How did the Baldwin guinea pig get its hair?
The Baldwin guinea pig was discovered by Carol Miller, a breeder in California, the result of a spontaneous, recessive mutation in her White Crested guinea pigs. Because this is a recessive gene, if a Baldwin is bred with any other guinea pig, including hairless varieties other than Baldwins, the progeny will have hair.
How does a hairless guinea pig become hairless?
In order to be hairless, they must get the recessive gene resulting in the Baldwin type of hairlessness from each parent. If you breed two Baldwins, all of their babies will be Baldwins.
Why does my guinea pig hide all the time?
Also, some guinea pigs have a shy personalty and hide more than other guinea pigs, which is totally okay. However, if you notice that your guinea pig is hiding a lot more than usual, this may be a sign that your piggy is stressed about something!
What should I do if my guinea pig has hair loss?
Normally, spaying a guinea pig is the recommended course of action. However, not all seniors are ideal surgical patients – and, of course, seniors are usually the ones with this issue. Talk to your exotic vet about alternative treatments and how to monitor your ladypig if surgery isn’t a good option for her.
Is it normal for my guinea pig to shed a lot of hair?
Guinea pigs usually have a lot of hair, and this sheds and regrows just as human hair does. During the springtime, you may notice that your guinea pig is shedding a lot more than usual. This is normal, as your guinea pig is getting rid of spare fur in order to remain nice and cool in the summer.
Why does my guinea pig bald spots?
If your guinea pig has bald spots, then this could be due to mange mites or a fungal infection , both of which are easily treatable with a special shampoo. Many owners assume that guinea pigs lose their hair as they get older, but this isn’t true.
Is a guinea pig born with fur?
Yes-a baby guinea pig, or a pup, is born with fur. In fact, baby guinea pigs are precocial, so they even have all their teeth and know how to walk from the moment they’re born. The sow usually gives birth to a maximum of 4 pups in one litter, and they will weigh about 110 grams at birth.
What is a Baldwin guinea pig?
Baldwin guinea pig. The Baldwin guinea pig is a breed developed from a spontaneous genetic mutation in Carol Miller’s show-line of white crested golden agouti. Though born fully furred, Baldwin guinea pigs begin to lose their fur at two to five days of age, starting at the nose and leaving them almost entirely hairless by about two months of age.