So here we are, if you are also looking for a comprehensive guide where you can learn everything there is to know about skinny pigs, then please read this guide through to the end, and I will make certain that you have all of the necessary information.
Recommended reading:
- Guinea Pig Basics: Scientific name, History, Weight, Breed and much more!
- Pros and Cons of owning a guinea pig.
Please note: Guinea Pig Name is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! Some links in the post are affiliate link and I get commission from purchases made through links in the post.
What is a skinny pig?
Skinny guinea pigs, also known as hairless guinea pigs, are a hairless breed of guinea pigs that were first discovered in the late 1970s. They are a hairless breed of guinea pigs that have no hair on their bodies. There was a result of a specific lab breeding process with a hairless lab strain that was used in the experiment.
When these guinea pigs are born, they usually have no hair on their bodies, and they are completely hairless. Their nose and feet do, however, develop some hairs over time, particularly around the bridge of their nose.
To gain a better understanding of them, let us first consider how and when they came into existence.
Skinny pig origin
In 1978, a colony of Hartley lab guinea pigs at Montreal’s Armand Frappier Institute discovered a population of hairless guinea pigs that turned out to be hairless. Their development was the result of spontaneous cross-breeding between a haired laboratory strain and a hairless laboratory strain.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that they were sent to other laboratories for breeding that they were used in dermatology tests in the laboratory. Soon after, they gained popularity among breeders as an exotic and rare breed, and their popularity has continued to grow to this day.
In fact, they are one of the newest breeds of guinea pigs, having only recently gained recognition from the American Cavy Breeders Association. First and foremost, the first of its kind was not healthy at all. They were, in fact, gravely ill at the time. When they first started out, they had some breeding issues and were unable to survive even the most common diseases.
The majority of them died when they were very young. However, through the development of breeding techniques and the application of sound breeding practices, they have been able to live relatively healthy and long lives.
Many experts believe that skinny pigs have a shorter life expectancy and a weaker immune system than other haired breeds of pigs. Although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it is possible.
Following your understanding of the fundamentals of how skinny pigs came to be, let us now take a look at their physical appearance in more detail.
What does a skinny pig look like?
When compared to all other breeds, the skinny guinea pig has an unusually slim build that is quite distinguishable.
These guinea pigs have almost no hair on their entire body, in contrast to other guinea pigs who have a fluffy and soft coat.
Even as they grow older, they do develop small hairs around their nose and feet, but their skin is smooth and soft throughout their bodies.
Table of Contents
Skinny pig size: How big does a skinny pig get?
A skinny pig can grow to be up to 10 inches in height and diameter. The length is determined by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and the level of care provided. Look at the rate of growth that they have experienced so far:
| Age | At Birth | 8 weeks | 16 weeks | Maturity |
| Growth Rate | 3-4 inches | 5-6 inches | 7-8 inches | 9-10 inches |
For example, as you can see, when they are first born, the skinny guinea pig is usually only 3-4 inches in length. The average litter size is three, and the size of the guinea pigs during this stage is determined by the size of the litter.
The size of the litter increases proportionally to how small it is. In the same way that their other breed members do, these guinea pigs grow at a breakneck pace. Only during the first eight weeks after birth do they nearly double in size.
Typically, they reach a length of 5-6 inches by the time they reach the age of eight weeks.
After that, they continue to grow quickly, but not at the same rate as before.
By the end of the 16-week period, they are usually 7-8 inches in length.
In the following stages, they continue to grow at a leisurely pace until they reach maturity and reach a length of approximately 9-10 inches in length.
The skinny pigs are typically a little shorter in stature than the typical guinea pig breeding stock. The size of the skinny pig is determined by a variety of variables.
Male skinny pigs are typically a few inches longer than female skinny pigs. The majority of owners, on the other hand, will not notice the slight difference.
Skinny pig weight: How much should a skinny pig weigh?
A mature skinny pig can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1100 grams at maturity. While female piggies tend to weigh a little less than male piggies, this can vary depending on a variety of factors such as diet, habitat, temperature, and so on.
