Abyssinian Guinea Pig: Origin, Appearance and Other Facts 

Abyssinian Guinea pigs are interesting and adorable pet animals. They are common and have a unique personality that differentiates them from other guinea pig populations. 

If you plan to gift this cute cavy to your kids, then this pet animal is perfect for them! But before buying any Abyssinian guinea pig, you will need to understand its origin, appearance and other facts to make the right choice!

This article has covered some details and information about Abyssinian guinea pigs that will help you make the most popular cavy choices. So let’s get started! 

Abyssinian Guinea Pig: Origin, Appearance and Other Facts

The Abyssinian guinea pig has a unique hairstyle that includes six to eight natural rosettes spread all over its body. They are smart and often chosen by pet owners for their abundant energy.

They come in various colors, such as Dalmatian, albino, tortoiseshell and agouti. They have small faces with a long body, with fur about three to four centimeters long.

They are quirkier, bolder, livelier and playful; these qualities make them a great pet!

Where Did the Abyssinian Guinea Pig Come From?

Many guinea pig breeds originated from West Africa, but like Peruvian Guinea Pig, the Abyssinian guinea pig came from South America.

They are in a wide range from the entire Andean mountainous region, such as forest borders, grasslands and rocky uplands.

Farmers in these regions rear guinea pigs as their food source. Apart from this, these little cuties play an essential role in art, sculpture and myth in Andean culture. 

How Do Abyssinian Guinea Pigs Look Like?

When it comes to the looks of the guinea pigs, male guinea pigs are different from female guinea pigs due to their differences in sexual organs.

If you look at the tail base of the female guinea pig, its genitals look like a Y-shape, while the male guinea pig’s genitalia forms a line with an above it. The bump generally is a reproductive organ of a male guinea pig. 

Range of Abyssinian Guinea Pig Colors

The Abyssinian guinea pigs come in various colors and unique features such as facial marking by their mustache.

Variant colors and a combination of rosettes make them attractive to professional breeders. Following is the list of the range of Abyssinian guinea pig colors. 

• Tortoiseshell: Red and black blocks of color
• Albino: A pure white coat with red eyes
• Dalmatian: Color like the dog breed
•  Brindle: A dark color spread with white
•  Roan: A blend of light and dark hair color
• Himalayan: Dark nose, ears feet, just like albino
• Dutch: Classic combination of two colors, black, brown and white
• Agouti: Classic varying grayish tone
• Self: One color

 Typical Behavior and Temperament

Abyssinian guinea pigs are curious, loud, and always searching for different adventures. Male guinea pigs like to go outdoors more than females, but sometimes their behavior gets more aggressive than other guinea pigs’ breed.

They are one of the most family-friendly guinea pig breeds. They are quickly involved in the human environment and love to take everyone’s attention. Kids especially seem to be entertained by these little cavies. 

Abyssinian guinea pigs are much louder than common guinea pigs and can take some time to get used to their own created voice.

They also seem to be more active and playful than other guinea pigs and more enjoyable with their human companions.

Conservation Status

Domesticated Abyssinian guinea pigs, just like other wild guinea pigs, are in no danger of extinction. IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species has listed them as a ‘Least Concern’.

These breeds live on in captivity rather than in the wild extinct. As of 2008, only 42 Moleques do Sul Guinea pigs were left in the wild. This species of guinea pigs are regarded as ‘Critically Endangered’.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig Caring

Abyssinian guinea pigs require the same care as other guinea pigs, but they often require high maintenance. Your Abby has lots of energy than other breeds; they need a big cage and a lot of playtime.

Abyssinian guinea pigs have longer fur; they need to be brushed twice a week to minimize shedding. It is sometimes difficult for them to deal with hot summer days with a fur coat on; provide them cooling foods such as watermelon, carrots etc.

Since they don’t like baths; make sure you clean it with a baby wipe if they get a little dirt. You will also need to trim your little cavy’s nail every about 6 to 8 weeks.

Moreover, like other guinea breeds, they don’t like being cuddled and held; remember that while giving your Aby to small kids avoid wheels and balls because they are bad for the back of Abyssinian guinea and balls can cause heatstroke.

• Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

Abyssinian guinea pigs prefer separate and proper space for food, water and roaming. Make sure to allow your pig to come outside of the cage at least once a day to explore, stretch legs and exercise.

Keeping these little creatures in an aquarium is not good because they don’t get any air circulation inside. Therefore, keep them in a cage of 30 by 36 inches large in size.

Also, Keep your little guinea pigs between the temperature of 60 and 85°F because they are sensitive to heat and cold. 

• Bedding and Accessories

There are many bedding types for Abyssinian guinea pigs, including wood, paper-based, fleece. 

Abyssinian guinea pigs are active cavies; they need plenty of room to exercise and plenty of accessories to play with such as crumpled paper, grass chew balls, chew sticks, stuffed tubes with hay and fleece accessories. 

• Health Problems

The Abyssinian guinea pigs are healthy animals, but they can have some common diseases that you should watch out for. They are more likely to develop diabetes than other guinea pig breeds.

Make sure you keep a watch on their weight and restrict their treats while feeding them. Besides, Abyssinian pigs may easily catch numerous eye problems, including cataracts and microphthalmia.

• Exercise

All guinea pigs need plenty of exercise to stay fit and healthy. They can be active for 20 hours a day, even after sleeping for a few minutes. 

• Taming

Abyssinians are more friendly, curious and playful than any other guinea pigs. Unlike other breeds, they require your time for taming to get used to handling. They are the easiest cavy to train; you will not have difficulty training your Aby piggy.

• Cost Maintenance

The maintenance cost of these pigs is around $40-$60 monthly because of their accessories and bedding. 

Where Can You Buy an Abyssinian Guinea Pig?

Abyssinian guinea pigs can be found in-store, such as:

• Petco stores are well known for pet supplies, pet food, small animals and fish. This store carries a variety of both male and female guinea pigs. 
• Guinea Pig Finder is the largest Guinea Pigs adoption and sale directory store. Whether you want to buy Abyssinian Guinea Pig or any other breed, the store has a list of a wide range of each guinea pig. 
• Omlet store has been awarded for winning pet houses and accessories since 2004. The store not only sells guinea pigs but here you will also find a variety of guinea pigs toys and accessories. 

How Much Is an Abyssinian Guinea Pig?

The cost of the Abyssinian guinea pigs varies from their color and breeding history. These guinea pigs usually cost between $15 and $75. 

Are Abyssinian Guinea Pigs Good Pets?

Abyssinian guinea breeds are the friendliest breed out of all the breeds of guinea pigs. They are vocal and charming. They love their owner, who makes them good pets, as long as you take care of them and give them good attention. 

Abyssinian Guinea Pigs with Other Guinea Pigs

Abyssinian guinea pigs have no trouble sharing their cages and surroundings with other guinea pigs because they are amiable animals. They like to snuggle and cuddle up with their cage mates in most cases. 

You will not need any trouble to raise Abyssinian guinea pigs, but you will have to ensure to keep them away with cats. In addition, they can also breed with other breeds of guinea pigs, but their offerings may have combined results.

OASIS #80254 Vita Drops-Pure C for Guinea Pig, 2-Ounce, Packaging may vary

In Short

That’s a wrap for Abyssinian guinea pigs! Hopefully, you enjoyed reading the details and close examination of the Abyssinian guinea pig.

These small cavies are great pets for both adults and children, and they may require little care but not more than a cat or a dog. Your kid can also discover the world of pet ownership!