also cause miscarriages when frightened.
Recommended for pet lovers, Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs enjoy living in groups. They have a large head, short neck, round ears, and no tail. Their body is covered in fur, and they have shorter limbs. Their front limbs have four toes, while their hind limbs have three toes. They have sharp short claws and a habit of scratching people. They do not like climbing and jumping, so they can be kept in an uncovered small cement pool for breeding. They have a gentle temperament and are easily frightened. Sometimes they make squeaky screams. They prefer a dry and clean living environment.
Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency) - caused by low levels of Vitamin C in the diet. This leads to defects in collagen formation. There is immature bone formation and increased bone resorption. Fractures (most commonly in the proximal tibia) and swelling result in malformed, flat joints. There is bleeding throughout the body (due to collagen vascular defects). The animals become lethargic, anemic, and reluctant to move. Joints may become swollen and fractures may occur, requiring supplementation of Vitamin C in the water and diet.
Streptococcal lymphadenitis - the neck lymph nodes become filled with pus and swell, eventually rupturing and discharging. It has a high infection rate and high mortality rate. It can cause septicemia and systemic infections that are difficult to resist. Streptococcus zooepidemicus is the main culprit (but other pyogenic bacteria may also be present). It is recommended to reintroduce clean animals to the population.
Antibiotic Toxicity - like most rodents, almost all antibiotics cause diarrhea, leading to death. Traditionally, it is believed to be due to moderate proliferation of Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have shown that the toxin produced by Clostridial bacteria, which belong to Gram-positive bacteria, is also a significant cause of death. Therefore, antibiotic treatment should only be administered for a short period of time (no more than seven days).
Spontaneous diabetes mellitus - Abyssinian Guinea Pigs commonly suffer from this disease, which may be caused by a retrovirus. C-type retrovirus particles have been detected in the urine of infected animals.
Guinea Pig Leukemia - can be found in two strains of animals, infected animals are in poor condition and may have splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. White blood cell count in blood can reach 250,000/mm3. It is a lymphocytic leukemia that progresses until the virus causes death.
Healthy Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs (details) should not show sudden refusal to eat, so if your Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig has a situation where it does not eat, you must pay close attention.
Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs are small animals with a fast metabolism, so if they stop eating, it can quickly lead to hypoglycemic shock or hypothermia. Additionally, if a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig does not eat or drink for more than 20 hours due to illness, its liver cells will begin to break down. Furthermore, not eating will lower their immune system, and they will not have the strength to fight against the disease. This will accelerate the deterioration of the illness and cause the guinea pig to pass away faster.
Just like feeding other pets, it is best to feed Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs with specialized feed + grass + vegetables + fruits. Remember, Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs should not eat onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, ginger, chocolate, or coffee. Additionally, snacks that humans commonly eat are also dangerous for Peruvian Satin Guinea Pigs and should not be fed.
1. Basin for bathing. It is recommended to use a higher basin as many guinea pigs are not used to bathing and will try to jump out. Use natural shampoo or specialized shampoo for small animals. If not available, use a mild one. Prepare a soft towel and hair dryer, and plug in the hair dryer. Prepare a clean box with a height that can prevent the guinea pig from jumping out. Prepare their favorite food if possible, but it's fine if not.
2. Fill the basin with warm water. Wet the guinea pig, but avoid wetting the head. Apply shampoo. If using human shampoo or body wash, make sure to rinse the guinea pig thoroughly with clean water several times, as it can be dangerous if not completely cleaned. After bathing and drying the guinea pig, they usually groom themselves again. It's not good if they ingest the shampoo or body wash.
3. After cleaning, quickly wrap the guinea pig in a towel and place it in a clean box. Use the hair dryer (already plugged in) to dry a small area. Pay attention to the temperature of the hair dryer. You can place your hand next to the guinea pig to check the temperature of the airflow, so as not to make it too cold or too hot.
4. After drying a small area, lay the towel on yourself and hold the guinea pig in your arms while blow-drying. If you have prepared food, you can feed them at this time. The reason for laying the towel on yourself is to keep the guinea pig warm and prevent it from getting wet again. It can also help absorb the remaining moisture under their belly, as we often cannot dry that area completely. However, if you blow-dry the guinea pig upside down, they will be very uncomfortable. So it's helpful to lay a towel on yourself. Feeding them is to shift their attention to the food. Many guinea pigs are not used to blow-drying and are afraid of the sound, so they may crawl into clothes or run away. With food, the guinea pig will shift their attention and not run away. After they finish eating, their brain will gradually adapt to the hair dryer, and they will not run away as much or at all.
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