Guinea Pig Barbering Himself?

[Marms009]

My guinea pig Wesley has been chewing on this one spot on his back, and pulling his hair out. Hes a white pig with some brown spots, but I can see his skin easily. There is no bums, no redness, no crustiness.. that makes me think its mites or a fungal infection. He gets plenty of food and vitamin c intake.. i use Oxbow brand, which I have heard is the best.. here in the US.

I am however probably going to take him to the vet tomorrow, just to be sure. But is barbering a normal behavior for guinea pigs... to do to themselves?
I.

Any input and help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[HairlessWillow7]

My piggy Dobby barbers herself a lot! But she does it on her legs and belly.

 

[Glynis]

Hi and welcome to the forum
It sounds like your piggie may have mites? i'm glad you're going to the vets tomorrow.
Piggies if they scratch or bite at an area, usually it means there's a problem there.

http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

Is this something like what your piggie has?
Good luck at the vets, and please let us know how you go

Glynis, Velvet and Onyx x

 

[PiggiePal]

Yes sounds like mites to me. Easily treated by the vets x

 

[Marms009]

Yes, i have looked at guina lynx. it doesnt look anything like that picture, just one spot... and no redness. I'm going to take him in just to be sure.

 

[Wiebke]

Mites don't look necessarily like the the pics. Good that you are having him checked. His behaviour points to there being a problem with his skin.

PS: Skin parasites and fungal complaints can crop up even despite the best of care.

 

[squeeksmom]

Hi,

My piggie does the same thing. He barbers his legs and a few spots on his body. I have taken him to the vet before, and it was not mites. My vet explained that its like some people biting their nails.

i have however noticed that it gets better when I allow him more free time to run around. Maybe try that. For my boy its sycological.