Long haired piggies in this weather.

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paulag

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The weather is glorious and since I've been off work this week I've spent a lot of time in the garden with the mini herd on the run.

I just wanted to start a discussion on the benefits of a haircut for long haired guinea pigs. Prissie was just a miserable dismop even though she was trimmed two months ago until I have her a serious haircut. Now she pootles around and even has the odd popcorn.

I'm going to be a bit controversial and say that long haired gps are a welfare issue in this weather and need a good haircut. If you don't agree try getting out your warmest winter coat and spending your whole day in it.

Also remember to shade the run outside, not just put boxes in. Hutches and rooms with south facing windows can easily turn into ovens.

There's a rather elderly, but still relevant keeping cool page on erodent.co.uk if anyone is interested.

Paula
 
I always give my longhairs a summer cut, especially those with a thick mop of hair and shade the whole run during warm weather; during hot weather I additionally keep the covering towels damp so the evaporating water can cool the surrounding air.

We also have lots of tips on how to keep piggies cool here: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=48840
 
Yes my Texel boy has had a haircut, he is much happier with shorter hair and as he is black it means he gets even more hot...:(

I had them out on the grass yesterday afternoon - shady area of the garden, cardboard tunnels/hideys instead of plastic and a wet towel draped over the top, Marley was popcorning and running around so obviously wasn't warm :))
 
All of my long haired pigs get a rather radical summer doo... :))
Especially the textels and marinos as their hair is so dense...
They get it cut to the length of a short haired pig... Shelties and coronets type hair only get a summer trim...
x
 
My long hair Cupcake also gets a radical trim for the summer, she perks up no end when she has less hair. She is one of the Lymington piggies that have a characteristic dense coat of long hair.
 
Dindypig said:
My long hair Cupcake also gets a radical trim for the summer, she perks up no end when she has less hair. She is one of the Lymington piggies that have a characteristic dense coat of long hair.
Click to expand...

My coronet Caron is from the same place (big rescue in 2010), and she certainly needs a regular haircut, especially in summer!
 
Cameo is having a bath and a hack job tomorrow :))

She's opted for the OTT short back, sides, underneath, eyebrows, the lot! :))
 
Yep definately think it helps, I had my boys trimmed by 'harold the pig' on here and she did a marvellous job last month so a couple of days ago i gave them another trim to kepe on top of it but took it even short so my lunkarya is about 2cm all over and my coronet has a lovely layered 'do :))
 
Yes I started cutting my Texels hair a few weeks back, not just because it's getting warmer but because one of them also has a very heavy coat weight wise and it's not so nice dragging that around on your back anyway!

Although their coats are very pretty, they're not always practical and given obviously they're not for showing then really their comfort has to come first.
 
My Bernadette has had her first summer hairdo today, she might need another trim but I will show pigtures when I get them off my OH. She definitely looks and feels better for it :)
 
Only my karate piggy Ffwlbri left (although Tegan was about as bad as her auntie and may need a second go on the sides) and then all my longhairs are ready for the summer!
 
Poor Tegan, her beautiful fantail and spikey locks, all gone. I bet she gave you the runaround LOL.
 
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