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The Silkie guinea pig is a long-haired breed known for being gentle and calm. Due to their long, soft hair, they’re one of the most elegant-looking cavies, but it also makes them one of the most high-maintenance. So, let’s take a closer look at this stunning guinea pig and everything that goes into their care.
| Size: | 8–16” (average) |
| Weight: | 1–3 lbs. |
| Lifespan: | 5–7 years |
| Similar Breeds: | Coronet, Peruvian, Texel |
| Suitable for: | Families with small children, adults with time for high-maintenance grooming needs |
| Temperament: | Gentle, easygoing, sociable |
The Silkie can be traced back to the 1970s and is the result of crossing a long-haired Peruvian with an American. Their hair can reach 24 inches in length, which requires a lot of time and attention. So, while they’re still good for children, they require an adult to be in charge of their general care. On average, they live to be 5 to 7 years old, but they have been known to live for up to 8 years.
Silkie Guinea Pig Characteristics
How Much Do Silkie Guinea Pigs Cost?
Finding a Silkie can be tricky, even though they are a popular breed. It’s best to check local shelters because sometimes, people will take one on without realizing how high maintenance they are. If you can’t find one to adopt, try to locate a reputable breeder in your area. They should be open to answering any questions that you have, like what size cages they use and how often they clean out the enclosrues.
Silkie guinea pigs are affordable pets, but their adoption fees are only one part of the cost. You must also factor in your start-up expenses, from setting up the cage to buying food and grooming supplies.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Silkie Guinea Pig
Silkie guinea pigs are known for being gentle and calm and don’t generally bite unless there’s an excellent reason to do so; they prefer to flee than stand and fight.
Although guinea pigs aren’t as smart as cats or dogs, they are still clever! They can learn to recognize their names and even be taught to perform tricks. They can also learn how to use a litter box, which is excellent news for you.
Do Silkie Guinea Pigs Make Good Pets?
Silkies make fantastic pets due to their gentle natures, but they are high-maintenance animals and require dedicated owners to meet all their grooming needs. Although some think that grooming is a chore, it can be an excellent way to bond with your Silkie.
Do Silkie Guinea Pigs Get Along With Other Pets?
Silkie guinea pigs are incredibly social, so keeping them in a pair or small group is beneficial. However, if you can only keep one, ensure that you have a lot of spare time to interact with your Silkie so they don’t get lonely. Other compatible breeds include the Teddy, American, Texel, and Peruvian guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs move fast, which can make your cat or dog’s instinct to chase kick in. Bigger pets can also accidentally step on your small pet and harm them. It’s best to keep your Silkie separate from different species, including rabbits, which can carry diseases like Bordetella, and this can be fatal to your guinea pig.
Things to Know When Owning a Silkie Guinea Pig
It’s always a good idea to find out everything you possibly can before bringing a new pet into your family. This way, you can make the best decision and be prepared for your new family member. If this is your first experience with a guinea pig, you’ll need to know about their care to ensure that they are safe, happy, and healthy. Of course, you already know that their grooming needs are greater than those of the average guinea pig, but let’s take a closer look at what exactly they require.
Food & Diet Requirements
All guinea pigs need a constant supply of hay and pellets and a daily cup of fruits and vegetables to get the other nutrients that they need, such as calcium and vitamin C. Your Silkie’s needs will differ depending on their age, as younger piggies need more vitamin C than older ones.
Avoid food that contains artificial colors or flavors, and always supply fresh, clean water and change it daily. It is best to keep their water clean and their cage dry by using a non-drip water bottle instead of a bowl.
Habitat & Enclosure Requirements
The Humane Society recommends that guinea pigs have at least 7.5 square feet of space, but the more you can provide, the better! The sides should be at least 12 inches high, and the top can be uncovered.
- Guinea pigs can become bored in small spaces and depressed without adequate stimulation.
- Your Silkie has room to move and exercise will benefit their health.
- A larger space is easier to clean because there is no waste in the area where your guinea pig likes to play.
The bedding that you choose is also incredibly important. You want something absorbent and soft that will also mask odors. There are a few options, like fleece blankets, paper-based bedding, and aspen wood shavings. Avoid cedar and pine shavings since these contain unsuitable chemicals that can irritate your guinea pig’s feet and respiratory system, particularly when soiled.
