Guinea pig Kui

Kui, giant guinea pigs, come in many varieties. COBAYOS with a weight of up to 4 kg, the largest of them. They reach a length of 50 cm. Kui species differ in size and body structure.

Origin

Kui, like wild guinea pigs, live in South America. They are most often found in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. In contrast to European countries in South America, these pigs are bred for human consumption. On a par with alpacas and llamas.

Kui are not considered pets in her homeland. They are used as a source of meat, clothing, as a toy, and fertilizer manufacturer.

In South America, competitions such as “whose kui is more” are often held at agricultural exhibitions. Winners receive prizes and respect from neighbors.

Anatomical features

Kui have a heavier skeleton as well as a broader head. They quickly gain weight and get fat. Depending on the type, the weight is from 1,5 to 4 kg.

They also often have a hereditary defect – polydactylism (extra toes on the paws). These fingers are capable and do not interfere with the animal.

Character

Kui are more cowardly and less talkative than the guinea pigs we know. They only talk to each other. Females in most cases are aggressive towards each other.

Feeding

As mentioned above, these pigs quickly get fat. To prevent obesity of the body and internal organs, kui cannot be fed with grain and mixed fodder. Only vegetables, fruits and hay in huge quantities.

Lifespan

Kui are prone to heart disease. Unfortunately they don’t last long. Rarely does anyone live to be three years old. They age faster than our pigs.

Reproduction

Kui grow faster. By four months, a piglet can already weigh 1 kg. Normal maturity occurs earlier than in the guinea pigs we are used to. An obese pig will not be able to mate. The normal mating time for kui is 3-4 months.

It is impossible to cross a male kui with a female of other breeds, since with a high degree of probability it will cause the death of the female from the fact that the piglets are too large. Small kui weigh at birth already from 80 g to 250 g.

Attempts to breed a female kui and a male of other breeds will also not lead to anything good. Mestizo piglets will inherit all possible diseases.

Some experienced breeders are trying to breed a mestizo with a longer life and less prone to diseases that are common with Kui. But over the years there are no tangible results.

In the photo below, a one-year-old male kui (weight 1500 kg) is next to a male ordinary guinea pig of the same age. Appreciate the difference!