Let’s take a closer look at what the normal weight looks like at various ages of life.
| Guinea Pig Weight | New Born | 8 Weeks | Maturity |
| Weight Growth | 80-100 grams | 450-500 grams | 800-1100 grams |
A newborn skinny pig can weigh anywhere from 80 to 100 grams, depending on the genetics and the size of the litter it comes from.
After eight weeks of growth, they can weigh anywhere from 450 to 500 grams depending on their size. When the guinea pigs are in this stage, you can tell the difference in weight between the males and females. It is perfectly normal for the male to weigh a little more than the female.
Once they have reached the age of eight weeks, they begin to grow more slowly. They will grow slowly and reach a weight of 800-1100 grams until they reach maturity, at which point they will die.
A weight difference of approximately 100 grams is visible between male and female skinny pigs at this point in the game. While male skinny pigs tend to be a little heavier than female piggies, the matrix can vary from time to time depending on the environment.
It would be beneficial if you kept an eye on the weight of your skinny pigs. Keeping track of their weight on a weekly basis can help them gain a better understanding of their health.
Weighing Your Guinea Pig: What You Should Know Before You Do It!
Weight changes of 10-20 grams per week can be overlooked, but weight changes of 30-50 grams should raise your suspicions, and you should begin investigating the cause.
If there is a change of more than 50 grams, you must take your pet to the veterinarian right away. Such a significant difference could be a symptom of a more serious health problem that has not yet been identified by us.
In my personal life, I use this incredible digital scale from Etekcity that I purchased from Amazon. It performs admirably and measures the weight with pinpoint accuracy.
Skinny pig colors:
There are many different patterns and colors to choose from when it comes to skinny pigs. Many different breeds of dogs are available, such as tortoiseshell, dutch, Himalayan, dalmatian, and many more. While the following are some of the most common colors of skinny pigs:
- Chocolate brown
- Black
- Cinnamon
- White
- Golden
- Grey &
- Pink
There are a plethora of other colors available. While some colors are more widely available than others, not all colors are available in all locations. As a result, it may be difficult to locate the exact color you desire in your immediate vicinity.
Skinny pig life span: How long does a skinny pig live?
A skinny pig has a lifespan of approximately 4.5 years on average. Providing one receives the proper nutrition and medical attention, one can expect to live for 5-6 years at the most.
It is possible for skinny guinea pigs to live for more than seven years, but this is an extremely rare occurrence.
I would strongly advise you to read our article on How to increase the lifespan of guinea pigs and what their average lifespan is if you want to learn more about this topic in depth.
Skinny pig temperament
The temperament of skinny pigs is quite distinct from that of other breeds, just as their appearance is from other breeds. They are very calm and well-behaved in the wild, in contrast to other guinea pig breeds that are very active and playful in the home environment.
They exhibit the least amount of dominance behavior and are the most likely to avoid getting into any heated situations. Skinny pigs are also very social animals who enjoy being cuddled and petted by their owners.
They are usually very calm when held in your arms and do not attempt to flee, unlike other guinea pig breeds who may try to do so.
However, every guinea pig is unique, just like every other living thing, and as a result, the behavior of one piggy may differ from that of another. In general, most skinny pigs exhibit all of these characteristics.
Skinny pig care
In comparison to other guinea pig varieties, skinny pigs require a little more attention than their counterparts in other breeds.
The Best Way to Take Care of Hairless Guinea Pigs (Skinny Pigs)
For them, the fundamental needs of food, healthcare, toys, concealment, and so on remain the same as before. However, there are a few items, such as the temperature of the room, skincare, and beddings, that we may want to take a closer look at before proceeding.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s take a closer look at what they require in terms of diet, habitat, grooming, and so forth.
Top-Rated Guinea Pig Supplies: Our Top Picks! Recommended Guinea Pig Supplies: Our Top Picks!
Before you read on, here are some supplies for your guinea pigs that have been hand-picked by our experts and that you should add to your wishlist right away:
Skinny pig diet plan: What do skinny pigs eat?
The nutritional requirements of skinny pigs are very similar to those of other guinea pig breeds.
Hay is a staple part of their diet, accounting for approximately 80 percent of their total caloric intake. Fresh vegetables and fruits account for the remaining 15 percent of the diet, with pellets accounting for the remaining 5 percent.
