The teddy guinea pigs are very small but not too small. They are lively and energetic, but not too excited. They are affectionate, cuddly, and social animals. They can live between 7 and 11 years old and can weigh as much as 3.5 pounds when fully grown.
Also called cavies, teddy-guinea pigs are known for their thick, shiny coat. It is reminiscent of a teddy bear and hence their name. These adorable little animals have dense, tight fur due to a genetic mutation. However, this mutation does not affect their happiness or health.
They don’t require much care and are happy to be left alone or with their guinea-pig friends, even when their humans are busy. They will always be happy to snuggle or play with you. Continue reading to learn about the teddy and how to care for them.
Here are some quick facts about Teddy Guinea Pigs
| Species Name: | Cavia Porcellus |
| Family: | Cavies |
| Care Level | Medium |
| Temperature: | Warm/Humid (65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, social, needy |
| Color Form: | Black, cream, gold, lilac, beige, brindle |
| Lifespan: | 7-11 years |
| Size: | 10-12 inches, 1 to 3.5 lbs |
| Diet: | Hay, vegetables, herbs |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 8 square feet per animal |
| Tank setup: | Bedding, toys and hideouts, food, and water |
| Compatibility: | Yes! With each other |
Teddy Guinea Pig Overview
The teddy guinea pig is just like all other guinea pigs. It hails from South America where it is believed that they were domesticated thousands of years ago. However, these animals were not kept as pets. Teddy guinea pigs were initially raised as food, or to be given to the gods.
This large rodent is a great pet choice for families with young children. They are cuddly and playful, making them a wonderful pet option. They are more comfortable spending time with other guinea pigs or humans but can be bonded with their family members if they have frequent interactions.
They need a large cage, or glass habitat, to spend most of their time in. It also serves to protect them from other pets and accidents around the house. They are gentle and affectionate, but they can be irritable if they are threatened or cornered.
How Much Does a Teddy Guinea Pig Cost?
The price range for a Teddy Guinea Pig is between $10 and $30. This makes them great pets. Prices for teddy guinea pigs vary depending on where they are purchased, their health, and how long they have been available. You may also be able to find these sweet pets through a humane society or animal rescue center for a fraction of what it costs.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Teddy guinea pigs can become shy and timid if they are not handled regularly by humans. They are social and outgoing if they can interact with others. They are excited when their family members return home and can chat with their cage mates all day.
These creatures love hiding under blankets or in caves. They love to play with toys and will transform any object, including their bedding, into a toy. They are often comical because of their joyful nature. They are charming and loveable because of their affectionate nature.
Appearance and Varieties
The teddy pet guinea pig is a large rodent, but small enough to be a pet. When fully grown, they can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 1 to 4 pounds. Boys are typically slightly larger than girls. They have round, slightly upturned heads and fluffy noses.
Their dark, alert eyes are always visible and their cute, floppy ears make them look adorable. They look almost like little stuffed animals when they sleep, thanks to their compact bodies.
Teddy guinea pigs are available in many colors including:
- Black
- White
- Red
- Lilac
- Cream
- Gold
- Beige
- Brindle
Some teddy guinea pigs come in a solid color, while others have two or more colors. Their bellies are usually white.
How to Care for Teddy Guinea Pigs
Habitat, Tank Conditions, and Setup
Teddy guinea pigs require special care that is not available to other pets, such as dogs and cats. To keep your teddy guinea pig happy and healthy all their lives, you must take specific measures. This is how to care for one or more of these animals.
Attachment
This will ensure that the guinea pigs are kept in a safe environment. You can either buy a pre-made habitat or make your own from old furniture and boxes.
To move and explore, each guinea pig requires at least 8 feet of space within its habitat. It does not have to be enclosed if there are no predator pets living in the home. Guinea pigs will not climb walls if they feel safe.
Bedding
To provide comfort, bedding should be spread on the floor in a teddy’s habitat to absorb liquids from water spills or urination. The bedding should be soft, absorbent, and easy to clean. You can buy a variety of bedding, or you can make your own by using newspaper and paper towels. Although homemade bedding can be as absorbent and odor-resistant as those purchased in stores, it is often less absorbent than store-bought. To keep the habitat clean and sanitary, you will need to change your bedding at least once per week.
Temperature and lighting
Warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees are ideal for teddy guinea pigs. When it gets cold, a blanket or space heater should be put over the habitat. Warmer spaces can be kept cool by fans. These animals prefer it to be bright during the day and dark at night. They can live in any room of the house, except a closet or another place that is predominantly dark.
