Silkie

Guinea Pig · Arba · 0 live listings

The Silkie, called the Sheltie in Britain, is a long-haired guinea pig whose soft coat sweeps back from the head without a part, so the face stays clear. The coat is easier to see through than a Peruvian's but still needs daily brushing and trims.

At a glance

Origin
Developed in Britain
Adult size
700–1,200 g
Lifespan
5–7 years
Housing
7.5+ sq ft for a pair
Diet
Hay, pellets, vitamin C
Best fit
Patient owners, show
Species
Guinea Pig
Category
Small animals
Group
Arba
Also known as
Sheltie
Registries
Breeder litter record, ARBA (cavy registration)
Papers
5 categories
HandlingCalm, rarely bites
Social needsNeeds a guinea pig buddy
Care loadDaily brushing, regular trims
Beginner fitCoat care makes it harder

Scales follow breed-club and veterinary consensus; individual animals vary. Listings show what each seller has on file.

The tradeoffs, honestly

Long hair means daily brushing, trims around the rear, and bedding that does not tangle in the coat. Skipping it leads to mats, soiling and missed weight loss.

Common questions

How is a Silkie different from a Peruvian?

Both are long-haired, but a Silkie's coat flows back from the head with no forward fringe or part, giving a teardrop shape from above. Care is similar.

What health papers should I ask for?

Ask for a recent exam by a vet who sees guinea pigs, a clear fecal, and vet-confirmed sex, since young cavies are easy to mis-sex and sows can conceive within weeks of birth. A litter record naming both parents and the birth date is worth asking for too.

What bedding suits a long coat?

Fleece liners or paper bedding tangle less than wood shavings or hay piles. Keep hay in a rack so it does not work into the coat.

Market, past 90 daysFull index →
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Typical rangeNot enough sales yet for a rangeLive listings0
Health tests to ask for
Vet exam on fileFecal exam clearSex confirmed by a vetPhoto ID on fileARBA pedigree on file

Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.

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Keep reading

First-time buyer · 8 minCommon pet scams, and the 60-second checks that beat themRead →First-time buyer · 5 minHow to read a health certificate like a vetRead →The marketplaceSilkie listings on EverybarnBrowse →
Silkie · Everybarn