Aside from these, it is possible to include some treats once or twice a week to keep things interesting.
The guinea pig diet is covered in detail in an in-depth article written by us, where you can learn more about their diet plan in greater detail.
Hay
Hay is a staple part of their diet, and it must be available in ample quantities at all times to keep them healthy. Hay is readily available on the market in a variety of varieties. Timothy hay or orchard hay are the two types of hay that are best for guinea pigs. Make certain that you only receive one of these.
Timothy hay is the best choice for the majority of owners; however, some owners are allergic to it, and in this case, orchard hay would be the most suitable alternative for them.
Other types of hay, such as oats or alfalfa hay, should be avoided at all costs because they do not contain the appropriate balance of nutrients required by our guinea pigs. Because hay is an essential part of their diet, you don’t want to deprive them of the proper nutritional balance that their bodies require to function properly.
Some low-cost brands frequently combine timothy hay with a small amount of alfalfa hay in order to reduce costs. Because of the high calcium content in that hay, feeding it to your guinea pigs can be extremely detrimental to their health, as it can result in bladder stones in the animals.
When purchasing hay, it’s possible to save some money, but the vet bills later on could be ten times more expensive than the money you saved.
I personally prefer to use either small pet select or oxbow, as these are the products I prefer to use. These may be a little more expensive than other alternatives, but the quality is outstanding, and I am confident that I am making a wise investment in the long-term health of my piggies.
Recommended reading:
- Guinea Pig Hay(What Type, How Much): A Complete Guide For Owners
- How much hay do guinea pigs eat a day? (Pack to buy, Storage & more)
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables should be included in your guinea pig’s diet on a regular basis. It accounts for approximately 15% of their total caloric intake. However, it is an important component of a healthy diet as well.
Even though guinea pigs obtain the majority of their carbohydrates, fibers, and other nutrients from hay, vegetables provide a significant portion of their Vitamin C and other essential vitamins.
Guinea pigs, in contrast to other animals, are unable to produce their own vitamin C, and as a result, they must rely on vegetables and fruits to obtain the vitamin.
The majority of experts recommend providing your guinea pigs with at least 5-6 different types of vegetables on a daily basis. You should not consume more than one cup of this per day, but dividing it into two portions and serving it twice daily will help you maintain a more even weight loss diet all through out the day.
Remember to eat nutritious vegetables and fruits that are low in calcium and high in Vitamin C.
The following vegetables are excellent choices to feed on a daily basis: bell peppers, cilantro, lettuce, and spinach. Spinach, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, kale and parsley are some of the other popular vegetables that most guinea pig owners feed their animals, in addition to the aforementioned items.
Note: Guinea pigs have an extremely sensitive digestive system, and they are unable to tolerate a significant change in their food intake or diet. Significant changes in their environment can easily upset their system balance, causing them to experience diarrhea and other health problems. To avoid throwing their system out of balance, always introduce new foods slowly and gradually.
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Recommended reading:
- What do you do if your guinea pig won’t eat vegetables?
- List Of Vegetables For Guinea Pigs. (Can/Can’t eat, Benefits, Hazards!)
- Vitamin C for guinea pigs
Pellets
Pig pellets are also a great addition to your guinea pig’s nutritional needs. The majority of guinea pig pellets are fortified with additional Vitamin C, which aids in the maintenance of their nutritional levels.
Pellets can provide your guinea pigs with a wide range of nutrients, including fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other minerals that they require.
It is not a substitute for vegetables in your guinea pig’s diet, and it is not recommended. But it does help to maintain the nutritional requirements of your guinea pigs, especially if they are finicky about their food selection.
Every day, give your guinea pigs an eighth cup to a sixth cup of pellets to eat. Because your guinea pigs are not going to gorge themselves on pellets, I’ve found that refilling the bowl once a day or whenever necessary is sufficient. As a result, the likelihood of overfeeding is extremely low.
If you overfill the bowl, however, they will toss it around, tip it over, or even pee or poop into it, resulting in significant waste if you do not clean up after them. As a result, serve only the bare minimum whenever possible and refill as needed.
