I wonder if you are familiar with the word "tortoiseshell"? Originally it refers to an animal of the turtle family, but later it was extended to a color, so it was named tortoiseshell cat, tortoiseshell guinea pig, etc. This article introduces you to one of them: the tortoiseshell guinea pig.
The tortoise-shell guinea pig is also known as the Dutch rat and the guinea pig. It is native to the country. in South America. Some people think it looks like a pig, so it is called a guinea pig. After observation by the editor, I found that it can indeed eat and sleep like a pig, which is very appropriate for its name! As an experienced tortoiseshell guinea pig breeder, the editor has a deep understanding of it and has compiled four selection tips for everyone’s purchase needs.
1. Wait and see the coat color
Since it is called "tortoiseshell", we must first look at the coat color of tortoiseshell guinea pigs when purchasing:
1. The hair of the hawksbill guinea pig is mainly yellow and black, and may also be mixed with white hair;
2. The facial hair style of the hawksbill guinea pig is variable, usually consisting of 2-3 types of body hair Color composition;
3. The hair around the eyes of tortoise-shell guinea pigs is generally black, which looks like a "mid-parted hairstyle";
4. The limbs of tortoise-shell guinea pigs also have thin hair. cover.
There is no fixed "style" for tortoiseshell guinea pigs. Each hair texture has its own advantages and disadvantages. You should base your selection on your own aesthetics.
2. Look at the appearance
After selecting your favorite "style", we need to look at the appearance of the tortoiseshell guinea pig.
1. The body length of the hawksbill guinea pig is 22~34cm, and the weight is about 400~700g;
2. The body of the hawksbill guinea pig is short and thick, and the whole body is very round;
3. The tortoise-shell guinea pig has a big head and round ears, and its dark eyes are wide and clear;
4. The snout and nose of the tortoise-shell guinea pig are pink, and the upper lip is split;
5. The hawksbill guinea pig has short limbs, with 4 toes on the front feet and 3 toes on the hind feet;
6. The hawksbill guinea pig has no outer tail.
After observing the above-mentioned "coat color" and "appearance", you must have found a tortoiseshell guinea pig that suits your aesthetics. But this is not enough. An excellent tortoiseshell guinea pig must be "both internal and external", so next it is necessary to gain insight into its character and examine its health.
3. Insight into personality
Tortoiseshell guinea pigs are greedy and sleepy, and are easily satisfied, but occasionally they are timid and overreact. The lazy breeds are usually quieter and easier to raise; the lively and sensitive breeds will sometimes make "squeaking" sounds and sometimes crawl and roll around in the cage. In short, they are quite lively and can relieve the boredom of the poop collector. As for what kind of tortoiseshell guinea pig to choose, it all depends on the owner's preference.
4. Examine the physique
It is crucial to choose a healthy tortoiseshell guinea pig so that it can stay with us longer. When choosing, How to identify it specifically?
1. The body of the hawksbill guinea pig is relatively strong, so do not choose the thin and petite ones;
2. The hair of the hawksbill guinea pig is soft and shiny, do not choose the rough and dull ones;
3. The hawksbill guinea pig’s cry is loud and sharp, do not choose the one that is turbid and deep;
In addition, we should pay attention to whether the gait of the hawksbill guinea pig is normal and whether there are any bites on the skin. Traces, etc., check from top to bottom, don't be careless.
Having mastered these selection skills, are you still worried about not being able to buy high-quality tortoiseshell guinea pigs? Action is worse than excitement, go and choose~
