Baths and one more question

[Annie's piggies]

Hi all I have a couple questions
This one is not to do with baths but those ears do Guinea pigs need their ears cleaning deftly not in the ear but around the crevices.
Q2. What is the stuff a lot of people put behind their Guinea ears in their bald spot do you need it if so where can you get if from
Q3. This is about baths so far I have never bathed my piggies yet their both shorthair how often should you bathe them
Q4 how long does it take
Q5 what's soaps can you use
And is there's good step by step guide for bathing Guinea pigs

If I need to bathe my piggies I would like it to be least stress possible for them as they clearly don't like water
Thankyou

 

[Guineapigfeet]

There is a bathing guide here somewhere . . .
1. I’ve never cleaned their ears. I check them sneakily, but haven’t cleaned them. I’m not sure I’d be happy doing it myself If they did need it, they look very delicate! I’m sure there’s more info in a sticky somewhere.
2. Nothing at all
3. Not unless they need it. One of mine has had three bum-baths, one has had two ‘proper’ baths and one has never had a bath (ironically the longest haired pig I have!) They are all just over 4 1/2 years old. I have had a 8 year old and a 6 year old that also never needed bathing.
4. Kinda depends if you’re doing a quick tidy up of a dirty bum or if it’s a full clean or if you have a grease glad issue. And how much they cooperate. Mine haven’t taken long at all, in fact it’s the drying that takes the most time!
5. You can get lovely shampoo from gorgeous guineas but a mild baby shampoo will be fine. Even just warm water if they’re not too dirty. My bum-bath pig has only had water bath, no soap at all.

I would just get prepared. I use a washing up bowl in the bath, make sure it’s the right temp (just warm) and not too deep; just touching the belly, or maybe even a bit lower if they’re unsure of water. I also have another bowl of clean water next to it and a third much fuller bowl next to me for rising (cup-scooping). Also have the towels ready. I’ve found my pigs are better if the others are not in the room too and one quite likes the hair dryer! (Warm setting, held quite far away) Veggies might help keep them distracted!

 

[Lady Kelly]

Guinea pigs do not need their ears cleaning or bathing at all. If their ears are dirty and have build up it indicates a problem and should have a vet check. You also do not need to put anything on the bald spot behind the ear.

Guinea pigs only need bathing if they have got very dirty, often a bum bath with plain water will suffice but if not then gorgeous guineas do a range of piggy safe shampoos. Mine only get a bum bath if they have wee stains or stains from poop/grease on their bits and pieces

 

[LMPigs]

Here is the bathing guide: Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)