My guinea pigs have been enjoying Higgins vita garden pellets for the past few months, so I’ve been purchasing them myself. I’ve also experimented with small pets select in the past, and those were fantastic as well. Even though a large bag will typically last for months, investing in a high-quality bag will be insignificant in the long run.
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Treats
Treats are a great way to add variety to your guinea pigs’ diet and keep them happy. They are also beneficial in taming your guinea pigs because they make the process much easier overall.
There is a wide variety of commercial treats available on the market; however, not all of them are suitable for use with guinea pigs, so be cautious when using them.
Oxbow natural treats with bell pepper and timothy hay are my go-to treat for my dogs.
Given the fact that it contains significantly less sugar than other treats available, it is an excellent choice for your guineas.
My guinea pigs usually get a commercial treat once a week, which is rare for me. A great and healthy alternative is to eat fresh fruits. Fresh fruits can be found in most grocery stores. Additionally, it contains a significant amount of sugar; however, it also contains a significant amount of vitamins and minerals.
My guinea pigs usually enjoy fruits such as grapes, oranges, strawberries, apples, kiwi, and so on. Only a small piece of a treat should be given once or twice a week.
Don’t be overly generous when you’re staring at your adorable little guinea pigs. Fresh vegetables are usually served during the week, and commercial treats are served during the weekend.
Let’s say I gave them a piece of fruit on Wednesday, and the next treat will be on Sunday, and so on and so forth. Avoid consuming it on a regular basis to avoid health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and so on.
Water
Water is also very important for your guinea pigs, and it should be available to them at all times during their stay. An average guinea pig can drink anywhere from 50-300ml of water per day, depending on its size.
The amount of water that they consume is determined by their diet, the temperature, and a variety of other factors. You must, however, ensure that they have access to fresh and clean water at all times.
Additionally, you must change the water twice daily to ensure that bacteria does not accumulate in it. If the water is too hot or too cold, your guinea pigs may not drink it because they prefer water that is at room temperature or slightly warmer.
It would be preferable if you also used a high-quality leakproof water bottle for the purpose of providing water to your guinea pigs. It is best not to use a water bowl because the water can become contaminated very easily in those.
Using Choconose water bottles for the past few months has made me extremely happy, and I can’t express how grateful I am for making the switch. It is impossible for them to leak at all, and they are also quite durable.
Recommended reading:
- Water for your guinea pigs: What type, how much & more
- Best leak-proof water bottle for your guinea pigs
Skinny pig habitat
Now that we’ve covered the diet, let’s take a look at the most fundamental items we’ll need to keep our guinea pigs comfortable. i.e., their natural environment
Slender pigs require the same care as their larger counterparts: a large cage with bedding, toys, hiding places, a water bottle, and food bowls. Guinea pigs are no exception. Skinny pigs require all of the same supplies as everyone else.
When it comes to housing skinny pigs, there are a few things we must do differently than when housing fat pigs. Let’s take a look at it in more detail.
Skinny pig cage setup
Some believe that skinny pigs require less space than a typical guinea pig because they are smaller in stature. That, however, is not the case in practice.
The fact is that skinny pigs require a reasonably large cage in order to live a healthy life. The bare minimum amount of space required for a pair of skinny pigs would be approximately eight square feet of floor space in the pen.
You should never choose a smaller cage for your pet because it will restrict their movement and exercise area, which can be detrimental to their health in the long run.
Considering that guinea pigs are caged animals who must spend the majority of their time in their cage, providing them with an ample space to eat, play, and exercise would be ideal.
The placement of the cage is one of the most important considerations when housing a skinny pig, and it should not be overlooked. As they have no fur on their bodies, skinny pigs can become extremely cold in a short period of time.
As a result, it is necessary to maintain a stable and warm environment for them in order to avoid health problems. The average temperature of the room should be around 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit). You may be able to get away with a temperature of 1°, but anything higher than that could be problematic.
The cage should be placed in a well-ventilated area, but away from drafts and direct sunlight to ensure proper ventilation. Also, make certain that the pen does not have any sharp edges or anything else that could harm your guinea pigs.
Because they have no fur, their skin is susceptible to being scratched quite easily. So, if you’re building a wooden cage or something similar from scratch, make sure it’s well-constructed.
