The head and limbs of the red and white guinea pig are red, while the body is a mix of red and white. It is also known as Dutch pig, Dutch guinea pig, agouti, cavy, and Guinea pig. Their ancestors come from the Andes Mountains in South America and were brought to the West by European merchants in the 16th century. People at that time liked this small animal very much and kept it as a pet. They are gentle, clever, and easy to take care of, and they are still common pets today. Some organizations around the world have been devoted to breeding guinea pigs, and people have bred various breeds with different colors and different forms.
The brown prickly-haired Dutch guinea pig, which looks similar to the brown prickly-haired guinea pig, but its whole body is gray-brown and white, and its fur is harder and slightly prickly. Its habits are the same as ordinary guinea pigs. It is also known as the Dutch pig, Dutch guinea pig, agouti, cavy, and Guinea pig. It is a small pet from South America and was later introduced to Western countries where people liked it very much. Indeed, the brown prickly-haired Dutch guinea pig is very cute and irresistible! The body of the brown prickly-haired Dutch guinea pig is about 25cm long, with a moderate weight. Its body is short and small, plump and round. It can be clearly seen that the entire body of the guinea pig is covered with evenly distributed gray-brown fur. Generally speaking, the sides of its head, cheeks, and lower part are gray-brown, while the rest of the body is snow white, with clear and prominent contours. In addition, the brown prickly-haired Dutch guinea pig has a pair of black, bright eyes, which looks very cute! The silver prickly-haired guinea pig has a lifespan of up to ten years. If you are determined to keep it as a pet, you must ensure that there are no other animals such as dogs or cats in the house that can harm it. The fur of the silver prickly-haired guinea pig is silver-white mixed, the fur is hard and prickly, and it is also known as the Dutch pig, Dutch guinea pig, agouti, cavy, and Guinea pig. Their ancestors come from the Andes Mountains in South America and were brought to the Western world by Central European merchants in the 16th century. People liked this small animal as a pet at that time.
It is recommended to keep it for small pet enthusiasts. Despite its chubby appearance, it is more popular than other common mouse species. It generally does not attack others unless provoked. In general, it does not argue with you over trivial matters. This kind of mouse does not have high requirements for feeding in all aspects.
Mites
The source of mites is the contamination of the guinea pig's living environment. They mainly reside around the eyes and ears of the guinea pig. Mites can cause scabies, as if the mites have eaten the guinea pig's hair, causing bald spots. Once signs of mites are found, it is necessary to seek medical treatment. The general treatment method is to inject insecticidal injections. You can also apply the diluted agricultural white insecticide to the affected area at a ratio of 1:100 (a little bit for guinea pigs is not harmful). In addition, it is important to thoroughly disinfect the cage, otherwise the mites will come back.
Microbial Infection
The main symptom is bald spots on the head, which is extremely similar to mite symptoms, sometimes even doctors cannot distinguish them. This condition is caused by high humidity in the air and long-term consumption of concentrated feed. This disease is similar to athlete's foot in humans, with dandruff appearing on the skin.
Diarrhea
It is caused by gastroenteritis due to the consumption of unclean food. The symptoms are obvious, the feces are not formed. If this symptom is found, it is necessary to seek medical treatment immediately. Diarrhea is very dangerous for guinea pigs because sometimes we do not know which food causes the diarrhea. If it is a common diarrhea, medication can help, but if it is diarrhea caused by chemical poisoning from food, it is difficult to save their lives even if they are sent to the hospital immediately. So be very careful.
Bloating
It is caused by consuming inappropriate food, such as pears. Bloating can lead to suffocation and heart failure. So when the condition is serious, it is necessary to seek medical treatment early.
Constipation
It is caused by food being too dry and insufficient water intake. It can be cured by increasing water intake and providing vegetables, fruits, and other high-water-content foods.
Excessive Hair Loss
Guinea pigs losing hair is as normal as humans losing hair. However, excessive hair loss is abnormal and is caused by a lack of vitamin C. The treatment method is to mix powdered vitamin C into food or water for supplementation. Vitamin powder is sour, so some guinea pigs may refuse to eat it, in which case it needs to be fed to them with a syringe.
External Injury
Immediately apply animal-specific iodine to the bleeding area to prevent bacterial infection.
1. Breeding Environment. The physique of the red and white guinea pig may appear to be fat, but it is actually a typical herbivore. Before breeding, parents should prepare a spacious cage for it and place some soft cloth in it. It is best to buy a cage that is easy to clean, as it also has a natural need to grind its teeth, so the sturdiness of the cage must be ensured. Next, provide it with feeding bowls, water dispensers, and foot pads. For young guinea pigs, parents must ensure their warmth, especially for the brown-haired Dutch guinea pigs that live in the north all year round, where the temperature is usually very low and they are prone to illness. In short, always be prepared to keep the brown-haired Dutch guinea pig warm, insulated, and well-ventilated!
2. Feeding Tips. Don't be deceived by its appearance, it is not a gluttonous type of animal. Its diet mainly includes vegetables, alfalfa, lettuce, apples, peas, corn, and other vegetables and fruits. It will not waste these foods because the appetite of the red and white guinea pig has always been good. Parents need to pay attention to the selection of food, it is best to choose miscellaneous food instead of rat food, as this can effectively prevent the red and white guinea pig from becoming severely obese and suffering from endocrine disorders. This is also the best feeding method for its growth!
This kind of guinea pig has neat and smooth fur all over its body, and it doesn't require much time to take care of it. It is a very popular small rodent. They are naturally inclined to live in quiet and comfortable environments.