The California Guinea pig breed is one of the newly developed guinea pig breeds that remain unrecognized within the guinea pig community. In some countries, people are working to establish a breed standard for how California guinea pigs should look. This shows that they are trying to make California breed an officially recognized breed of guinea pig.

Facts about the California Guinea Pig

Appearance of California Guinea Pigs

 The Guinea Pig California has a distinct physical appearance due to its unique features. The head of California cavies look short and wide, and it has a nice curve that makes it even more charming. The nose is wide, and it has round nostrils, which makes its face look adorable. Their eyes are a noticeable feature that is big, bright, and bold, and they are set at just the right distance from each other. Furthermore, California guinea pigs have big hanging ears with the lower rim parallel to the ground and proper space width between them. This guinea pig has unique physical features that make them look very attractive and charming, which makes them suitable pets for their owners.

California vs Himalayan Guinea Pigs

California guinea pigs and Himalayan guinea pigs may appear similar, but they have distinct appearances. Both share the same smooth hair and dark pigment, but they differ in eye color. Californian guinea pigs have dark eyes, while Himalayans have red eyes. Californian guinea pigs offer a broader range of point colors, including black, chocolate, purple, and beige. They can resemble Himalayan guinea pigs but with less pronounced points. While eye color is often thought to be the key difference, California guinea pigs can also have red eyes, showcasing their genetic diversity.

Physical Characteristic:

The California guinea have special markings on their face, ears, and feet, which should be a defining and distinctive feature, very clear from their body color. They have a clear oval mark, called “smut,” between their eyes, but it’s not above them. The Smut should be in black or rich milk chocolate color. This unique appearance makes them attractive and suitable pet for them who want to adopt California Guinea as pet.

The California Pigs Cost?

A California Pig can cost between $25 and $35, but prices can vary, reaching up to $50 depending on demand. The demand for this breed is lower than for other breeds because it is a newly unrecognized breed. Choose a well-known breeder to select your California Guinea pig. Avoid general pet shops, as accurately assessing the health of these animals can be challenging.

Size Information of California Cavies

The size of Guinea pig California is almost the same as that of other Guinea Pig breeds. Males are larger than females. California cavies have short legs, and the fur on their feet should be very dark black or rich milk chocolate. It should have clear and sharp edges, with the color extending up the legs a bit past the hock joint. It should also cover the nails and pads of the feet. They measure about eight to ten inches in length. These are easy pets for children to hold in their laps or for adults to carry. Many owners report that California pigs have slightly shorter bodies than other breeds.

California Guinea Pig Diet

The California Guinea Pig Diet is a well balanced and nutritious diet specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of guinea pigs. You can get complete guide about guinea Pigs diet including California Guinea Pig in food & diet section where complete guide is available for your covey. It typically includes:

1. Hay: High quality grass hay, such as timothy hay or orchard grass hay, should be the main component of a guinea pig’s diet. Hay provides essential fiber for their digestive health.
2. Fresh Vegetables: Guinea pigs should receive a variety of fresh vegetables daily. Some excellent options include leafy greens (like kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce), bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro. Avoid feeding them iceberg lettuce, as it lacks nutritional value.
3. Pellets: Commercial guinea pig pellets can be given in moderation. Look for pellets specifically formulated for guinea pigs, not generic rodent pellets. Ensure they are fresh and do not contain any additives or fillers.
4. Fruits : You can occasionally offer small portions of fruits like apples, strawberries, or melon as treats. These should be considered as occasional treats due to their sugar content.
5. Fresh Water: Access to clean, fresh water is crucial. Ensure your guinea pig has a water bottle or dish that is replenished daily.
6. Vitamin C: Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and need it in their diet. Fresh vegetables, particularly bell peppers, provide a good source of vitamin C. Some guinea pig pellets are also fortified with vitamin C.

Remember to introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset, and always monitor your guinea pig’s weight and overall health. Providing a balanced and varied diet is key to keeping your California guinea pig healthy and happy.

California Guinea Pig Care Guide

You can take care of your California Pig by following these points:

• Provide them a spacious and well-ventilated cage.
• Use safe bedding material like hay, straw, or paper-based bedding.
• Offer them a balanced diet.
• Regularly check to veterinary.
• Brush your pig fur daily.
• Allow your guinea pig to exercise outside of its cage.
• Keep your guinea pigs environment at a comfortable temperature.
• Clean the cage regularly.

Health Problems in California Breed

This guinea breed is a very sensitive pet so they have many health issues due to their unique appearance Guinea pigs are generally hardy and low-maintenance pets, but they can still experience health issues. Common problems for guinea pigs include respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, scurvy (due to vitamin C deficiency), urinary problems and skin infections. Providing a suitable environment and regular veterinary care can help prevent and address these issues.

 California Pig Breeding

The pregnancy duration for California Guinea pig is 59-72 days, and they typically give birth to litters of 2-5 pups on average just like other Guinea Pig breeds. Female Guinea Pig breed can be mature as the age of 1-2 months till his birth.

California Guinea Pig Pictures

FAQs

What is a California Guinea Pig?

A California Guinea Pig is a specific breed of guinea pig known for its distinct black or chocolate-colored face, ears, and feet, with a contrasting white or cream-colored body.

How much do California Guinea Pigs cost?

California Guinea Pig prices typically range from $25 to $50, depending on factors such as demand and the reputation of the breeder.

How big do they grow?

California Guinea Pigs are of moderate size, typically measuring about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in length.

What do they eat?

California Guinea Pigs require a balanced diet consisting of fresh hay, high-quality guinea pig pellets, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Vitamin C-rich foods are essential for their health.

Do they require any special care in terms of temperature?

Yes, they are sensitive to extreme temperatures. It’s crucial to keep them in a comfortable environment, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and protect them from drafts and extreme heat.