Unfortunately, there are only a few readymade cages that can accommodate our guinea pigs while still providing adequate space for them to run around in. The MIDWEST cage or a DIY C&C cage are the two most common options for guinea pig housing in the majority of cases.
Recommended reading:
- How big should a guinea pig’s cage be and why?
- Best large size cage for two or more guinea pigs
- Midwest guinea pig habitat plus cage review
- Can you keep guinea pigs in your bedroom?
Skinny pig bedding
When it comes to housing skinny pigs, bedding is one of the most important considerations. When it comes to housing a guinea pig, bedding is essential.
It helps to keep the cage’s floor dry and the odors at bay.
The feet of your guinea pigs are also protected by good quality bedding from the wired or rough bottom of the cage.
It adds another layer of insulation to the cage’s overall insulation.
Aspen, paper, hay, fleece, and other types of bedding are all available for use with guinea pigs; aspen is the most common type. However, not all of them are safe for skinny pigs to consume.
While aspen and other wood shavings can easily bruise their skin, hay and paper bedding contain a lot of dust and are not as absorbent as aspen or other wood shavings in terms of keeping the piggies warm.
As a result, fleece continues to be a popular choice of bedding for skinny pig owners everywhere. However, because these piggies pee and poop significantly more than regular guinea pigs, the fleece must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
I’ve been using guinea dad fleece liners for over a year now, and I’m completely satisfied with them. Despite the fact that I have tried a variety of beddings, including Carefresh, Aspen, and others, none have been as good as this one.
These are ESSENTIAL! Review of the Guineadad Liner
Recommended reading:
- Guineadad Fleece liners review
- Is aspen bedding safe for guinea pigs
- The best bedding for guinea pigs: A buyer’s guide
Skinny pig food bowl
Food bowls and hay racks are also important components of a well-designed cage setup. This aids in keeping the hay and vegetables, pellets, and other food in place, thereby ensuring that the cage remains clean, and it also makes the cleaning process much more straightforward and efficient.
You can use any food bowl as long as it doesn’t tip over, and the food stays in its proper place. I personally use the STAYbowl Tip-Proof Ergonomic Pet Bowl for Guinea Pigs, which is available on Amazon. They are extremely sturdy and difficult to tip over, and as a result, they work perfectly for me.
I also use a hay rack to keep all of the hay in one place and keep the cage from becoming too cluttered. However, avoid using ball-shaped containers because guinea pigs can get their mouths or heads stuck in them, which can be fatal to your guinea pigs.
Skinny pig water bottle
Water bottles are also a necessary component of the guinea pig’s cage environment. All of the time, guinea pigs must have access to fresh and clean drinking water.
Use of a leak-proof water bottle is recommended in order to prevent the dripping water from soaking through the entire bedding.
Also, make sure that the water bottle is at a comfortable height for your guinea pigs to drink from. Usually, 1-2 inches high is the ideal height for placement, but you can experiment a little to find the height that works best for your piggies and their needs.
In terms of providing water to your guinea pigs, there is much more that you should be aware of. To learn more about water for your guinea pigs, I recommend that you read our in-depth guide on the subject.
Skinny pig toys & hiding spaces
Skinny pigs require a significantly greater number of hiding places in their cage than other guinea pigs. The majority of experts recommend using fleece hideouts and snuggle sacks to ensure that your guinea pigs remain warm and secure during the winter months.
Guinea pigs must have hiding spaces because they feel safe and secure when they are in them, according to experts. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and they are always on the lookout for ways to sneak around the cage and take a good night nap.
For your guinea pigs, it is also necessary to provide them with high-quality toys. Guinea pigs require mental stimulation in order to maintain their health and activity. If you are unable to provide them with a few hours of floor time each day, it would be wise to provide them with some toys in their cage so that they can have some fun.
The toys available for skinny pigs, on the other hand, should be very different from those available for other breeds. Due to the fact that skinny pigs have soft skin and no fur to protect their skin, they should not be played with any toys that have sharp or rough edges.
To begin with, the Kaytee Chew & Treat Toy and the Small Animal Hanging Hammock are both excellent choices. You can look for more items that are similar all over the market.
