When I first adopted my guinea pigs, they were very young. I loved feeding them, cuddling with them, and watching them grow. They are now full-grown at four years old. My oldest is the largest one, and she measures about 10 inches long. In comparison to her sisters, she looks huge, so imagine my surprise when I found out that some guinea pig breeds can grow even larger.
So, what guinea pig breed is the largest? The Rex, a purebred guinea pig breed from England, is the largest breed in the species. They can grow up to a foot and a half long, to which they grow full-size by the time they are two years old. Rex guinea pigs require little maintenance, and they are one of the most affectionate breeds.
Some Rexes develop into lap pigs, meaning that they love to sit in your lap as you show them affection. They don’t require any special diet, in comparison to other breeds. Caring for them requires minimal effort. They make perfect first pets for your children, but you may discover that you’ll form your own bond with this sweet creature. Read on to learn more.
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The History of the Rex Guinea Pig
In South America, wild guinea pigs were great food sources. From 1200 to the first half of the 1500s, the people of South America domesticated the Rex guinea pig for food. They also served a religious purpose, for Mesoamericans used guinea pigs as sacrifices to their gods.
What Does a Rex Guinea Pig Look Like?
As the largest species, the Rex can grow to about 18 inches long. They are a short-hair breed with fur that grows to only a centimeter long. This dense, straight fur is easy to maintain with regular grooming.
No two Rex guinea pigs look alike because the process of domestication resulted in a multitude of colors and patterns in their coat. For the most part, Rex guinea pigs have black, brown, and red fur. They have sharp incisors that they wear down by chewing on roughage and other fruits, vegetables, and food.
Rex guinea pigs have longer petal-shaped ears than other breeds, and they have big eyes on each side of their face. Their nails can grow relatively quickly, so they need weekly trimmings. If their nails grow too long, they can cut into their feet or cause injury during their grooming rituals.
What Does Rex Guinea Pig Eat?
Guinea pigs need a special diet to meet their nutritional needs. There isn’t anything special in Rex’s makeup that changes their dietary needs compared to other breeds. All guinea pigs need a freshwater source, pellet food found in any pet store, and hay. Either Timothy Hay or Alfalfa Hay is perfectly fine; the type of hay that your guinea pig will eat depends on their taste.
A selection of fruits and vegetables gives your pet the vital nutrients it needs to stay healthy. All guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own, so they need to eat sources of this vitamin daily. Almost all of the fruits and vegetables that guinea pigs like to eat have vitamin C in them, giving them a healthy source of nutrients.
How to Care for a Rex Guinea Pig?
Rex guinea pigs are a favorite among first-time owners because caring for them is very simple. They make great pets for children who understand that they need to treat their guinea pigs gently. The care that Rexes require doesn’t vary from other breeds.