Help ID tiny insects in Pig Cage

[Kingfish]

Greetings from across the Pond!

I need help with identifying small insects that have set up home within our pig's cages. The insects are tiny black specs, smaller than a flea but just as agile. When observed with a magnifying glass they appear to be a very tiny version of a fly, although I can't say with certainty that they are a winged insect. If you get close to one it will dart away, but whether it jumps or flies I can't say. They are so tiny and fast it is difficult to observe.

Both our pigs live within a custom pen lined with softwood bedding, and I have noticed these insects perched along the side of the Pig's pen as well as within the bedding. They do not appear to be a biting insect. Both pigs have predominately white fur, and we have not noticed any of these insects on either pig, nor have they exhibited any scratching or loss of fur. In fact they both are as healthy and content as always.

I checked online for parasites common to Guinea pigs but none resemble what I see here. In fact, I am not sure they are parasites, as they seem to leave the pigs alone.

Does anyone have a clue as to what they might be?

 

[Pat Shields]

Does anyone have a clue as to what they might be?

Tell me what state you live in; that might give a clue.

 

[Connie]

What do you use to wash the cage?

 

[Kingfish]

Florida East Coast

After my initial post I went back and observed the pen in detail. I noticed the insects seem to be more concentrated around the bedding directly underneath the water bottle, where it is moist, as well as the corners where the pigs have designated as their bathroom. These areas get a spot cleaning every other day, as well as a full bedding removal/replacement once a week.

 

[Connie]

If this becomes a problem it might be worth thinking about changing to fleece, do you know about using fleece as a bedding?

 

[Kingfish]

Do you think it is the bedding material, or should we temporarily increase the number of 'full' cleanings?

We may have used fleece bedding once before but can't be sure. It was a one-time experiment when our local store ran out of softwood. We found not not to be as absorbent as the wood.

Our preference to softwood lies in the fact we can use it in the yard as mulch once the pigs have "fertilized" it.

 

[Connie]

Soft wood can have a few different problems, it can affect the piggies respiratory system.

It is also better for "Wildlife"

Fleece is usually used as a top layer, with something absorbant underneath, for example a base of newspaper, then towel, then fleece. Personally I use a base of pampers disposable baby changing mats (like puppy pads) then a matress protector, then fleece. This lasts a nice long time, and its warm and cosey, the fleece wicks away the wee so the top is always dry on piggies feet.

You could try cleaning them out more, however i suspect without using a serious disinfectant that you will get rid of the eggs. Insects often live within wood unfortunatly thats just nature.

 

[christine]

Could they be woodlice,just a guess without seeing a pic.?

 

[Kingfish]

I can now say with certainty that they are very tiny flies. I was able to observe a few take flight and briefly hover before landing - not an easy thing given their size and speed. I'll give the pen a major cleaning tonight, refill with fresh bedding and see what happens.

 

[Kym]

Hi,

I had exactly the same problem last summer (2010) I was originally cleaning my piggies once a week (guidlines). When I increased the number to two full changes a week using anti-bax etc...the flies never returned. I also gave my piggies a bath. I had two back then, Charlie and Harry. Its now just Charlie!

Best of luck,
kym.