Coronet Guinea Pig – Profile, Facts & Care

Although they resemble the Silkie counterparts, Coronet guinea pigs have a curl of distinct fur on top of their head. Together with the flowing coat, these are the most exceptional features of this good-looking animal.

For this reason, Coronets manage to capture the attention of several enthusiasts. Classified among the standard-sized guinea pigs, Coronets weigh between one and three pounds. Additionally, an average pig measures an estimated 8 to 16 inches in length.

Coronets come in a huge variety of patterns and colors. Some of the popular colors include cream, lilac, white, beige, slate, red, chocolate, black, golden, and buff.

Apart from their appealing appearance, Coronets are sociable and spend loads of time bonding and playing with others. With such an easy-going personality, it is much easier for them to fit in any environment.

Coronet Guinea Pig Food & Diet

Like other guinea pigs, pet owners should feed Coronets with plenty of fresh hay. At all times, the guinea pigs require clusters of hay in the pens as food and beddings.  For a healthy and thriving animal, supplement it with vegetables and fruits.

Among the most appropriate food include carrots, cucumbers, dandelion leaves, plums, strawberries, and tomatoes. Since guinea pigs have a constrained digestive system, there are selected foods that you should avoid. This includes grapes, spinach, bananas, broccoli, celery, kales, and mustard greens.

It is worth noting that guinea pigs require a rich source of Vitamin C every day. There are several brands of guinea pigs commercialized pellets suitable for that purpose. In your search for the best product, ensure that it does not have harmful addictive components.

Always remember to give your pet clean water all the time. Preferably, place a water bowl in the cage or attach a bottle to the cage’s wall. Do not forget to check the level and the condition of the remaining water. If Coronets consume dirty water it may lead to a couple of ailments.

Bear in mind that your fuzzy friend may overindulge if exposed to a lot of food. To prevent plumpness, monitor the portions and discard uneaten food left in the cage for more than 24 hours.

Grooming Coronet Guinea Pig

Not only does grooming keep parasites away, but it also offers an excellent bonding opportunity with the guinea pigs. Coronet’s lengthy coat requires routine care to maintain its shine.

While regular brushing is important in untangling the hair, professional grooming ensures that the skin and coat remain healthy.

Hair detangling requires patience to avoid hurting the animal. Therefore, use a soft baby brush for the purpose. Depending on the weather, consider bathing them once or twice a month.

It is not easy to get your pet friend ready for a bath. In most cases, it requires a bit of coaxing with some favorite treats.

Since guinea pigs hate getting wet, use minimal water. With an approved pet shampoo lather your pet thoroughly and then rinse with plenty of water.

Keep in mind that guinea pigs easily develop chills if exposed to cold for a long time. Thus, spend nominal time bathing. Then, use a hairdryer or dry towel to completely dry your pet.

Unless you are keeping your Coronet as a show animal, trim the fur regularly to prevent trapping of moisture and dirt. Coronets are prone to ear infections mostly caused by wax buildup. An upsurge of wax makes an excellent breeding spot for bacteria and fungi.

To keep everything under control, clean the external ear with cotton swabs every week. Then combine with nail trimming once or twice a month. However, the nail trimming frequency depends on your pet’s diet, activeness, and cage material.

Housing Coronet Guinea Pig

The safest place to keep a guinea pig is an indoor cage. Wire, stainless steel, and plastic remain the best construction materials to use. It is worth noting that wire floors require a cage mat for comfort and to prevent your pet from slipping.

For one guinea pig, a cage about two meters wide is ultimate. Likewise, extend your cage to about four meters if you have a large herd of guinea pigs. Most importantly, use wooden fiber or shaving as beddings.

Coronet Guinea Pig Lifespan

A healthy Coronet guinea pig can live for about 7-8 years. The life expectancy mostly depends on the environment and the type of diet regularly given. Since Coronet is a high-maintenance pet, beginners may struggle to give them a fulfilling life.

All in all, comfortable and long life for your pet resonates around a clean environment, balanced diet, and optimum health care.

Coronet Guinea Pig Health & Care

Guinea pigs require regular exercises to remain healthy and fit. Under supervision, allow them to roams or play out of the cage for short durations.

When moving them from one place to another, avoid grabbing them by the shoulders. Instead, use both hands to support your pet’s entire body and prevent them from dangerously jumping off.

Coronets are very sociable and would appreciate a full-time companion. This does not only help in keeping your pet healthy but also reduces the chances of falling into depression. In worse cases, loneliness may lead to a slow and miserable death.

Given that they make good companion pets, take time to understand the activities that keep them happy. Mostly, this revolves around the favorite meal, toy, activity, and petting preference. That way, it becomes easier to come up with a rewarding handling and training program for all.

Apart from providing nutritious meals, yearly medical checkups with a reliable exotic vet are important to prolong your pet’s life. As they get older, consider booking an appointment after every six months. This helps in detecting ailments early enough for a successful treatment.

5 Coronet Guinea Pig Facts

• Coronet guinea pigs shed a lot, and require more attention and time than most other guinea pigs
• The fur of coronet guinea pigs can reach up to 10-15 in length and require regular trimming
• Coronet guinea pigs need a lot of Vitamin C in order to stay health
• Coronet guinea pigs are considered rodents, but they mostly prefer eating greens and vegetables
• Coronet guinea pigs are very playful and social animals

Wrapping Up

Coronets are some of the long fur guinea pig breeds. With their inquisitiveness, playful and affectionate nature, they make excellent pets. Nevertheless, due to their extended fur, they require a more intensive grooming routine compared to others.

If you wish to keep one as a pet, regular trimming of fur is essential. Moreover, customary brushing is one of the starting points of maintaining a great-looking coat.