White-eyed Guinea Pigs, like all guinea pigs, are very smart, lively, gentle, chubby, and cute, but timid and easily startled. Sometimes they make a chirping scream. They prefer a dry and clean living environment. White-eyed Guinea Pigs are also known as Dutch Pigs or Dutch Guinea Pigs.
Chinese Name: 白色黑眼天竺鼠
English Name: Dark-eyed Self White
Reproduction Mode: Viviparity
Lifecycle: 1.5~2 years
Sexual Maturity: 35 days
Gestation Period: 60~65 days
Number of Offspring per Litter: 4~8
Year-round Mating: 6 times a year
Guinea pigs are small pets that are suitable for home keeping. The White-eyed Guinea Pig, originated from South America, has thick fur, which makes it less likely to have fleas and skin diseases, and it is also easy to raise.
The White-eyed Guinea Pig has snow white fur that is shiny and smooth like satin. Its eyes are black, and it is also known as the Dutch Pig, Dutch Guinea Pig, Abyssinian Pig, Cavy, or Guinea Pig. Its ancestors came from the Andes Mountains in South America and were brought to the Western world by European merchants in the 16th century. People loved this small animal as a pet at that time, and it is still a common household pet today. Some organizations around the world have been dedicated to breeding guinea pigs, and they have created various breeds with different fur colors and appearances. The White-eyed Guinea Pig is very gentle in nature and seldom bites people unless it feels threatened (even rabbits bite when they are angry).
The White-eyed Guinea Pig, like all guinea pigs, is very smart, lively, gentle, chubby and cute, but timid and easily startled. Sometimes it makes a chirping scream. It prefers a dry and clean living environment. The White-eyed Guinea Pig is also known as "白色黑眼天竺鼠".
Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency) - caused by a low vitamin C content in the diet. This can result in defects in collagen formation, immature bone formation, and increased bone resorption. Fractures (most commonly in the proximal tibia) and swelling, deformity, and flattening of joints can occur. Bleeding can be seen throughout the body (due to vascular collagen defects). The animal becomes lethargic, anemic, and reluctant to move. Joints may become swollen and fractures may occur, necessitating supplementation of vitamin C in water and diet.
Streptococcal Lymphadenitis - the lymph nodes in the neck become swollen and filled with pus, eventually rupturing and oozing. 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 can also be found). It is recommended to reintroduce clean animals into the population.
Antibiotic Toxicity - like most rodents, almost all antibiotics can cause diarrhea, leading to death. It was traditionally believed that death was caused by moderate growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have shown that toxins produced by Clostridial bacteria (belonging to Gram-positive bacteria) are also important factors in death. Therefore, antibiotic treatment should only be continued for a short period of time (no more than seven days).
Spontaneous Diabetes Mellitus - Abyssinian guinea pigs are commonly affected by 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 both strains of animals, and infected animals are in poor condition with enlarged spleen, enlarged liver, and swollen lymph nodes. White blood cell counts in the blood can be as high as 250,000/mm3. It is a lymphocytic leukemia that progresses to weakness before viral death.
The white-eyed guinea pig can be analyzed from three aspects of eating, living, and traveling to clarify the key points of daily life. Although guinea pigs are relatively easy to raise, they are also very easy to get sick or even die if not carefully taken care of.
First, eating:
The white-eyed guinea pig's diet is not affected by seasons. Even in winter, the amount of food does not change significantly. Under normal circumstances, the owner can feed it according to its usual diet. As the weather gets colder, the white-eyed guinea pig's water intake will decrease. If the white-eyed guinea pig is kept outdoors, it is necessary to increase its nutrition to resist the cold. If the white-eyed guinea pig is indoors and the temperature is maintained above 20 degrees Celsius, it can be fed according to its usual amount, without worrying.
Second, living:
The white-eyed guinea pig is naturally afraid of cold. When the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, it needs to be kept warm. Depending on the location of the white-eyed guinea pig, the owner needs to take corresponding measures to keep it warm. It is relatively easier for indoor white-eyed guinea pigs. If there is heating at home, it is much more convenient. Just lay a pet heating blanket in the resting place of the guinea pig. However, the white-eyed guinea pig may occasionally urinate on the blanket, so the owner needs to clean it regularly.
For white-eyed guinea pigs located outdoors or on balconies, they must have a shelter that is windproof and warm to withstand the cold wind. DIY enthusiasts can make a shelter with wooden boards, or they can directly buy beautiful cat or dog beds as substitutes, as long as they are large enough and warm enough. The shelter can be filled with wood shavings or hay, which not only increases comfort but also helps keep the white-eyed guinea pig warm. As for the placement of the cage, it should be protected from wind and should not be directly exposed to drafts. If the cage cannot be moved from the current position, you can cut a cardboard box to a suitable size and use it to shield the cold wind outside the cage.
After showering, dry a small amount of water with a towel and lay it on yourself. Hold the guinea pig in your arms and blow on it. If there are classmates who have prepared food, you can feed it to them at this time. The reason for laying the towel on yourself is that the guinea pig is still warm, which can prevent the guinea pig from getting wet. It can also help absorb the water under its belly. We often cannot dry the water under the belly, but doing so may make the guinea pig feel cold. If you blow the guinea pig upside down, it will also be very uncomfortable. So laying a towel is still very useful. Giving the guinea pig food is because it can focus on the food. Many guinea pigs are not used to blow dryers and are afraid of the sound of blow dryers, so they will burrow into clothes or run away. Having food can divert the guinea pig's attention, so it won't run away. When the guinea pig finishes eating, its brain will naturally adapt a little to the blow dryer, and it won't run away so fiercely, or even stop running.
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