Himalayan Guinea Pig Care Guide

An albino variant of the Himalayan Guinea Pig exists. When it is born, the tiny creature has red eyes and white fur.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs get dark around their eyes, feet, and noses as they get older. They’re known as “points.” Siamese cats have a similar sensation.

The Himalayan Guinea Pig has a striking appearance because of its distinctive traits. For many people, this is one of the most alluring aspects of having a guinea pig.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs Like to Socialize with People

Guinea pigs are naturally packed animals, as they wander in herds and tend to stay close together. It is because of this that Himalayan Guinea Pigs are naturally drawn to other guinea pigs and human beings. So, they’re great companions. They are sociable when they are relaxed.

It is best if Himalayan Guinea Pigs are kept with parents or older children who can be patient and kind to them. They are quite sensitive, but they are also peaceful and friendly.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs Are Albino and Must Avoid Sun Exposure

It is important to keep Himalayan Guinea Pigs out of direct sunshine, just like any albino creature, human or animal. Sunburn, eye damage, and general pain will result from this….

A Himalayan Guinea Pig’s points will bleach and fade if exposed to too much sunshine.

When the Himalayan Guinea Pig begins to lose its points, it’s an indication that something is terribly wrong with the animal.

The elderly are an exception to this rule. Slowly, the spots fade away with time.

The Himalayan Guinea Pig should not be exposed to too much sunlight. Keep their cage in an area that isn’t completely out in the open.

If you give Himalayan Guinea Pigs the greatest possible care, they can live up to seven years. As with any other type of pet, these adorable Guinea pigs are prone to a variety of health issues.

Where Do Himalayan Guinea Pigs Come From?

As the name suggests, these guinea pigs hail from the Himalayan mountains. In contrast, the Himalayan guinea pig is not native to the Himalayas.

There are some physical similarities between the Himalayan Guinea Pig and the Siamese Cat, which originated in Thailand.

The introduction of Himalayan guinea pigs to Europe dates back centuries. From there, they traveled to the United States and Canada.

It didn’t take long for these Albino Guinea pigs to become popular due to the combination of their unique appearance and affectionate personality.

How Do Himalayan Guinea Pigs Express They Are Scared Or Happy?

Himalayan Guinea Pigs have a wide range of facial expressions that may be quite amusing to watch.

During a territorial dispute, they would click their teeth as a warning to other animals. They may squeak in anxiety or mutter angrily when they are terrified.

It’s impossible not to smile when you encounter a Himalayan Guinea Pig. When they’re ecstatic, they’ll make whistling squeaks known as ‘wheeks’.

This is especially true around the time of the treat. ‘Popcorning’ is the term used to describe a Himalayan Guinea Pig’s joyous antics.

If you pay attention, they’ll tell you what they’re thinking and feeling. Provide a safe and secure environment for your Himalayan Guinea Pig at all times.

A Himalayan Guinea Pig Will Need A Spacious And Secure Cage

The material, the square footage, and the spacing of the bars are all elements to keep in mind while purchasing a Himalayan Guinea Pig cage.

guinea pigs are known for their fondness for chewing. Bite marks and wear will occur if the cage is not strong enough to withstand this. Instead, choose a cage made of durable plastic or, even better, a metal that is impervious to bites.

Of the various options here, metal cages, unsurprisingly, are the most durable.

In addition to that, guinea pigs love to live in a large, well-ventilated cages. In nature, they are used to moving freely. A Himalayan Guinea Pig cage should have at least 7.5 square feet of space. A minimum of 10.5 square feet is recommended.

Finally, locate a cage with tightly spaced bars. Guinea pigs are prone to getting their paws, feet, and even their snouts trapped if they’re not careful.

If the bars are too wide, they may be able to get out on their own.

It is important to note that being gregarious pack animals, Guinea Pigs enjoy spending time with their owners, as long as the room isn’t too noisy.

Cats and dogs can be too rambunctious or violent, so put the cage somewhere high up where they can’t get to it.

