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Can guinea pigs get fly strike?

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Gemma McD

Gemma McD

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As the title really, just wondered if they do get it. I lost my last rabbit to fly strike. He was a huge fat thing I rescued and he would sit in his poo, clean the cage and clean him up and he'd be in a state again the next day. I was out for the day when we had a bit of a heatwave and he didn't get cleaned that day. Next morning I went to sort him and he wouldn't move. That's when I saw the maggots :( The vet said he didn't rate Whisper's chances and as he was old, it was kinder to put him down :0 I spent months berating myself as if he'd been cleaned that day would it have prevented it, taken me months to feel ready to have small pets again. Having witnessed what a shocking illness this is I couldn't stand another animal going through it. I religously check my pigs everyday and keep their hutch clean, but would be nice to know if they are in danger from this as well.
 
Yes they can, unfortunately. :(

I have read somewhere that putting net curtain on the wire part of the hutch, can help keep flies out but allowing the air to circulate still.
 
They can but it is very rare in guinea pigs.

Keep the hutch and their bottoms clean and odourless and they should be fine.
 
I wouldn't want to worry you but yes, piggies can get fly strike and I have seen a few cases in its advanced state in the rescue. Its not nice.

I wouldn't worry too much though, as long as you kep the hutch/cage as clean and dry as possible and check your piggies regularly, they should be fine. :)

Roll on winter I say!
 
first_time_piggie_mum said:
Yes they can, unfortunately. :(

I have read somewhere that putting net curtain on the wire part of the hutch, can help keep flies out but allowing the air to circulate still.
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That makes sense, sort of like the fly masks put on horses to keep flies away from their face.
 
ANY animal can get fly strike if its unable to clean itself/get flies off. I've even seen dogs with flystrike... :)>>>
 
*SRH* said:
They can but it is very rare in guinea pigs.

Keep the hutch and their bottoms clean and odourless and they should be fine.
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I've been doing spot cleans every other day, full clean with a hutch every 4th day. Ginny who tends to sit in wee has had her long bottom fur trimmed and bottom baths to keep her clean and sweet smelling!
 
milhaven said:
I wouldn't want to worry you but yes, piggies can get fly strike and I have seen a few cases in its advanced state in the rescue. Its not nice.

I wouldn't worry too much though, as long as you kep the hutch/cage as clean and dry as possible and check your piggies regularly, they should be fine. :)

Roll on winter I say!
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Winter will certainly solve any potential problems! Glad I handle them every day, makes sure nothing gets overlooked
 
Yes they can, i have unfortunatly seen it in rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats before, some in a horrendous state, and neglected. (that isnt a suggestion you neglected your rabbit) So long as piggies are cleaned regurarly and can clean themselves suffiecently you dont need to worry too much. I do panic myself personally because ive seen it so often at work, so i clean them out plenty and have fly tape around the house.

x.
 
Am being vigilant just in case! Not something I ever want to witness again, was heartbreaking
 
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