Help grooming my pig

[kellylouise]

Hi, a while ago my sister bought a guinea pig from pets at home, he is male, white and long haired. She made the mistake of buying him for her son who is now no longer interested in him, so I have taken him and want to give him the very best care.

I have a big (ish) hutch for Joey (that's his name) and he seems content. My problem is trying to comb his fur, he goes beserk when I try to groom him, even if I tempt him with a carrot or piece of apple, he does not want the comb near him! Is this hurting him? I am worried if he doesn't let me groom him his fur will become very matted. Can anyone give me some advice?

Also, I plan on building him a nice big run so he has lots of space to play, but I am interested in getting him a friend. I was going to seperate the run so that they can interact but they do not get close enough to fight/breed.

Can anyone recommend which pig friend to get for him with him being male? he has not had the chop either so will he need to be done at the vets? Thank you :{

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Great that you have taken on the boy and are doing your best to make him happy!

It is advisable to keep his coat cut short during the hot months - he will feel so much better in himself and it is much easier to keep him groomed. At other times, I would recommend keeping him short at the bum end and especially around the privates and on the sides.

If he is anything like my two perus, who were totally matted when they were surrendered to a rescue, it may be something of a fight to get his hair cut - but one that is worth it even if you end covered in hair from top to foot! If you can, get somebody to hold and distract him. With my perus, it is always quite a karate session, as soon as I get anywhere near the back end.

I generally try to give the piggies who really hate being groomed a shorter haircut; it is a lot less stressful for me as well as for them!

You might like to use a rough comb like for an afro look for grooming; anything finer will pull too much and be quite hurtful for him.

Where are you located? Here in Britain we have good guinea pig rescues that will allow you to bring your boy for some dating at the rescue under expert supervision, so you minimise the risks and maximise your chances for a good bond.
Here is a map with links to recommended good standard and practice rescues in Britain. Please contact the rescue you can reach; not all offer boar dating. https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0

Neutering is only advisable if you are considering bonding your boy with a sow. It doesn't change behaviour unlike rabbits, it only removes the ability to make babies after a post op wait of 6 weeks if you want to be 100% safe (I have a surprise baby from a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post op boar to prove that particular point). Please be aware that while cross gender bondings are the generally the most stable, you need to have access to a good and experienced vet in order to minimise the sadly not inconsiderable risk of post op complications that can at worst be fatal.

PS: it would save time and help us a lot to tailor our advice if you added your country/state or general area to your details. you can do so in private messages/my settings/edit profile/location. Thanks!

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, Welcome to the forum! Some great advice above from Wiebke. Also when combing get a large tooth comb and hold the fur near the root, this will avoid pulling.