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Mites

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Tracyxx

Tracyxx

Adult Guinea Pig
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Is there a definitive answer on what actually causes mites, or can it be caused by a number of things? One of my guineas at the moment has mites, but the three sows that she lives with don't have any signs of mites, even scurfy skin. I've treated all of them, but was wondering why her in particular?
This has happened a few times now to different pigs - one pig from a group will have mites with sores whereas the others are fine. I was wondering if it was the hay I've brought, but surely all of them would have mites if it was?
It's not a problem as I know how to treat them and have everything I need but I'd like to know what causes this so I can prevent it in the future.
Thanks!
 
Mites are caused by stress they are not transfered from hay that is lice. :)
 
Mites can't be caught from hay. I was always told mites come out if the pig is stressed.
 
I can't understand why this pig is stressed! :(:(
She is living with 3 sows that she gets along wonderfully with, she is always popcorning around and chomping away. What have I done wrong here? :0
 
I wouldn't say you've done anything wrong at all, perhaps the group dynamics have changed, as much as we try to understand the pigs they still have an air of mystery about them and as you know mites are easily treated and just happen from time to time.
 
my sonny has mites, i think its because he went from his mommy, to the pet store, to mine, but he doesnt seem stressed, he talks away to maggie-may and pheobe, also occasionally to ruby and bethany (they're much quieter piggies) and he loves maggie-may, i took him over to see the girls (before he showed any signs of mites) and he and maggie-may couldn't take their eyes off each other! sooooooo sweet. just want his mites to clear up so i can hold one and my fiance can hold the other so they can interact again!
 
Piggies can get mites if they are stressed but I think they can also get mites if they are run down or feeling poorly. The other don't need to be treated unless they are showing signs :)
 
Thanks everyone. Lucy was originally one of the 'babies' in a group of 9. Then I decided to make two smaller groups and six of the pigs moved out, including Amber who'd originally taken care of Lucy when she was a sickly baby. Lucy now appears the dominant pig of 3 others so maybe that's what's caused it? She's been treated now, I will maybe apply some aloe vera and tea tree cream later if she's uncomfortable.
 
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