Skinny pig grooming
Grooming a skinny pig is a straightforward and straightforward process. Nonetheless, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when grooming them.
It is still easier to groom a skinny guinea pig than it is to groom a long-haired guinea pig breed, such as a sheltie, despite the fact that they are both smaller.
Skinny guinea pigs require regular grooming, which includes nail clipping once a month, grease gland cleaning when necessary, and keeping an eye out for dry skin and taking action if necessary.
They don’t need to be bathed on a regular basis until they become filthy and smelly, or until a veterinarian advises it for medical reasons.
To wrap things up, let’s take a closer look at their grooming and learn a little bit more about it in general.
Skinny pig nail care
Trimming the nails of a skinny pig is one of the most common and routine aspects of grooming a skinny pig. When they are young, skinny pigs have a sharp nail, which is especially noticeable.
They can cause damage to your skin as well as their own, which is why it is necessary to clip the nails down at least once a month. It is necessary to check and trim Skinny Pig’s nails on a monthly basis because they grow quickly and quickly grow out.
The use of a nail filer to shape their nails would be beneficial so that their nails do not have a sharp edge would also be beneficial. Using sharp nails, they can inflict serious injury on their skin or on their cage mates, which can be extremely difficult to treat and treat properly afterwards. As a result, trimming and shaping it on a monthly basis is essential.
Cutting a nail can be intimidating, especially if you are a complete novice to the process. I would suggest that you enlist the assistance of a friend or pay a visit to a veterinarian for the first time to observe how it is done and then try it yourself the next time.
Maintaining your comfort while cutting your nails is enhanced by using a high-quality clipper that is designed for the task at hand.
How to Trim Your Guinea Pig’s Nails (with Pictures)
As an added precaution, wrap your guinea pig in a towel and place their front paws directly above a flashlight to keep them safe. Because of this, you will be able to see right through their nails and veins. Simple precautions, such as using a good pair of clippers to clip off the new growth, are all that are necessary.
Skinny pig skincare
In addition to the fact that they lack fur to protect their skin, skinny guinea pigs require additional attention to keep it in good condition. When kept in an uncluttered cage and fed a nutritious diet, a healthy guinea pig’s skin should be smooth and well-kept.
Their skin can become dry in patches around their bodies, particularly around their ears, and this can be uncomfortable. In such a case, you should apply some organic coconut oil to the skin to ensure that it stays moisturized.
Because your guinea pig may ingest any chemical or fragrance-based moisturizer while self-grooming, avoid using any of these products as they can be harmful to their health.
Another important consideration is that your skinny pig should never be exposed to bright sunshine. Please keep in mind that more prolonged exposure to the sun can result in skin burns and, in some cases, cancer, so exercise caution when outdoors.
Skinny pig grease gland
The grease glands in your guinea pigs are located at the back of their bodies. They typically use the grease secreted by these glands to mark their territory and attract female guinea pigs to them for mating, but they have also been known to use it for other purposes.
Some guinea pigs have a functioning grease gland, but not all of them do. Depending on whether or not your skinny pig has a functioning grease gland, you may need to clean it out on a regular basis, as well.
In guinea pigs, clogged grease glands can cause a foul odor and infection if they are not cleaned regularly. Trying to explain everything about the grease gland in this article would be impossible.
Cleaning the Grease Gland of Guinea Pigs
An in-depth article about grease glands and how to clean them can be found here. More information about it can be found in that article as well.
Skinny pig bath: Can I give my skinny pig a bath?
Guinea pigs are known for keeping themselves clean. Unless they are suffering from a medical condition or have become excessively filthy, you will rarely have to bathe or clean them.
In general, guinea pigs are capable of grooming themselves, and bathing should not be included as a regular part of their grooming routine.
The frequent bathing they receive removes all of the natural oil from their skin, which can result in dry and itchy skin in the future. It would be best if you only bathed them when they were absolutely necessary or when your veterinarian recommended it.
How to bathe your skinny pig?
Bathing a skinny pig is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that anyone can do. You can use a stable container and put it in the sink to save time. Now place the guinea pig in it and fill the box with lukewarm water until it reaches the guinea pig’s navel.
