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General Information
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Common Name: Mixed Breed Guinea Pig
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Scientific Name: Cavia porcellus (domesticated guinea pig species)
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Origin: Result of crossbreeding between different recognized guinea pig breeds (e.g., American × Abyssinian, Peruvian × Silkie, etc.)
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Recognition: Not a standardized breed by cavy associations (like ACBA or ARBA), but very common as pets and rescues
🔹 Physical Description
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Size: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
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Weight: 700–1,200 g (1.5–2.6 lbs), though larger mixes can reach up to 1.5 kg
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Coat: Highly variable depending on parent breeds:
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Short and smooth (like American)
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Rosetted and coarse (like Abyssinian)
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Long and flowing (like Peruvian or Silkie)
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Mixed coats (medium-length, wavy, or uneven growth)
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Colors & Patterns: Any possible—solid, bicolor, tricolor, agouti, roan, brindle, or spotted
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Lifespan: 5–7 years on average; some live up to 8–9 years with excellent care
🔹 Behavior & Lifestyle
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Personality: Just as friendly, vocal, and social as purebred guinea pigs
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Social Needs: Thrive in pairs or herds—should never be housed alone
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Temperament: Varies by individual but generally affectionate, curious, and easy to tame
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Grooming Needs: Depends on coat type
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Short coat: low maintenance
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Long coat: requires regular brushing to prevent tangles
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Communication: Use the same wide range of sounds—wheeks, purrs, rumbles, and chirps
🔹 Diet
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Type: Strict herbivores (same as all guinea pigs)
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Staple Diet:
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Unlimited hay (timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay)
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Fresh vegetables daily (leafy greens, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, etc.)
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Guinea pig pellets fortified with Vitamin C
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Vitamin C Needs: Essential (20–30 mg daily); without it, they can develop scurvy
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Treats: Small pieces of fruit (apple, orange, kiwi, strawberry) in moderation
🔹 Reproduction
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Maturity: 2–3 months old
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Gestation Period: 59–72 days
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Litter Size: 2–4 pups on average
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Young: Born fully furred, eyes open, and able to eat solid food almost immediately
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Note: Breeding mixed breeds is discouraged unless carefully planned—rescues are often full of unwanted guinea pigs
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