Hair Eating?

[piggl]

My newest guinea pig (2 month old Winston) has been introduced and to my 7 month old guinea pig Digby. I noticed Winston has been eating hair from digby - i read about barbering but he is pulling hair out of his skin and its obviously hurting digby because he squeals and turns around to nip him. I'm worried that digby isnt going to be left alone or if this is a sign of bonding failure. Answers would be so helpful as I'm really worried xx

 

[piggl]

Digby does have quite long hair (hes the one in the profile pic)

 

[Wiebke]

My newest guinea pig (2 month old Winston) has been introduced and to my 7 month old guinea pig Digby. I noticed Winston has been eating hair from digby - i read about barbering but he is pulling hair out of his skin and its obviously hurting digby because he squeals and turns around to nip him. I'm worried that digby isnt going to be left alone or if this is a sign of bonding failure. Answers would be so helpful as I'm really worried xx

Hi!

Some piggies can be rougher when barbering. it is not at all uncommon for a youngster introduced to an older long-haired piggy to give them a short haircut over the course of a week. the hair will usually grow back and the barbering will settle down. it won't harm either piggy.
If Digby has really had enough, he will make that unmistakeably clear to the little boy; so far he is just complaining and telling him off in a measured way.

But your boys are bonded and they are not going to fall out over this. The little one is just fascinated by the hair; it is just friendly snuggling behaviour gone overboard.

Please let your boys sort it out and do not interfere even if you have to live with a new haircut for a while!

 

[piggl]

Hi!

Some piggies can be rougher when barbering. it is not at all uncommon for a youngster introduced to an older long-haired piggy to give them a short haircut over the course of a week. the hair will usually grow back and the barbering will settle down. it won't harm either piggy.
If Digby has really had enough, he will make that unmistakeably clear to the little boy; so far he is just complaining and telling him off in a measured way.

But your boys are bonded and they are not going to fall out over this. The little one is just fascinated by the hair; it is just friendly snuggling behaviour gone overboard.

Please let your boys sort it out and do not interfere even if you have to live with a new haircut for a while!

Thank you, this is my first time having pigs and with losing one in a short time then a bonding failure with digby being left hurt - i am now nervous at everything - now i turn to this page alot as i know there is much more experienced guinea pig owners - Thank you for your help xx

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, this is my first time having pigs and with losing one in a short time then a bonding failure with digby being left hurt - i am now nervous at everything - now i turn to this page alot as i know there is much more experienced guinea pig owners - Thank you for your help xx

HUGS


Digby knows that the gesture is well-meant; this is why adult piggies usually mostly just complain but not put a full stop to it.

 

[piggl]

HUGS


Digby knows that the gesture is well-meant; this is why adult piggies usually mostly just complain but not put a full stop to it.

Ok ill keep a eye on them make sure it doesnt go to far (such as digby really getting fed up)- Once again thanks for all your help

 

[Wiebke]

Ok ill keep a eye on them make sure it doesnt go to far (such as digby really getting fed up)- Once again thanks for all your help

Usually it ends with Digby sporting a short haircut...
But don't worry; your boys are not in any danger of falling out!