Now that the water has been poured around their bodies, you can use a gentle shampoo to lather them up and clean your guinea pig. Because other shampoos can be harsh on their skin and can strip their skin of its natural oil, you must only use guinea pig safe mild shampoo.
Following your lathering session, thoroughly rinse your guinea pigs with water and wrap them in a soft towel to dry them. Make certain that you have absorbed all of the water from their body.
We use a hairdryer to dry other breeds of pigs, but you should avoid using one on skinny pigs because it can harm their delicate skin and even burn it if done incorrectly.
‘Skinny Pig Bath & Coconut Oil’ (with live demonstration)
I would advise you to do so. Wrapping them in a towel and putting them in a warm room might be enough to help them feel better. Again, keep your guinea pigs out of direct sunlight and drafts to prevent them from becoming ill. Also, after you have finished bathing, massage some coconut oil into your skin.
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Why is my skinny pig losing weight?
Weight loss in guinea pigs can be caused by a variety of factors, including an improper diet, dental problems, stress, and other health problems.
When it comes to skinny pigs, however, body temperature is also an important factor to take into consideration. As skinny pigs lack fur on their bodies, they must expend more calories in order to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
As soon as the temperature in the room drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, their bodies begin to burn more calories in order to keep themselves warm. Skinny pigs typically lose weight as a result of this behavior.
Those temperatures are not taken into consideration or taken seriously by most owners, but they are an important factor to consider, especially if you have a skinny pig on your hands.
In addition, I’ve written an in-depth article on why guinea pigs lose weight and what you can do to prevent this from happening. In the event that you are still unsure, I would recommend that you read it again.
How to keep skinny pig warm?
It is recommended that you use a heater that has a thermostat turned on. Personally, I use this incredible Honeywell heater with a built-in thermostat, which I highly recommend.
My piggies are fine when the temperature is between 72 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, which I frequently set. It is highly recommended that you make use of one of these, especially if you live in a colder climate.
You can also use snuggle sacs, microwave-safe heat pads, and other similar items to keep the temperature from dropping too far.
There are a plethora of other options for keeping your guinea pig warm.
I’ve written an entire article about it. To find out more about it, check out our in-depth guide on the subject here.
Why is my skinny pig shaking?
Skinny pigs are known to shiver in response to cold, happiness, or fear. The fact that your guinea pig is shaking as a result of pleasure is not cause for concern.
Nonetheless, stress or cold can also cause guinea pigs to shake, and you may want to investigate the cause of this behavior.
To learn everything about what causes shaking in guinea pigs and what you can do about it, I highly recommend reading our in-depth guide on What causes shaking in guinea pigs and what you can do about it.
Where to buy skinny pigs?
How to Choose a Guinea Pig in the Proper Manner
The skinny guinea pig can be found in rescues, pet shops, and some breeders, among other places. A pet shop is definitely not the place to get one because these piggies are not well cared for, and as a result, they don’t have a long life expectancy, which is not ideal.
I would personally suggest keeping an eye out for rescues in your area if you are looking for a skinny pig. To obtain one if they are not available through rescue organizations, you can look around and find some professional breeders with a good reputation.
Always keep an eye out for signs of healthy guinea pigs before bringing one into your home for the first time with your family.
How much does a skinny pig cost?
Skinny pigs can range in price from 100$ to 200$ on average, depending on their condition. It is available for free from rescue organizations, but if you purchase it from an animal breeder the price can rise significantly, reaching up to 300 dollars or more.
The fact that skinny pigs are a rare species that is difficult to breed explains why their value is so high. Furthermore, bear in mind that they are a social animal, and you should purchase at least a pair to ensure that they live a healthy and happy life.
Are skinny pigs hypoallergenic?
No, skinny pigs do not have hypoallergenic properties. The majority of people believe that skinny pigs are hypoallergenic because they do not have a coat.
While this is far from the truth, any warm-blooded animal can cause an allergic reaction in humans by dandering, urinating, or salivating in their presence.
Hay and beddings are also major contributors to allergic reactions, which most people are unaware of until they develop symptoms.