Should The Himalayan Guinea Pig Have Companions In Their Cage?

Humans and other guinea pigs like the company of Himalayan Guinea Pigs. They, in fact, like to be around others.

Because in the wild they are herd animals, you’ll notice that guinea pigs travel in groups. Despite being tamed, the guinea pig’s social instinct has persisted.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs can be observed grooming, cuddling, and playing with one another when they are coupled up successfully. A Himalayan Guinea Pig will almost surely be lonely in a cage on its own.

A pair of Himalayan Guinea Pigs is the most common way to purchase the animals. The greatest method to make sure kids get along is to get to know each other from the start.

To avoid this, make sure that your Guinea Pig doesn’t regard the new arrival as a threat.

You can also get along better with your Himalayan Guinea Pigs if you purchase one that is a little older or one that is a little younger. Thus, a system of command can be established.

You’ll need Himalayan Guinea Pig pairs of the same sex. To avoid the problem from getting worse, you must be prepared to deal with it effectively.

In addition, if the procedure is not followed correctly, pregnancies in guinea pigs might go catastrophically wrong.

Give Your Guinea Pig A Small House Inside The Cage

Having a large cage is ideal for the Himalayan Guinea Pig, but it also needs a secluded spot to sleep and hide at night. This necessitates the usage of a guinea pig cage.

It’s possible to buy or build your own guinea pig house, which is a small enclosure for a pet pig. Both sorts have their advantages and disadvantages.

Because they are created from recyclable materials, homemade guinea pig houses are less expensive.

However, store-bought dwellings are more sturdy and resistant to chewing than their homemade counterparts.

In addition, there are a lot of adorable designs to choose from. It all relies on your particular preferences and your budget.

Your Himalayan Guinea Pig isn’t fussy; all they want is their own little patch of land to roam in.

This will make them feel more secure when they are nervous.

Bedding Is A Necessity For Himalayan Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs in the wild are used to living in burrows. Leaves and other natural waste are used to fill these containers. This is primarily a source of warmth and comfort.

The bedding in a cage serves two purposes: to replicate a natural den habitat and to keep the animal clean.

Quality bedding, on the other hand, is capable of absorbing both odor and fluids. There are a select few varieties that excel in this capacity.

Aspen Wood shavings are one of the top Guinea Pig bedding materials

It is possible to use wood shavings as excellent hamster bedding. Aspen wood is very pliable and splinter-free compared to other types of wood. Other types of wood are too rough to be used as bedding.

Cedar and pine can also provide a health risk when used as bedding. When urine comes into contact with these types of wood, they generate a noxious odor.

This defeats the purpose of bedding, which is to absorb urine and other bodily fluids.

Aspen wood shavings, on the other hand, emit no odors. Aspen wood shavings, on the other hand, are excellent in removing odors.

For our guinea pigs, we use this bedding. You may buy it on Amazon under the name “Carefresh.”

Be sure to buy aspen wood shavings from a pet store or online that are specifically for pets. Those that come from a lumberyard or other source that hasn’t been sanitized are likely to have bugs, mites, and the like.

The best choice is a bag of aspen wood shavings of somewhat high quality. Dusty is a common complaint about lower-end products.

Bedding made from aspen wood shavings is one of the cheapest options for Himalayan Guinea Pigs on the market today.

It’s also surprisingly effective, given how little it costs.

Paper is the most popular Himalayan Guinea Pig bedding material 

the Himalayan Guinea Pig You can buy paper bedding at the market or make it yourself at home. Paper pellets and other eco-friendly bedding options can be found at your local retailer. You may make your own paper Himalayan Guinea Pig bedding at home with particular types of paper.

Blank white computer paper or brown paper bags work well for this project. A chew-happy guinea pig is at risk of ingesting newspaper ink, which is harmful, so it is best to avoid this.

The same goes for a paper that has been marked with a permanent marker pen or any other type of ink.