The location that you choose for their enclosure is also crucial for their well-being, so let’s look at everything that you need to consider.
- Choose somewhere safe: Keep your guinea pig’s cage away from other pets or where children can get to it unsupervised.
- Keep them indoors: Being outside robs your pet of precious family interaction, and it’s also trickier to control the temperature. The ideal temperature for guinea pigs is 65–75°. Keep them out of direct sunlight or heat sources; these animals can’t sweat, so they are at risk of heat stroke. They also don’t do well in chilly areas like garages.
- Be aware of noise levels: Guinea pigs have sensitive hearing, so make sure their home isn’t next to televisions or stereos.
Exercise & Sleeping Needs
Regular exercise is essential for your Silkie. If you take them outside for exercise, they should always be supervised to ensure that they don’t injure themselves, stumble upon a predator, or eat something that they shouldn’t. They will get plenty of exercise if they have a large enclosure, but you should still take them out for interaction and bonding time. You can even teach them tricks if you have the patience and time.
Exercise will lower the risk of your guinea pig developing a medical condition like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, anal impaction, and bumblefoot. This will save your Silkie from pain and suffering, a shortened life, and a hefty vet bill.
Don’t add an exercise wheel to your guinea pig’s enclosure, as they can hurt themselves on it. Instead, add one hideaway per guinea pig. They might sleep in these hideaways or use them to hide if they are feeling scared or startled. A guinea pig’s sleeping pattern is unpredictable, but they usually rest for 4 to 6 hours a day.
Training
Guinea pigs aren’t the most trainable pets that you can get, but it might surprise you to find out that they can still be trained. You can teach your Silkie basic commands using positive reinforcement. It’s an excellent bonding experience and keeps them from getting bored. You can amaze your friends by showing them how your guinea pig runs to you when you call their name and spins when asked to.
Some guinea pigs also enjoy playing with toys; while not all piggies will enjoy them, it’s worth a shot to see if your Silkie likes them. You can buy toys from a pet store, but these critters also love paper bags, cardboard boxes with holes cut into them, tunnels, hay stuffed into toys, and paper towel rolls.
Grooming ✂️
Silkies need to be brushed daily since their hair can get tangled easily. They might also require the occasional professional grooming session to ensure that their skin, nails, and hair are in good condition.
If your Silkie isn’t a show animal, it might be worth cutting their hair so they don’t step on it. They’re less likely to pick up debris or drag their hair through urine, which ultimately leads to fewer baths too. Guinea pigs generally don’t like baths, so the more you can do to avoid the need, the better.
Like with all guinea pigs, you will need to check their ears for signs of infection and earwax buildup, and they will need to have their nails trimmed at least once a month. A guinea pig’s teeth are constantly growing, and if they don’t eat enough hay, fruit, or vegetables, their teeth won’t be naturally worn down, leading to a painful impaction. If this happens, you will need to visit your vet for treatment.
Lifespan and Health Conditions 🏥
Guinea pigs are generally easy to care for and hardy when provided with the proper care and appropriate environment. However, they are susceptible to certain problems, and Silkies are no different.
- Inner ear infections
- Lice and mite infestations
- Scurvy
- Skin infections
- Abscesses
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Respiratory infections (such as pneumonia)
- Tumors
- Urinary problems
Male vs. Female
There aren’t any significant differences between male and female Silkies. Males might be slightly larger and live slightly longer than females. However, they have similar temperaments.
3 Little-Known Facts About Silkie Guinea Pigs
1. Their Names Are Different in Europe
In Europe, Silkies are known as Shelties.
2. Their Hair Grows Like a Lion’s
You might not immediately think “lion” when you look at the Silkie, but their fur grows away from their face, like a lion’s does. So, from above, it can form a tear-drop shape.
3. They’re Shy Yet Social
A Silkie guinea pig tends to be shy and docile, but with regular interaction and handling, they can come out of their shell and be one of the smallest best friends you’ve ever had!
Final Thoughts
Silkie guinea pigs are incredibly gentle and perfect for families with young children. They have beautiful, long-flowing locks that require a lot of maintenance, so they will need an adult to take charge of their grooming needs to ensure that they get the required attention. So, if you have the time and patience to dedicate to this beautiful piggy, they will be an excellent addition to your household.
Featured Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
