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Long Overdue Hair Trim And Guidance Needed

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RavenRed

RavenRed

Junior Guinea Pig
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We adopted a couple of 5 month old sows 2 weeks ago and I took the plunge and got Noodle (long haired) out for a trim today.
My other half was on hand with peppers and she did well, though I didn't manage to get all of it.

This is what I managed to get cut out.... poor wee soul.
IMG_20170212_113702_zpsloxmxwdz.jpg

I don't think she's had a hair cut since she left the pet shop (at 8 weeks, as far as we know) if ever.

Very matted at the back but I hope I've made a bit of a difference and at least got her used to being handled a bit more.

There was a matted section quite far up and quite close to the skin which I couldn't get at.
Should I be looking to get this out asap or would it be kinder to let it grow, so there is more "hair like" hair between her and the matted part?
I don't want her to be bald but I don't want it to get worse.

I also took Caramac out for a trim too.
She's got a lot less matted sections but it still seems to crop up.

I'll make a point of trimming their bum hair shorter next time.
Is it true that they'll help each other out when put in the cage together?
I'd heard that about same breeds, but it's only been one Aby and one Sheltie in each cage, so we've not seen any barbering yet.

Any guidance is much appreciated.
 
Sorry, just bumping this up as I'm still looking for some guidance. Thanks in advance.
 
I wouldn't have thought that it would hurt letting that mat grow out. I think the main thing is why they are getting matted. Do you brush every day?
 
Tiamolly123 said:
I wouldn't have thought that it would hurt letting that mat grow out. I think the main thing is why they are getting matted. Do you brush every day?
Click to expand...
No :( Neither are particularly enamoured with the brush. I feel horrible for forcing it, but I guess I have to.
I can make more of a push towards daily brushing once all the matted hair is out, however, am I best to try to cut it all out now, no matter how close to the skin it is?
That's what i'm a little unsure of.
 
For now leave the ones that are close to the skin until the hair has grown away from the skin, what type of brush do you use?
 
If you start with the soft brush then change to a brush with plastic stems & bobbles on the end just slowly get them used to it by just using it gently then harder (not hard enough to scratch the skin) that way they should end up enjoying it. I always keep Tia's very short around the rear. Mine are quite happy to have an electric hair clipper on them. But maybe leave that for a while. No matter how they protest it's got to be cut. Just make it part of lap time.
 
Just looked at what you have, sorry but it's pretty useless, I got mine from P@H. Metal ones are for dogs only
 
Tiamolly123 said:
Just looked at what you have, sorry but it's pretty useless, I got mine from P@H. Metal ones are for dogs only
Click to expand...
plastic stems & bobbles? I'm not sure what kind you mean, can you add a pic or link please?
 
Instead of metal you are looking for a plastic brush head with little round bobbly bits on the end I assume this is for light brushing. I have looked on the range & they are not showing it. If you go there just go to the pet department. You may find one in P@H or the other good place is pets corner. Apart for the later and good pet shop. The plastic ones are definately sold. Sorry I can't be of any more help. See if there is a forum on grooming @Adelle or @helen105281
 
I use a comb, but Blitzen has a similar issue. I know he has a matted butt, but he refuses to stop wriggling for long enough to have it snipped off. I'm leaving it til he's settled down again - it's not causing him a problem and I don't want to upset him, or accidentally stab him with scissors either.
 
Hi have finally found the brush I have.
It's on Amazon & its Rosewood Options Mini Gentle Slicker £2.49
I don't know what the P&P is.
If you don't like it just send it back
 
Tiamolly123 said:
Hi have finally found the brush I have.
It's on Amazon & its Rosewood Options Mini Gentle Slicker £2.49
I don't know what the P&P is.
If you don't like it just send it back
Click to expand...
That's fab, thank you. I actually put this in my cart the other day but couldn't buy it on it's on via Prime as it's an Add on item :) ill get it asap.
 
Am afraid I won't be much help. We only have one long haired pig and my partner tends to keep her clipped, especially around the bum area.
 
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