It’s that simple to make Himalayan Guinea Pig bedding out of clean white paper and/or brown paper bags that have been shredded or shredded into little pieces.

Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C But Don’t Produce It Naturally

Himalayan Guinea Pigs, like all guinea pigs, are unable to produce vitamin C on their own. For most living things, vitamin C is essential to their health and longevity.

A lack of vitamin C in the diet can lead to a variety of health problems, including the more serious scurvy.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs rely heavily on their diet to meet their vitamin C needs. They rely on vegetables and fruits for this purpose.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs require a specific daily dietary allowance of fresh food.

They can also take a daily serving of vitamin C-fortified pellets in addition to this.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs Should Always Have Access To Hay

For the Himalayan Guinea Pig, hay serves two important functions: fiber and a way to keep their teeth in order by chewing on it.

In other words, the teeth of the guinea pig continue to grow as long as they are alive. Guinea pigs have the ability to file their teeth down if they have access to hay at all times.

It is the fiber in the hay that helps the Himalayan Guinea Pig digest its food more efficiently. Vitamin C and fiber are the two most important nutrients for guinea pigs.

Fresh, mold-free hay is essential for Himalayan Guinea Pigs every day.

Vegetables are healthy for Himalayan Guinea Pigs in a few ways

Himalayan Guinea Pigs need vitamin C, which can be found in vegetables.

Fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are also found in vegetables. Guinea pig kidneys benefit greatly from the high water content of vegetables, fruits, and greens.

As an added bonus, Himalayan Guinea Pigs love to chew on crisp veggies, which help to grind down their food more effectively.

Every day, a Himalayan Guinea Pig needs about a cup of fresh vegetables.

You may get a lot of Vitamin C from bell peppers.

Various bell peppers can be enjoyed by your Himalayan Guinea Pig! Vitamin C and other nutrients may be found in every color, so give them a taste of all of them.

Bell peppers, in particular, are an excellent source of vitamin C for Himalayan Guinea Pigs.

Bell peppers, in contrast to many other vegetables and fruits, contain extremely little sugar. As a result, your guinea pig may need to eat more than usual.

Bell pepper slices can be given to the Himalayan Guinea Pig as often as once a day.

Carrots are nice and crunchy

For Himalayan Guinea Pigs, the crunch of carrots is irresistible because of the high altitude they inhabit. They utilize it to help grind their teeth down, which is a good thing.

Vitamin A is also found in carrots, making them a good source of nutrients. Because of this, they’re a good supplement for the Himalayan Guinea Pig.

Your Himalayan Guinea Pig may also be getting too much vitamin A from carrots because of this. Carrots, on the other hand, have a higher sugar content than most other vegetables.

Carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables for Himalayan Guinea Pigs when fed in moderation (a few thin slices at a time).

A guinea pig’s health can be jeopardized if they are given too much of these substances. Portion control is critical once more.

Romaine Lettuce Is a Fiber-Rich and Nutrient-Dense Option.

Romaine lettuce is far better for Himalayan Guinea Pigs’ health than iceberg lettuce, which they should avoid at all costs.

Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber are all found in romaine lettuce, which is also a good source of these nutrients. As a result, it’s a great addition to the diet of Himalayan Guinea Pigs.

Give your guinea pig a variety of leafy greens and reds, all of which are deeper in color.

Lentils can be consumed by Himalayan Guinea Pigs daily.

Cucumber, cabbage, and broccoli are also safe for Himalayan Guinea Pigs to eat. It’s important to give the vegetables in little, guinea pig-sized amounts.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs can have fruit as a treat occasionally

It’s great to give Himalayan Guinea Pigs fruit as a treat! Fruit is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and numerous other nutrients that children adore.

Fruit, on the other hand, is considered a dessert because of its high sugar content. Himalayan Guinea Pigs eat mostly fiber and very little carbohydrate or sugar.

