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Agouti Guinea Pigs (A Detailed Guide, Top 10 Facts & More)

Tim Rhodes
Written by Tim Rhodes Last Updated: October 29, 2022

There are a lot of different guinea pig breeds and varieties out there, but the agouti is one of the most popular.

The agouti guinea pig is an amazingly beautiful guinea pig, with their unique smooth coat and colors.

If you’re thinking about getting an agouti guinea pig, then this guide is for you.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about them, including their appearance, temperament, diet, and more.

What are agouti guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs have been popular pets for centuries, and agouti guinea pigs are some of the most beautiful and popular varieties.

These guinea pigs have a multi-colored coat of protection that helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Each hair shaft on their coat has three different colors: the base color, a band of intermediate color, and the tip color.

wild guinea pig

The agouti gene is a dominant gene, so when two different-colored guinea pigs are bred, the agouti gene will be passed on to their offspring.

Agoutis were originally found in the wild in South America, but they are now bred all over the world.

However, they are still very popular pets in their native countries, and they are often used in folk medicine.

The coloration of agouti guinea pigs

There are several different types of agouti guinea pigs, each with its own unique coat color and pattern.

The most common type of agouti guinea pig is the golden agouti. Golden agouti has a light brown coat with darker brown or black streaks.

Another common type of agouti guinea pig is the silver agouti. Silver agouti has a dark grey or black coat with lighter grey streaks.

cinnamon agouti

Silver agoutis are less common than golden agoutis but are just as friendly and make great pets.

Chocolate agouti guinea pigs have brown coats with light brown streaks. Chocolate agouti is one of the rarest types of agouti guinea pigs and is very hard to find.

Agoutis come in many different colors and patterns, so there’s sure to be one that you’ll love.

Agouti guinea pigs character

Agouti guinea pigs are friendly guinea pigs that love to live in pairs or groups, and can often be found cuddling with their friends.

They are also very inquisitive and playful, always exploring their surroundings and trying to find new ways to have fun.

As a result, they make great pets for people who enjoy spending time with their animals.

plush coat

Agouti guinea pigs are also known for being great communicators. They use a variety of vocalizations to express themselves, and they are quick to learn how to understand human communication.

If you spend enough time with your agouti guinea pig, you will soon develop your own special language that the two of you can share.

Caring for your agouti guinea pig

If you’re considering adopting an agouti guinea pig, it’s important to be aware of the special care requirements that come with this breed.

Agoutis have a unique coat of fur that is made up of multiple colors. This type of coat requires special care to keep it looking its best.

Brush your agouti guinea pig daily with a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris. You should also trim their nails every few weeks to prevent them from getting too long.

closely resembles

When it comes to diet, agoutis require a high-fiber diet to maintain their digestive health. Their diet should consist of hay, fresh vegetables, and a small number of pellets.

Avoid giving them any sugary treats or processed foods as these can upset their stomachs. Instead, opt for healthy snacks like carrots, apples, or celery.

Providing your agouti guinea pig with plenty of exercises is also important for their overall health.

Set up a small enclosure for them to explore or create a homemade obstacle course using cardboard boxes and tunnels.

Top 10 facts about the agouti guinea pig

lemon ticking

Agouti guinea pigs are interesting and unique animals, and there’s a lot that you may not know about them.

Here are 10 fun facts about agoutis that you can share with your friends:

  1. The agouti guinea pig is a popular pet that originates from South America. 
  2. They are social animals and enjoy the company of other guinea pigs, as well as humans. 
  3. They are relatively small, weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. 
  4. They have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. 
  5. Agouti guinea pigs have an interesting coat of fur that consists of alternating bands of light and dark hair. 
  6. They are active pets that enjoy running and playing. 
  7. They also like to chew on things and so it is important to provide them with plenty of toys and chews. 
  8. Agouti guinea pigs are intelligent animals and can be trained to do tricks such as come when called, sit up, and play dead. 
  9. They are generally healthy animals, but like all guinea pigs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions such as dental problems, mites, and respiratory infections. 
  10. With proper care, agouti guinea pigs make great pets that bring joy to their owners’ lives.

These are just some of the things that you should know about agouti guinea pigs.

What are some other popular guinea pig breeds?

There are a lot of guinea pig breeds to choose from, and each one has its own unique set of features.

Here are some of the popular guinea pig breeds that you may be interested in:

Abyssinian guinea pigs

deep rich chocolate

The Abyssinian is one of the most popular guinea pig breeds. They are known for their playful and inquisitive nature, and their coat can come in a variety of colors. Abyssinians are a good choice for first-time guinea pig owners.

Dalmatian

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The Dalmatian is another popular guinea pig breed. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personality, and they love to play. Dalmatians are a good choice for families with children.

Roan guinea pigs

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Roans are a type of guinea pig that has patches of two different colors in their coat. They are usually calm and gentle and make great pets for seniors or people with disabilities.

Self guinea pigs

Solid Agouti

Self guinea pigs have coats that are one solid color. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and brown. Selfs are generally low-maintenance and make a good starter guinea pig.

These are just some of the popular guinea pig breeds that you may be interested in. Do some research to find the right breed for you and your family.

Frequently asked questions

individual hair

Agouti guinea pigs are interesting creatures, and there’s a lot that you may not know about them.

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you learn more about these unique animals.

What do agouti pigs eat?

Agouti guinea pigs are herbivores and their diet consists mostly of hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets.

How much do agouti pigs weigh?

Agouti guinea pigs typically weigh between 1 and 2 pounds.

Agouti pattern

How much do agouti guinea pigs cost?

Agouti guinea pigs typically cost between $20 and $40, and you can find them in your local pet store.

Is keeping guinea pigs hard?

Keeping guinea pigs is not hard. With proper care, they can be easy to care for and make great pets.

Are agoutis wild guinea pigs?

Agoutis are not wild guinea pigs. They are domesticated animals that have been bred as pets.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about agouti guinea pigs. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask your local veterinarian or pet store employee.

Final thoughts

Agouti guinea pigs are interesting and unique animals, and there’s a lot that you may not know about them.

With proper care, they make great pets that bring joy to their owners’ lives.

Do some research to find the right breed for you and your family.

References:

Author

Tim Rhodes
Tim Rhodes

Hi there! My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer.

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Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API