Want to get yourself lethal white guinea pigs, but don’t know much about them?
Or just interested to learn more about these specific animals?
We’ll explain to you everything you need to know about them, why they are so special, how to take care of them, what they eat, how long they live and much more. Keep reading.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
What Are Lethal White Guinea Pigs?
These sweet, little pure white animals are very specific. These guinea pigs are genetically compromised and that result occurs because of recessive genes carried in roan and dalmatian coat-colored guinea pigs. For example, breeding a roan to a roan, a dalmatian to dalmatian creates the chance that the babies will have a lethal white gene.
That’s called microphthalmia, so it isn’t the result of inbreeding. Baby pig has a 25% chance to have a lethal white gene and be affected by this disorder.
It is important to note that responsible breeders will never sell a lethal white guinea pig. So it’s hard to find them in pet stores.
Are They Actually Albino?
Sometimes they are confused with albino guinea pigs, but they aren’t the same.
What’s Unique About Lethal Whites?
Lethal white guinea pigs lack pigmentation and are always white with pink eyes. Also, they are much smaller than their “normal” siblings.
What Issues Do They Suffer?
Unfortunately, they suffer from a range of issues and illnesses throughout their short lifespan. Their life expectancy ranges from a few months to a few years. Lethal white guinea pigs are almost always deaf and blind.
Issues With Lethal White Guinea Pigs
- Deafness
- Small or absent eyes and blindness
- Malformed teeth
- Stunted growth
- Neurological signs
- Physical deformities
- Poor immunity
- Gastrointestinal disorders
How Long Do They Live?
It is a bit hard to say, but because of a compromised immune system and many health issues, they may only live up a few months up to three years.
About Their Diet
The lethal white guinea pigs can eat a mixture of pellets and timothy hay, some healthy treats and a few vegetables. But because of digestive and teeth issues, you may have to syringe feed your lovely pig.
How To Tell If Your Guinea Pig Is Lethal White?
Sometimes, it isn’t easy to tell the difference between pink-eyed white (PEW) and a Lethal white. But if you know where to look, you recognize it easily. You can see lethal white running around the cage without purpose, making a lot of noise. Also, they can be very dirty around their mouth because of trouble with eating. PEW looks much healthier and fuller than lethal white ones.
There are more other signs:
- White fur – Lethal white have pure white fur without spots
- Pink eyes – They have small, half-closed eyes.
- Teeth problems – They don’t have all their teeth or their teeth grow incorrectly.
- Vocalization – Some people say they are noisier than “normal” guinea pigs. Because they are deaf, they wheek randomly.
- Body weight – They are small and thin because they can’t eat properly.
- Activity – Usually, they bump into things due to blindness
Should I Get The Lethal White Guinea Pig?
If you read this because you are an animal lover and want to know more about them, then good for you. Now you know some basics about these sweet white creatures.
But if you consider getting one, think twice. If you have time, resources (vet bills will be high) and will to provide them all care they need, then go for it. Of course, they will reward you with cuddles and love, just like any other animal.
How To Take Care of Lethal White Guinea Pigs?
If you thinking about getting a lethal white guinea pig as a pet, there are a few things you need to know before doing that. Please, read them carefully, because these animals already suffered enough due to their genetic issues.
A lethal white requires lifetime support, adaptation to the home environment, life nursing, and veterinary care and that means – ongoing financial commitment. So consider all these things carefully, before you take a responsibility for such an animal.
Home care includes:
- A single-level cage with no ramps or edges that can cause injury
- Appropriate guinea pig companion which will ensure a stress-free life
- Monitoring its condition – for example, eating
- Regular dental examinations
- Always keep food in the same place
To Wrap It Up
Lethal white guinea pigs are special little creatures that love to cuddle and play but require exceptional care and they will be extremely dependent on you. Therefore, before you decide to get it as a pet, you should carefully read everything about these little guinea pigs.