The reason for this is that their bodies aren’t built to handle a lot of sugar in their diet. As a result, portion control is critical while feeding fruit to Himalayan Guinea Pigs.

A few pieces of fruit, around the size of a guinea pig, a few times a week is great.

Guinea pigs may consume more or less sugar depending on the type of fruit they are eating. Some are also richer or poorer in nutrients.

Listed below are some of the healthiest and most useful fruits for your Himalayan Guinea Pig.

Vitamin C-rich strawberries are a great source of the mineral.

Strawberries are a favorite food of Himalayan Guinea Pigs. Because these fruits are so excellent for them, it’s fortunate that they may be consumed in moderation. Small slices of strawberries can be fed to an animal roughly twice a week.

Because of the fruit’s high concentration of vitamin C, strawberries are particularly beneficial food for Himalayan Guinea Pigs. Other vitamins and minerals are also found in strawberries, as well as a significant amount of fiber.

Because guinea pigs eat so much of this sugary fruit, it should come as no surprise. Because of this, making sure your Himalayan Guinea Pig has a safe amount of strawberry slices to eat is critical.

Fiber and antioxidants abound in apples, so they’re a healthy snack option.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs, like people, can benefit from the adage “an apple a day.” Apples are a good source of fiber and a good source of vitamins. In comparison to other fruits, they have low sugar content.

It’s important to remember that apple seeds are harmful. Cyanide is the main ingredient. Small quantities of these seeds have a negligible effect on human health.

Because Himalayan guinea pigs are so small, the dose is substantially larger and will, therefore, have a negative impact on their health.

Remove the seeds and/or core of the apple before providing a small piece to your Himalayan Guinea Pig to help prevent this.

Three times a week, Himalayan Guinea Pigs can have a little piece of apple.

Antioxidants are in abundance in blueberries.

Blueberries are a safe bet when it comes to feeding your Himalayan Guinea Pigs. The bright hue of the fruit reflects its high antioxidant content, which is beneficial to both people and guinea pigs.

Blueberries are also high in fiber, as well as hydrating, and juicy, making them an excellent addition to any diet. Your Himalayan Guinea Pig will quickly become a favorite of your family.

Feed your Himalayan Guinea Pig pellets supplementally

Himalayan Guinea Pigs benefit greatly from pellets. They are designed to suit the nutritional requirements of guinea pigs, as well as to present a challenge for them to chew.

Of course, good-quality guinea pig pellets are required for optimal nutrient absorption. Keep a lookout for fillers when purchasing pellets, as with other pet diets, and steer clear of them.

Each day, a small portion of pellets can be given to Himalayan Guinea Pigs. It’s important to pay attention to the serving size on the package, as it can vary.

Give Your Himalayan Guinea Pig Water In A Bottle

Providing Himalayan Guinea Pigs with bowls of water will never be sufficient. These rambunctious creatures run and burrow, and it’s almost a given that they’ll pollute your water. Water bowl bedding, in particular, is prone to become damp and unhygienic.

Your Himalayan Guinea Pig should instead have access to a water container. This will avoid any spills. The steel-spout and ball-shaped water bottle is an excellent choice.

The water should be changed every day or two, and you should inspect the spout often to make sure the ball has not become lodged in it.

Foods that are poisonous to the Himalayan Guinea Pig

There are several obvious guinea pig harmful foods, such as fast food, chocolate, and candy.

Most animals, including Himalayan Guinea Pigs, are poisoned by onions and garlic. Anaphylactic shock and respiratory failure have been observed in guinea pigs fed on these meals. Clearly, they must be kept far away.

Potatoes and all of the potato plant’s components are poisonous, however, they are less well-known. Beans and all bean plant parts are the same.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs are poisoned by tomato plants, but not by the fruit, which is safe. Guinea pigs are poisoned by chemicals found in avocado peeling.

guinea pigs cannot adequately digest the hulls of corn because they are so heavy in starch and difficult to break down.

