Rosacea guinea pigs are native to Abyssinia, (in early sources it was possible to find information that Ethiopia was most often referred to as Abyssinia). The peculiarity of pig-rosettes is their unusually laid wool in the form of “rosettes”, which should be arranged strictly symmetrically, reaching eight in number: four on the back and four on the front of the body, with the front two on each side, located one above the other. This symmetry determines the quality of the rock. Perhaps the presence of "outlets" also on the surface of the thighs of the animal, on the head and nose. The growth of hair on the cheeks is directed forward, resembling sideburns. The hair itself in rosette pigs is tough, but more noticeable in males than in females, not long, up to 3.5 centimeters, precisely because of the shortness and stiffness of the hair of rosette pigs, there is a natural disheveled hair. Their color can be two- and three-color, black and red colors dominate.
Rosacea guinea pigs are distinguished by a strong physique. They look like a mini zucchini, the muzzle is not elongated, the ears are perpendicular to the head, eyes are large, resembling almond kernels. When evaluating the breed, pay attention to the length of the coat, its stiffness, the number and location of the "rosettes".
The presence of the “outlets” themselves is explained by the result of the change (mutation) in the genes responsible for the growth of hair. Such “sockets” may appear due to the crossing of the Abyssinian with another type of guinea pig, preservation of the sockets themselves, but a change in their number and location.
Rosacea guinea pigs by nature are very active, curious, a healthy rosette guinea pig is constantly on the move, friendly and smart. If you work with such a pet, taming occurs quickly, the animal will respond in its name.
When choosing guinea pigs, sometimes the question arises: what sex is the individual in front of you, how do you know the sex of the guinea pig? Indeed, it is not always possible at first glance to distinguish a female pig from a male, since outwardly guinea pigs almost do not differ in color or weight. In order to still determine the sex of the animal, you need to gently take the animal in your hands, turn it upside down and gently press the lower abdomen, above the genitals. In females, a Y-shaped gap located near the anus will be visible, and in males, when pressed, a reproductive organ appears.
Guinea pigs take care of themselves, as a rule, themselves, but, nevertheless, during shedding their hair requires more attention: it is possible to roll the hair into lumps, then it is worth combing (if the condition of the lump is allowed), or carefully cutting it carefully holding the sharp edges of the scissors away from the skin of the animal. It is most convenient to do this in a free, clean and bright space in order to avoid injuries to the pig due to its uncomfortable position.
It is also possible to bathe the animal, but only if absolutely necessary, for example, if the mumps got dirty with land during a walk or if the hair is dirty after the toilet.
For swimming, you can use a shallow object filled with water along the edge of up to 3-4 centimeters, lowering the animal into the water as much as necessary. In the process of swimming, it is worthwhile to ensure that water does not get into the nose and ears. If you need to use shampoo, you can take baby shampoo for this purpose , it is softer and hypoallergenic, and also make sure that the soapy substance does not get into the eyes, nose and ears of your pet. Make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly washed off the skin of the guinea pig, as its residual elements can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin, and if the chemical enters the animal’s mouth, it can cause poisoning. After swimming, do not leave the animal moist, carefully swaddle it in a towel and let it dry, gently wipe the coat. At a temperature above 18 ° C, it will be sufficient to dry only with a towel, but at a temperature lower than that indicated, it is worth drying the hair with a hairdryer. These animals are very sensitive to temperature changes.
As for the diet of guinea pigs, one must be very careful: these creatures are herbivorous and prefer plant foods such as cucumber, Chinese salad, cabbage, apples, cereal grains, hay and seeds. Their chewing apparatus is designed to nibble (front incisors) and chew (molars). The frequency of feeding depends on the age and condition of the guinea pig, it is necessary to ensure that the diet of the guinea pig is rich in vitamins and minerals, do not be lazy to change the water every day, as infection can get into the gastrointestinal tract with contaminated food and water.