Majorly Overgrown Nails & Massive Matt!

[Harry&lloyd]

Hi
I was made aware of 2 guineas on a free ad site and after hearing their story I have brought them home.
One is a gorgeous grey long haired with the biggest matt I have ever seen. I wont even attempt to cut it off into someone advises me how to go about it. It is very close the skin and solid but is defintley a matt as apposed to a lump.
Neither of the girls have had their nails cut in over a year so have curled horribly in all different directions. I have managed to trim back the white nails but am unsure about doing the black nails in case I hurt them. How do you tell where the quick is?
They are also bedded on sawdust and want to change them to fleece, and are eating muesli instead of nuggets. should I leave a few days to settle before making any changes. They have never had veg either except carrots and cabbage.
I feel so bad for these little no name girls. They are so sweet but so clearly traumatized

 

[Wiebke]

Hi
I was made aware of 2 guineas on a free ad site and after hearing their story I have brought them home.
One is a gorgeous grey long haired with the biggest matt I have ever seen. I wont even attempt to cut it off into someone advises me how to go about it. It is very close the skin and solid but is defintley a matt as apposed to a lump.
Neither of the girls have had their nails cut in over a year so have curled horribly in all different directions. I have managed to trim back the white nails but am unsure about doing the black nails in case I hurt them. How do you tell where the quick is?
They are also bedded on sawdust and want to change them to fleece, and are eating muesli instead of nuggets. should I leave a few days to settle before making any changes. They have never had veg either except carrots and cabbage.
I feel so bad for these little no name girls. They are so sweet but so clearly traumatized

Hi! With dark nails, the quick usually is no longer where the nails start twisting around (that bit is dead), but if you are worried, cut a bit longer at first and then gradually work your way back.

As to the matt, it is very difficult if it is very close to the skin. You could bathe first and see whether it loosens things a bit, otherwise, it would be good if you had somebody to hold the piggy while you gently and gradually work on the matt. it is not going to be pleasant, but it needs to be done! Your girl will feel so much better for it!
Use my piggy whispering tricks to rassure them and tell them that you want to be their friend and how much you love them.
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language

I would switch to fleece straight away. Most piggies just love to flop on it and on a soft cosy. I usually have got a hay tray for my former hutch piggies to sleep in.

I would mix the pellets, but withdraw the muesli fairly quickly. It may take some time for the girls to accept new veg. Start with tasty green stuff like fresh herbs, and try to introduce more and more new veg with every serving.

 

[Julie M]

Well done for rescuing these poor girls. I don't understand why people get pets to neglect them.

 

[VickiA]

You are an angel. Well done for taking them in x

 

[Dindypig]

Well done for rescuing them. If you are uncertain about trimming the nails and hair, take them to the vet for a check up and the hair and nails will be seen to. Or check the Rescue and/or vet locator on this site. A local rescue might help, a food donation is always welcome.

 

[Harry&lloyd]

Thank you so much for the advice @Wiebke. After a warm bath & Guinea pig shampoo I managed to get the Matt cut off & boy did it stink! I have 'cleaned' their cage as best I could but it is seriously disgusting. I'm going to bleach my bath after that!
I've used vinegar & pet safe disinfectant and scrubbed it to death but it is still orange in the corners. Any one know any special tips?
They're now chilling on some fleece and munching on a massive pile of hay.
I think a trip to the vets for the nails is in order.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for the advice @Wiebke. After a warm bath & Guinea pig shampoo I managed to get the Matt cut off & boy did it stink! I have 'cleaned' their cage as best I could but it is seriously disgusting. I'm going to bleach my bath after that!
I've used vinegar & pet safe disinfectant and scrubbed it to death but it is still orange in the corners. Any one know any special tips?
They're now chilling on some fleece and munching on a massive pile of hay.
I think a trip to the vets for the nails is in order.

It is likely to take several applications of warm vinegar to get all the built-up limestone out. You may also want to disinfect with F10 for a deep clean. If the urine has soaked in too badly, you may want to throw the cage away, to be honest.

Well done! Yes, if you are not sure about nail cutting, doing it at the vets with one person to hold is the best option, especially with darker nails. It is usually easier if you have to light nails so you can do those first and then have an idea how far you can safely cut back.

I am sure that your poorly girls feel already so much better!

 

[Dindypig]

Cilit Bang for limescale works like magic. Once clean, flush well to remove smell like you would vinagar. If you have any hydrochloric acid around, that's even better. All three are chemicals so no need for moral dilemmas.