Let Your Himalayan Guinea Pig Explore Safely

Guinea pigs naturally forage and graze throughout the day, so they’ll want to remain relatively active during their confinement. The first step is to get a large cage.

As a second point, provide your Himalayan Guinea Pig some freedom to roam. There is no restriction on how many times they can exit their cage each day or week.

Guinea pig-proof your home or business.

Make sure the area is safe before releasing your Himalayan Guinea Pig. This includes covering any holes they could get into, putting away electrical cables they could chew, and putting potted plants on a shelf or in a container.

Otherwise, your guinea pig could be injured or become disoriented in the house if one of these things happens.

Keep your Himalayan Guinea Pig indoors if the weather is too hot or too cold for them to play outside. They can overheat on hot days, and become uncomfortable on cold ones if they live in the Himalayas.

Make sure that the weather is mild to warm and gloomy so that you can enjoy your Himalayan Guinea Pig experience.

Before allowing your Himalayan Guinea Pig to roam free in the great outdoors, make sure they are safe from any potential dangers they might encounter. Do not allow them to eat any plants in the garden that may be harmful to them if eaten in large quantities.

While they’re out and about, make sure to keep an eye on your guinea pig to make sure they don’t get into any trouble.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs Need Things Especially To Chew

Chewing on things other than food is important for Himalayan Guinea Pigs’ dental health. At the pet store, you’ll find a wide variety of toys for this purpose. Toxin-free aspen wood sticks, blocks, and other products are available.

In addition to preventing your Himalayan Guinea Pig from nibbling on other objects, providing them with a chew toy will also help you.

Use Ramps For Your Guinea Pig Instead Of An Exercise Wheel 

Small rodents, such as rats, hamsters, and the like, can benefit from the right exercise wheel. However, guinea pigs don’t have the same range of motion as dogs. As a result, their backs don’t bend as much when they’re running on the wheel.

The strain will eventually lead to an injury.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs still require a lot of activity. This is one of the main reasons why a large cage is so critical. In addition, you may want to integrate ramps in the cage in order to maximize the available space.

Make certain that your Himalayan Guinea Pig can easily navigate these ramps. In the event of an inadvertent fall, keep them low enough so that your guinea pig won’t injure itself.

How To Breed Himalayan Guinea Pigs

It doesn’t take long for a guinea pig pair to give birth to a litter. Depending on your level of preparation, this may or may not be a good thing.

First and foremost, guinea pigs are difficult to house. Make sure they have a place to go before you start breeding them.

Next, be aware that female guinea pigs have a very limited window of time in which they can safely mate. This is typically between the ages of 1 and 5 months.

It is safe to say that after roughly 6-8 months of age, female guinea pigs can no longer breed.

Female guinea pigs are unable to reproduce after the age of six to eight months, but they can still become pregnant. If this happens, a hazardous and painful c-section is inevitable.

Males and females must be separated in order to avoid undesired pregnancies.

Let your vet know if you plan to breed your Himalayan Guinea Pigs. Make sure your guinea pigs are of the correct age and are in good health before you get them.

There is evidence to suggest that breeding can shorten the lifetime of female guinea pigs.

Himalayan Guinea Pig Piglets Care

Guinea pigs are born with teeth and can run and play within a short period of time. Additionally, they will be able to swiftly consume adult-style food in addition to nursing.

They are easier to care for than some other newborn animals because of these factors. The main dangers are improper parenting (which isn’t often, thankfully) or disease.

Check on the piglets to make sure they have not been neglected and are in good condition.

Final Words

The Himalayan Guinea Pig has a lot going for it, as you can see. With the exception of small or unruly children, the exotic guinea pig breed can be a wonderful pet for everyone.

The Himalayan Guinea Pig, on the other hand, is more than happy to become friends with both humans and other guinea pigs in the correct circumstances.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs are a popular choice for pet owners since they are incredibly lovable and cuddly.

In exchange for their lovely company, provide your Himalayan Guinea Pig with the high-quality life they deserve.