Ripping Hair Out

[winifredandalp]

Hi, I've seen somewhere on the forum a thread or discussion on when a guinea pig pulls their hair out, but I can't find it anywhere! I've caught Alp cleaning herself and then looking like she's trying to pull her hair out, also I've noticed both piggies scratching behind their ears and on their heads but I don't know whether this is due to mites or if they are just itchy? If anyone could link me the thread about the hair ripping out (I forgot the term for it) I'd really appreciate it!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, I've seen somewhere on the forum a thread or discussion on when a guinea pig pulls their hair out, but I can't find it anywhere! I've caught Alp cleaning herself and then looking like she's trying to pull her hair out, also I've noticed both piggies scratching behind their ears and on their heads but I don't know whether this is due to mites or if they are just itchy? If anyone could link me the thread about the hair ripping out (I forgot the term for it) I'd really appreciate it!

Here is our barbering thread: Barbering ( Eating Hair)

If your piggy is self-barbering, then there is a localised pain/discomfort issue in that area. It can be located on the inside of the body, not just in the skin. Is she actually eating her hair short or just pulling on it when cleaning vigorously?

Check whether increased itching is due to the dry radiator heat after several cold spells by placing a bowl of steaming water close to the cage if you haven't got a humidifier and see whether that makes a difference to the itching before seeing a vet over it. It may not necessarily related to the barbering.

PS: You can access our guide collection now via the new shortcut on the top bar if you are looking for a particular guide.

 

[winifredandalp]

Thank you! She just looks like she's pulling on it not actually ripping it out, but the problem is I can't get a good look because she's still settling in and not used to me handling her/getting her out of her cage.

Here is our barbering thread: Barbering ( Eating Hair)

If your piggy is self-barbering, then there is a localised pain/discomfort issue in that area. It can be located on the inside of the body, not just in the skin. Is she actually eating her hair short or just pulling on it when cleaning vigorously?

Check whether increased itching is due to the dry radiator heat after several cold spells by placing a bowl of steaming water close to the cage if you haven't got a humidifier and see whether that makes a difference to the itching before seeing a vet over it. It may not necessarily related to the barbering.

PS: You can access our guide collection now via the new shortcut on the top bar if you are looking for a particular guide.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! She just looks like she's pulling on it not actually ripping it out, but the problem is I can't get a good look because she's still settling in and not used to me handling her/getting her out of her cage.

Try the tips in these two guides here; mange mites and ringworm are sadly quite common in newly bought shop or breeder piggies. It can simply be the reaction to a dry heated indoors room. In the first two cases, you will see increased scratching/biting and bald areas appear over the course of the next few days.
If you see a vet promptly if this happens within 2-3 weeks of purchase, you can reclaim any vet cost from a pet shop as exposure and infection must have happened at the shop.

How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Many more helpful guides for new owners via this link here: New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection
You can find a shortcut for our full guide collection on the top bar; the guides are located at the top of the various Care sections, but not quite in order.