Accessory
The habitat of a teddy guinea pig should include a water and food dish. Attachments for the habitat will keep them from tipping over and help to keep them in their place. These animals require access to interactive toys and chewy treats for a richer quality of life.
Are Teddy Guinea Pigs compatible with other pets?
Teddy guinea pigs can live in groups with other guinea-pig breeds, and they get along well with most guinea species. Guinea pigs prefer to be alone when it comes to animals. They are afraid of larger animals and can be considered prey by pets such as dogs and cats. For their safety and comfort, it is best to keep them apart from other animals.
What to feed your Teddy Guinea Pig
The majority of the grasses that teddy guinea pigs eat are wheat and alfalfa. It can be difficult to grow enough food for them, and it can also be tedious and time-consuming. However, commercial foods are available that provide all the nutrients a guinea pig needs, such as shelled peanuts or dried fruit. These foods are usually available in pellet form.
To support their immune system, and maintain their regular digestion, these animals should be given about one cup of chopped vegetables each day. They can eat vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, and spinach, as well as tomatoes, bell peppers, and peas. You can offer small quantities of vitamin C-rich fruits, such as strawberries and orange pieces, throughout the week.
How to Keep Your Teddy Guinea Pig Healthy
Maintaining a healthy teddy guinea pig means that they are kept clean and their bedding changed at least once per week. This means spending time with your pet, playing with them, talking to them, and cleaning their environment. You should also take your pet to the vet once a year for a checkup to identify any health issues so that they can be treated quickly and effectively.
Breeding
If male and female guinea pigs are not separated, it is possible to have many babies. These rodents breed quickly and easily so it is best to keep them in the same environment. Breeding can reduce the quality of life for female teddies and decrease their lifespan. If multiple guinea pigs are living together, it is important that they be the same gender, or spayed or neutered first.
Are Teddy Guinea Pigs suitable for you?
Make a list of everything you need before you buy a teddy. Also, determine how much time everyone has to care for a pet guinea. Before you commit to your financial and emotional future, it is a good idea to visit a friend or pet shop that has a teddy.
Are you convinced that a teddy guinea pig would be a good choice for your family? Are you familiar with these animals or new to them? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
Are teddy guinea pigs uncommon?
If you want to get a Teddy Guinea pig, they are not a difficult breed to find. They can be purchased from pet stores, rescue shelters, and specialty Teddy Guinea pig breeders. Expect to pay between $25 and $30. Certain colors and patterns may be more expensive.
Do Teddy guinea pigs require bathing?
Grooming of Teddy Satin Guinea Pigs Because their hair is naturally short, they don’t need to brush it every day and rarely have matting or tangles. We recommend bathing only when necessary to remove lingering traces of urine or excrement.
Should I play with my guinea pig every day?
Guinea pigs require daily time out of their cage. Daily interaction and attention are essential for a guinea pig’s well-being, whether it is spent stretching their legs and exploring new environments or cuddling in your lap.
Can I keep my guinea pig with me all day?
Because most guinea pigs enjoy spending time with their owners, handling them is enjoyable for everyone. Hand-feeding and petting your guinea pig become important parts of their lives once they get to know you. This means that how much you hold them is entirely up to you, and you can do so as frequently as you like.
Is it necessary for guinea pigs to eat every day?
1/8 cup of pellets once a day, supplemented with hay and fresh vegetables as described below will suffice. Hay, Timothy: Every day, provide an unlimited amount of fresh timothy hay. Guinea pigs require constant access to hay to aid digestion and limit tooth growth.
Will you cuddle with guinea pigs?
There is no denying that guinea pigs are cuddly pets who enjoy cuddling with their owners. But, as with all good things, it takes time and patience. But, believe us when we say, your perseverance will pay off in the end.
Do guinea pigs enjoy kissing?
Do guinea pigs enjoy being kissed? This will ultimately be determined by your relationship with your guinea pigs! Some guinea pigs may be fine with their piggy parents kissing them on the head or cheeks, while others may find this unpleasant.
Do you get kisses from guinea pigs?
Kissing. Despite the fact that most people consider licking to be the animal equivalent of kissing, guinea pigs actually give human-like kisses! They are not nibbling because they do not use their teeth. Instead, they nip you gently and repeatedly with their lips for a split second.
Is it acceptable if your guinea pig licks you?
If your guinea pig begins to lick you, this could be a sign that he or she likes you. It is generally regarded as a very loving gesture. They could be grooming you in the same way they groom one another!
What is the maximum size of a teddy bear guinea pig?
approximately 10 to 12 inches long Size Specifications Teddy guinea pigs are typically 10 to 12 inches long and weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds. Females are typically slightly smaller than males.