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antipodi
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Joined: 25 Jan 2006
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Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:24 am
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 SkinnyPigs History and care sheet
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SkinnyPigs History and care sheet
Origin of Skinny Pigs
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Skinny Pigs came from several labs in Canada. Charles River's Lab in
Canada first introduced skinny pigs in 1982. They were a natural spontaneous mutation that was discovered in a colony of Hartley outbred guinea pigs in 1978. Charles Rivers had acquired them in 1982. They were then released to guinea pig breeders and etc. Skinnies came out as a natural spontaneous mutation, and have been crossed to haired guinea pigs to improve the breed.
Charles Rivers Lab(CRL) bred red eyed white(REW) Skinny's. Over time, cross-breeding with regular haired pigs have resulted in many different patterns and colors such as, rainbow, broken, TSW, and Himalayan varieties.
They have been outcrossed to hardy haired guinea pigs for many generations by reputable breeders to bring hardiness to them. They are not a weak sickly breed as some people are led to believe. Those that have had weak sickly skinny pigs probably have not acquired a strong healthy line. They may also have been inbreeding too much and not breeding back to haired/carriers.
There has been many myths about the skinny pigs in the past. They are just as healthy as regular haired guinea pigs with regular immune systems. They are bred to improve the quality of this unique breed by many reputable breeders.
Care:
Location:
Hairless guinea pigs should defiantly be housed INDOORS! They may however be outdoors occasionally if weather permits. You should provide adequate shelter at all times. Your guinea pig/pigs should not be in direct sunlight or even left in a parked hot car where the temperatures can rise to extreme measures. Keep their cage away from any drafts and direct sunlight. Although, guinea pigs need 12-14 hours of light daily, you may provide artificial light if necessary. Make sure to keep your pigs in a calm area with some family activity going on, but away from any loud speakers and TV or any loud noises where they are easily frightened and can be stressed.
Temperature:
The temperature should range from 65 to 75 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C). Anything 85 degrees F (29.4 C) over your guinea pig may likely die from heat stroke. Avoid high humidity always.
For Information on Cages and feeding and skin care see general Cavy Care sheet
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Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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