If you are allergic to guinea pigs but still want to keep one as a pet, you should read the following section of our guide:
Is it true that Guinea Pigs are hypoallergenic? Families with guinea pig allergies should read this!
Conclusion:
Skinny Pig Owners: Some Pointers for First-Time Owners
- A skinny pig requires a cage with a minimum floor space of 7.5 square feet.
- To ensure that your guinea pigs remain healthy and that their cage remains clean, high-quality bedding is essential. If at all possible, use fleece bedding.
- It is essential to provide a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Choose high-quality hay, as well as a cup of fresh vegetables daily, and supplement with pellets and treats if necessary.
- Make sure they have enough time to play and exercise on the floor to keep them happy.
- Despite the fact that the skinny pigs do not require much grooming, they do require some attention on a monthly basis. Nail trimming and skin care are two of the most basic necessities to keep an eye on.
- Skinny pigs also have fast-growing nails that must be clipped on a regular basis. If you don’t file their nails on a regular basis, the sharp edges of their nails could injure their cage mates or even you while you are holding them.
- Make certain that you only bathe your skinny pig when absolutely necessary. Bathing them on a regular basis can strip away the natural oil from their skin, making it rough and dry as a result.
- A regular veterinarian visit (once every three months) aids in the prevention of diseases, allowing your guinea pigs to live a long and healthy life.
- When going to get one, always make sure that they are in good condition. It is easier to identify the right one if it has a healthy coat, glowing eyes, clear sound, and good dental health. It is recommended that you obtain your first guinea pigs only from a rescue or a breeder.
FAQ
Is it possible to cuddle with skinny pigs?
Yes, when compared to other guinea pig breeds, skinny pigs are definitely cuddlier than the rest. The fact that they are outgoing and calm in personality makes them relatively easy to train.
Is it easy to keep skinny pigs in good health?
Unlike other breeds, skinny pigs are extremely difficult to care for when compared to the rest of the pig population. Because they require special care and have greater nutritional requirements than other piggies, they pee and poop a great deal more than other piggies, necessitating more frequent cleaning and other chores.
Is it true that skinny pigs stink?
No, skinny pigs aren’t known for their foul odor. They enjoy keeping their surroundings clean. However, if we don’t keep up with the regular cleaning schedule, their enclosure may begin to smell unpleasant. More information can be found at How to keep guinea pigs odor-free.
Do skinny pigs require special attention?
Yes, skinny pigs do require a little extra attention. Keep the temperature at the proper level, clean the cage more frequently, and groom them properly are just a few of the extra tasks you’ll have to complete for them.
Is it possible to keep skinny pigs outside?
No, skinny pigs should not be allowed to roam free in the wild. They do not have any hair on their bodies, unlike other breeds, which allows them to keep themselves warm. As a result, a constantly changing environment can be hazardous to their health.
Is it possible to keep a skinny pig as a pet?
Yes, keeping a skinny pig as a pet can be a rewarding experience. They do require a little extra attention, but if you can keep up with them, they will make wonderful pets for your family, as they are both calm and affectionate.
How do skinny pigs and guinea pigs get along with one another?
Yes, skinny pigs can coexist peacefully with other guinea pig breeds. Other guinea pigs must not be overly aggressive or dominant, however, as they may injure your skinny pig if they become overly aggressive or dominant. Skinny pigs have no hair to protect their bodies from the elements. As a result, even a minor nibble can cause serious damage to their skin.
Do skinny pigs enjoy being held in their mouths?
The answer is yes, skinny guinea pigs are more sociable and affectionate than other breeds of guinea pigs. Make sure, however, that you don’t set unrealistic expectations for them at the outset. All guinea pigs have a distinct personality, and the characteristics of your guinea pig may differ significantly depending on his or her behavior.
Sources: Housing Guinea pig colony, Guinea pigs housing, Petsaver guinea pig guide, Guinea pig care, GUINEA PIG GENERAL CARE GUIDE, The effects of lowering the bath temperature, Weight Loss in Guinea Pigs, THE DEPLETION OF VITAMIN C, Discussion with a vet, The Journal of Nutrition, NCBI, NCBI, Journal of animal health, Petmd, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology, and Health in the Guinea Pig.
