Guinea pig plucking arm hairs?!

[Becca x]

One of my Abyssinian guinea pigs has recently started plucking the little hairs on my arms or around my neck - has anyone else experienced it?!

It’s quite painful cos she tugs on the hair slowly until it comes out, then finds another one. I’ve tried moving her about to distract her, wearing long sleeved and high necked tops and giving her some veg to nibble on - but she still does it! It’s quite offputting.

She’s nearly 3 years old and nothing has significantly changed, although I do find they’re both less keen on lap time in the summer when they’re getting lots of garden time. She has been getting quite bolshy with her sister recently and chasing her round the hutch.

If anyone has any suggestions that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wiebke]

One of my Abyssinian guinea pigs has recently started plucking the little hairs on my arms or around my neck - has anyone else experienced it?!

It’s quite painful cos she tugs on the hair slowly until it comes out, then finds another one. I’ve tried moving her about to distract her, wearing long sleeved and high necked tops and giving her some veg to nibble on - but she still does it! It’s quite offputting.

She’s nearly 3 years old and nothing has significantly changed, although I do find they’re both less keen on lap time in the summer when they’re getting lots of garden time. She has been getting quite bolshy with her sister recently and chasing her round the hutch.

If anyone has any suggestions that would be greatly appreciated.

Hi! Barbering is not unusual guinea pig behaviour; in your case it is more likely dominance barbering (see the guide) because it very much sounds like your girl has an active ovarian cyst, which you may want to have vet checked. The hormonally active cysts are often relatively small, but growing.
Hormone injections/implants or spaying is the usual treatment. For older or frail sows, draining under no or minimal sedation is a valid if not permanent alternative.

For the barbering make use of our piggy whispering tips, always starting and ending with a friendly and inclusive gesture while you assert your authority in piggy body language. It is surprisingly effective.

Barbering ( Eating Hair)
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Sow Behaviour
Guinea Lynx :: Ovarian Tumors

 

[Becca x]

Thank you, that’s really helpful. I’ll try some of the piggy whispering tips and get her to the vets.