My Guinea Pig's fur is thinning, please help!

[DaiseyNBaby93]

I'm a first time guinea pig owner, for starters. I got my baby, Daisey about three and a half months ago. She was pretty little when I got her so you can understand my complete shock at upon returning home to find that she had given birth to a beautiful baby! Mom and baby have been doing wonderfully for about two and a half weeks. Today, however, i noticed that my older guinea's fur is thinning on the back of her neck. Her skin looks fine, no crusting or scabs, and she isn't itching. Does anyone have any ideas of what this could be and if it is serious? Please get back to me ASAP, want to make sure my little momma's going to be okay!

Thanks!

 

[russellrupertandrodney]

hi, it could have somthing to do with her hormonal inbalance. when guinea pigs are pregnant their fur can start to thin. if it is this it isn't really a big concern. extra vitamins and minerals may help.
hope this helps.

 

[Suzygpr]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

A few questions first so that the advice can be targeted better and your piggies get sorted more quickly.

Have you treated for mites/lice recently?

How old is the baby, have you sexed it yet?

What food/veggies are you giving?

Your answers will help to guide us to the correct advice/info for you.

Suzy x

 

[DaiseyNBaby93]

thanks for the quick responses!
I give them lettuce and carrots every day, as well as the pellets and timothy hay, of course. I've tried introducing bell peppers, but Daisey was not interested, (haven't tried with baby yet).
The baby is about two, almost three weeks old, and based on my very inexperienced judgement I think it's a male.
I have not treated for mites or lice, as this is the first problem I've had since having my guinea pig.

 

[Suzygpr]

It's very important that the baby is sexed correctly as males can be fertile from 3 weeks old. If you are unable to 100% sex yourself please some pics of the baby's bits - facing the light, and as in focus as possible (the macro/flower setting on camera/phone).

This link should help as it has pics of very young piggies, but if you are in any way unsure please post the pics.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sexing.htm

Treating for mites would be my first step, they are very common and can become a problem when the pig is under stress - feeding a baby, pregnancy, immature immune system. You vet would be the only person to help with such a young mum and baby.

Lettuce and carrot are not the ideal daily veg, a couple of times a week would be fine, in small amounts (Romaine or Cos lettuce, please do not feed Iceberg lettuce). Leafy greens are more suitable, given in small portions (a small handful), herbs, treat hays are great too and fresh grass whenever possible.

If you could give your location hopefully we can recommend a suitable piggy friendly vet.

HTH

Suzy x