Long Haired Piggies

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LaylaGrace

LaylaGrace

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Hello! I'm thinking about getting a guinea pig. (Or two.) now, I've never had one before, (I've pet sit some though) but I have 8 rabbits (along with other animals and no I don't show!). So I'm thinking that in terms of care they are relatively easier to care for than buns. I know they need different food and shelters.

Anyway, I was thinking about long haired pigs because they are so gorgeous and I just love them in general! So I was wondering a few things...

1) should I buy from a breeder or a pet store (definitely not a chain one but one that I know and trust)

2) are they harder to care for than short haired pigs? Should I get a short haired one instead?

3) bore or sow?

Thanks SO much to whoever answers!
I hope to be the proud owner of a guinea or two soon!
 
If you do get a piggy, definitely get two - they are group animals and won't be happy on their own.

There are lots of great guides in each of the forum sections which should help you - particularly the 'new owners' one.

As to boars or sows; I've only ever had sows so I can't really say! Boars need a bit more space as their minimum than sows, but more space is always better.

Please take a look at the Rescue Locator at the top of the page - rescues are a great way of finding pigs who need a good home. But if you don't rescue, just use common sense - if the breeder or pet shop feels a bit 'off' it probably is! Be aware that many pet shops don't sex baby Guineas properly and many people here have ended up with more than they bargained for!

I'd always go for short haired myself- but that's just a personal preference. If you're prepared for the extra time and effort long haired takes to keep tangle free and clean then go for it!
 
Hi. I had rabbits before getting my guinea pigs too. They are a bit easier to handle than rabbits but their diet is different due to requiring vitamin C in their food. Ideally, try to rescue as there are plenty of guinea pigs who need a loving home.

I have 4 short haired piggies, but would love to own a long haired pig one day. Short haired pigs are easier to care for, they don't get matted fur and just need nails clipping and their grease glands cleaned regularly. Long haired piggies need brushing and trimming regularly as well so they are higher maintenance. I also believe they need different bedding to short haired pigs to prevent their fur getting tangled.

I have 4 boars and I absolutely love them. They have such gorgeous personalities. I've never had sows though so I can't compare. Boars do need more space, around 5ft cage is ideal. Rescues usually have already bonded pairs of both boars and sows.
 
Thanks! A friend of mine breeds guineas, so if I can find one from her I know she's legit.

I've been looking at breeds, I would love a Peruvian. If anyone knows where to get one, or one that needs a home, let me know!

Also, what's the 'rarest' color a pig can come in? I was looking at colors and I can't seem to find an all tan one. I've seen a 'golden pig' is this a common color? Red? I also keep seeing the term 'rosettes' what are those!?

Sorry for so many questions!
 
Rosettes are swirls of hair found on abysiniain style piggies. (There's one in my profile pic)

There is a sticky thread somewhere describing different breeds and colours, but in my opinion, you shouldn't be picking a pig based on its colour - it make no difference to anything.
If it's just curiosity - I have no idea either about rarity of various colours
 
Out of the longhaieds we've had, our current peruvian is the easiest to groom, I keep her hair trimmed and the rosettes on hr bum keep most of her hair off the floor so it doesnt mat so easily. Our texel is an absolute nightmare, youd think we were murdering the poor thing every time we brush her xD its important to get them used to brushing even before their hair grows, although some will still hate it. Honestly, its a lot of work lol We've also had shelties and coronets which were pretty chilled out about being groomed, although one was deaf so the sound of the scissors didnt bother her one bit!

With boars youll have to deal with their grease spot from time to time which can get a little messy, as well as keeping their 'bits' clean. Our coronet boy was always getting loose hair stuck around his penis and it can make them quite sore.

Based on my experience over the years id say start with a shorthair unless youre confident you can keep on top of grooming. Have a look around for a good groomer near you that can help if you get a little overwhelmed too. Theres no shame in having it all cut off and starting from scratch :)
 
I am soon getting a pair of boars from a rescue. One orange coloured smooth haired and one chocolate with white long haired. The rescue lady advised me to cut the long haired piggie's hair if it got tangled rather than try to comb it out as they have very delicate skin.

Best of luck with your new pets.

Link to the rescue website, they are the second pair down.

http://wheekandsqueak.webs.com/guineapiggallery.htm
 
flowerfairy said:
I am soon getting a pair of boars from a rescue. One orange coloured smooth haired and one chocolate with white long haired. The rescue lady advised me to cut the long haired piggie's hair if it got tangled rather than try to comb it out as they have very delicate skin.

Best of luck with your new pets.

Link to the rescue website, they are the second pair down.

http://wheekandsqueak.webs.com/guineapiggallery.htm
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They are gorgeous!
 
I have longhaired piggies and i love them all,i do keep there coats trimmed above the ground,and i find this helps to maintain them much easier.Just i have a habit of trimming too much !:oops:
 
I had several rabbits over several years, my last one passed away nearly 2 years ago now :(, and I definately find piggies easier and less complex than rabbits even though they have cost me a small fortune in vets bills!

The main plus for me is that piggies require nowhere near as much space as a rabbit. My rabbits lived freerange in my house and also had freerange time in the garden. The piggies are quite happy living in their puppy pen and positively hate venturing outside!

I've got 2 females who get along really well :)
 
I don't know where you are in the world but we have a pedigree Peruvian in rescue who is due to be neutered. He would pair up with a sow nicely!
 
pig in the city said:
I don't know where you are in the world but we have a pedigree Peruvian in rescue who is due to be neutered. He would pair up with a sow nicely!
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Really? We'll I'm certainly interested to see a picture.

And Yes, the colors were for pure curiosity. I'd rather have a friendly pig than a nasty gorgeous one. Four of my buns are black and look the same, but they were all oh so sweet ;) but I would like a red piggy to match my hair...... *wink wink*
 
WP_20160925_17_10_32_Pro[1].webp
This is Pippin, he is 2 years old and is a peruvian. This photo was taken when he arrived, he looks a lot less scruffy now!WP_20160716_17_58_18_Pro[1].webp

This is Jeremy who is about 6 months old, he is due to be neutered next week. They are with me in Sheffield.
 
Oh how gorgeous! I'd love to take both those boys of your hands... Sadly, I live nowhere near Sheffield. I'm from the US.
 
Pippin & Jeremy are gorgeous... i wonder if my girls would like a boyfriend
 
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