My Caviary

General Cavy Info

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                       Note: any time the name Silkie is used below with a *, it also means Silkie Satin (it just takes a lot longer to write both of the names).

About the Silkie

Description/about the Silkie: A Silkie* has long, continuously growing hair that sweeps back over the shoulder to blend in with the rear sweep. There is no recognized Satin variation of the breed. The Silkie Satin is a rare breed, not seen often. The difference between the Silkie* and Peruvian is that the Peruvian has rosettes, hair that parts down the back and grows over the face. The Silkie* has a much more sleek appearance, with its straight hair growing in one direction.

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: Like any other straight longhaired cavy, the Silkie* should be kept in wraps, making it a harder breed to groom. If it's a pet you can always clip its coat. Click here for info on grooming a longhaired cavy.

Availability: Silkies are a little more popular than Coronets, but not as popular as Peruvians. Silkie Satins can be very hard to find. The Silkie* is recognized in all varieties except Tan, but are most popular in Broken and TSW.

Breeders

Sunflower Cavies - Breeder in California

Red Rock Cavies - Breeder in Canada

Fast Track Caviary - Breeder in Indiana

Storybook Cavies -  occasionally have Silkies - you are here :P