What breed? How do you know if a your piggy is a satin?

[rocktopus]

I'm a first time guinea pig owner. One of my baby guinea pigs has super soft fur, much softer than other guinea pigs I have petted. I read about satin guinea pigs, and how they're at risk for chronic bone problems, and now I'm worried she might be a satin. She doesn't have shiny, glossy fur though. It looks normal, just feels very soft (like a baby kitten's). Our other baby's fur isn't so soft and she's around the same age.

I was wondering if normal smooth guinea pigs have variations in coat softness too?

 

[pinky]

Yes, guinea pigs come in all different types of fur. Satins have glossy shiny, fur; almost reflective. It has nothing to do with the softness. Your baby probably inherited the soft fur from a past generation. I wouldn't be concerned at all.

 

[SFailed186]

Pinky is right.

However, I have never heard of Satins having bone issues... I have a Satin that is two as of yesterday and has absolutely no health issues. Regardless, don't worry. Your girls are fine. : )

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Satins can and often do suffer from a metabolic bone condition called osteodystrophy. Not all satin's get this condition.

I have a 6 1/2 year old satin american/silkie cross that does not have OD.

What makes a pig a satin is because they have hollow hair shafts. It makes the coat appear very glossy and shiny even in photographs.