Silkie

Peruvian

Note: Satin types of any breed can get a problem called 'hypocalcaemia', where the animal goes into a 'calcium shock', has tremors, gets shaky, and looks like it's having a seizure. If your cavy is exhibiting signs of this, you can crush up a calcium tablet (TUMS, etc.) in water and give some orally to the pig every few hours until they stop. If not caught, this condition can progress to death.

Grooming: If you are planning to show your Peruvian* you will need to be prepared to comb and wrap your cavy's hair every other day, or once every three days. That means if you go on vacation and don't have someone to do their hair, their coat will be ruined. If you want one for breeding/as a pet, you can clip their hair with dog clippers or trim it with scissors, but you still have to brush/comb them and they're not as easy to groom as Americans. Once a longhaired cavy has been clipped, you cannot show it anymore. They are great pets and their hair is fun to play with, but they're much more work to keep up than a shorthaired cavy.

Availability: Being one of the most popular longhaired breeds makes Peruvians easier to get a hold of, but needing the extra care that they do, not everyone raises them. It is best to get a young one if you're interested in showing, so that you can keep their coat in great condition from square one.

 

Breeders of Peruvians/Peruvian Satins