Self barbering, advice ?

[Salt and Pepper]

Hi, My 5 year old piggy pepper who currently lives on her own after unfortunately losing her sister Salt earlier this year has a bald patch on her back. We noticed it a few months ago and she has had it checked out at the vet who could find no cause for (she was checked for mites and ringworm etc.) she was also given a cream (I can't remember the name) to treat anything they could have missed. The cream did clear up some small scans that she had in the patch but as soon as the hair started to grow back we noticed it short again. The vet said that the likely cause was barbering. We were told to leave off any cream as this may encourage grooming and wait to see if the fur grew back. The fur grew almost to the point of covering the patch and then went again, she must have been barbering. the patch is still bald and has a few scabs in it from either scratching (general itching not constant) or nibbling.

I need advice please on how to prevent her barbering. I have read that it could be from bordem however she has plenty to do in her cage and has daily floor time and cuddles. The other things that could be causing it is loneliness or diet ? Although she has a balanced diet and shows no other signs of loneliness. She seems content living on her own with lots of attention and daily cuddles. I have attached photos below of her bald spot, I am grateful for any help you could give as it seems a little painful for her when I touch it. Thanks, Peppers mum x

 

[Janey]

I had a pig called Maisie who self barbered too; it can be frustrating when you can't pinpoint exactly why they're doing it. Have you checked out the thread on barbering on this forum? It's a good point of reference and there may be something in there that you haven't come across or thought about yet. The only explanation I came to with Maisie, was stress. Here's the link to barbering: Barbering ( Eating Hair)

 

[Salt and Pepper]

I had a pig called Maisie who self barbered too; it can be frustrating when you can't pinpoint exactly why they're doing it. Have you checked out the thread on barbering on this forum? It's a good point of reference and there may be something in there that you haven't come across or thought about yet. The only explanation I came to with Maisie, was stress. Here's the link to barbering: Barbering ( Eating Hair)

I’ll check it out thanks