Barbering

[FizzyChipGinger]

Hey all!
Totally new to all this. Got my first piggy year and a half ago (Fizzy) caught the fever and got another about 5 months later (Chip) and after that our last one (so we say) Ginger. Obviously there was a lot of strutting from the boss lady Fizzy when we got both, but they seemed to settle down fine after a week or two. I don't personally feel I've seen any aggression apart from the boss lady putting them in check now and again as youd expect, but I've noticed a couple of days ago the youngest Ginger had lost a lot of hair around her eye, the skin looks dry and scabby so I assumed it was maybe mites (even though they are indoor piggies) but today I noticed Ginger biting Chip (who is the middle piggie and the one that is never ever aggressive) and eating her fur? I have an appointment Thursday for her but wondering what causes this behaviour? Any insight welcome pic of eye attached xx

 

[Wiebke]

Hey all!
Totally new to all this. Got my first piggy year and a half ago (Fizzy) caught the fever and got another about 5 months later (Chip) and after that our last one (so we say) Ginger. Obviously there was a lot of strutting from the boss lady Fizzy when we got both, but they seemed to settle down fine after a week or two. I don't personally feel I've seen any aggression apart from the boss lady putting them in check now and again as youd expect, but I've noticed a couple of days ago the youngest Ginger had lost a lot of hair around her eye, the skin looks dry and scabby so I assumed it was maybe mites (even though they are indoor piggies) but today I noticed Ginger biting Chip (who is the middle piggie and the one that is never ever aggressive) and eating her fur? I have an appointment Thursday for her but wondering what causes this behaviour? Any insight welcome pic of eye attached xx

Hi!

Please have Ginger vet checked for a fungal skin infection, possibly ringworm! Be aware that ringworm is highly infectious and transmits as easily to other species, including humans. You will need to treat everybody and everypig in contact with the infected piggy to prevent it from spreading.
Good hygiene is of utmost importance because the tiny, invisible spores are long lived and can get everywhere. Please do NOT home treat on spec. We can only guess from your description and picture, but we cannot replace (nor are qualified to) a hands-on vet examination.

Pictures of a ringworm infection as well as hygiene advice in this guide here: Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

 

[FizzyChipGinger]

Hello! Thanks for your reply. We have Ginger booked in for get appointment Thursday, but I was really confused by her eating my long haired piggys fur? The long haired one is the middle piggy very placid, is it normal to bite off and eat other piggys fur? Xx

 

[Wiebke]

Hello! Thanks for your reply. We have Ginger booked in for get appointment Thursday, but I was really confused by her eating my long haired piggys fur? The long haired one is the middle piggy very placid, is it normal to bite off and eat other piggys fur? Xx

Yes, barbering long-haired guinea pigs is pretty common.
Here is the detailed guide I have written about the various aspects of barbering: Barbering ( Eating Hair)