| Weight: | 700-1200 grams |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 Years |
| Colors: | There are many varieties of solid and mixed brown and white, such as agouti or Himalayan. |
| Temperament: | Known for being calm and gentle. |
The Silkie guinea pig, also known as Shelties or Long-haired Peruvian guinea pigs are calm and gentle and can be used as pets and show animals. Silkie was first created in 1970 by crossing the long-haired Peruvian with the Self-Black. They are calm and easy-going, making them great pets for children. However, they require extensive care and should only be kept in the hands of adults.
They are known for their silky, smooth coats that can grow to the point of their feet. Silkies require daily grooming and brushing.
Two Little-Knowledgable Facts about Silkie Guinea Pigs
1. The back is covered with a longer coat
Silkie guinea pigs have hair up to 24 inches in length and form a teardrop shape when viewed above. This is due to the longer hair at the back.
2. Hairstyles
Due to the shared genetics of Silkies, their hair is often confused with Peruvian guineas. Silkies have silky hair that flies backward over their heads, instead of covering their heads like Peruvians. Silkies’ hair looks slick.
How to Care for a Silkie Guinea Pig
Food & Diet Requirements
Although silky guineas do not have special dietary needs, their long hair will be greatly benefited from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin, so they must be fed it regularly. Pellets of high quality are the best food for silkies and all guineas. Pellets have all the nutrition required for a healthy diet.
Avoid any commercial food that contains artificial flavors or colorants. Muesli that contains nuts and seeds is not recommended for daily consumption and should be used only as an occasional treat. Your guineas should always have fresh timothy Hay available, as it will provide fiber and keep their teeth short.
Your Silkie Guineas should always have access to clean, safe water. A drip bottle system is better than a bowl or dish. As long as the container is sealed, a drip system will keep your cage dry and clean. Water should be changed every day.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for all breeds of guinea. They should have a large enough enclosure to run around in. Silkies are calm and gentle, and they make great pets. Exercise wheels are not recommended for guineas as they can be injured by them.
Grooming
Silkies require daily care because of their long hair. To prevent hair matting, Silkies need to be bathed and brushed regularly. Most silkies love attention due to their gentle nature. However, if they are calm, it will help them relax and make the process more enjoyable.
Silkies don’t like to bathe, so regular spot cleaning is a better choice.
Conditions and Health
Severe Conditions
Like other long-haired guinea dogs, silkies are susceptible to fly strikes. If they are kept in unsanitary or dirty conditions, this disease can occur. Flies can be attracted to matted hairs of your guinea if they are kept in unsanitary conditions. Flies can lay eggs in the matted hair of Silkies, and the maggots that hatch will feed on infected tissue. This disease can cause death in Guinea within days. It is important to maintain their cleanliness and grooming.
Minor conditions
Matted fur can also pose a risk to fly strike. Matted fur can restrict your guinea’s movement and prevent it from properly eating and drinking.
Vitamin C deficiency can cause hair loss, immune system problems, and unhealthy skin for guineas. Without fresh hay, guineas can develop digestive problems and tooth issues.
Last Thoughts
Silkie guinea pigs are one of the gentlest guinea species. They are a joy to handle and love to be petted. Their beautiful silky fur makes them great show animals.
However, silkies can be very difficult to care for and are not recommended for first-time owners. They are gentle and beautiful pets if you have the time and patience.
Silkie guinea pigs are they friendly?
When it comes to being friendly, the Silkie Guinea pig is well-known for being quite gregarious. This cavy, often known as the Sheltie, has hair that grows away from its face. They’re also extremely tranquil, making them a wonderful choice for children.
What kind of guinea pig is the friendliest?
The Abyssinian Guinea Pig is known for being one of the nicest and most friendly breeds of guinea pig, yet they may be too lively and exuberant for smaller children.
What is the most uncommon guinea pig color?
Blue is the most uncommon guinea pig color.
Is it OK to sleep with your guinea pig?
It is dangerous to sleep with your guinea pig. Suffocation has the potential to cause significant harm. Your guinea pig will defecate and pee on your bed as well. They may also escape while you are sleeping and end up in perilous circumstances such as gnawing on cables or being disoriented.
Do guinea pigs form attachments to their keepers?
Yes, they build ties with their people in the same way as cats and dogs do. They can distinguish particular persons based on scent, hearing, and sight signals. Guinea pigs, as a result, can recognize and respond to someone they do and do not know.
What is the calmest guinea pig?
Silkies are not only noted for their soft and silky coats (thus their breed name) but they are also considered the most placid and laid-back breed of guinea pigs. Silkies are a good choice for a child’s pet because of their peaceful disposition (as long as the child is old enough to safely and calmly handle a guinea pig).
What do guinea pigs fear the most?
Guinea pigs have the ability to generalize their learning, which means they may experience anxiety in settings that remind them of previous trauma or suffering. The most prevalent anxieties are those of toys, people, and loud noises. A guinea pig may acquire anxieties of people for a variety of causes.
Which guinea pig gender is calmer?
Males are more aggressive than females in general. This is because they are more territorial and feel a greater urge to preserve their space. Female guinea pigs are more relaxed. However, some girls are feisty and will engage in a brawl if they believe it is essential.
Do guinea pigs like the dark or the light?
Guinea pigs are prey animals that spend their days hiding from predators. Guinea pigs love the dark because they can walk around without being spotted.
What is the price of a silkie guinea pig?
Prices range between $20 and $30. Guinea pigs are widely accessible at pet stores, shelters, and rescue organizations.