Skinny Pig Bathing

[Tlong]

Hi there, I have a 6mos old male skinny pig and wanted to ask about bathing. My boy gets pretty dusty at times not to mention he likes to pee where he sleeps even though I change his fleece out daily! I just have read a couple of different approaches to bathing them or suggestions to not bathe them at all and I was just curious on what is the best method for skinnies

 

[Betsy]

@PigglePuggle and @Flutterby have skinnies so they are best to advise.

 

[Siikibam]

I don’t think I would bath him unless he’s really grubby to be honest. You could also try pee pads in high traffic areas that you can then change out daily if they’re very soiled.

 

[Flutterby]

I only bathe any of my pigs (skinnies or furries) if they are dirty and need a bath. If the skinnies are a bit grubby I use a nice warm wet flannel and just give them a wipe down, but I very rarely have to do it. Usually only have to bathe the skinnies a couple of times a year

 

[PigglePuggle]

Yes I agree a quick wipe over with a damp flannel with just plain water should be sufficient

 

[Tlong]

I don’t think I would bath him unless he’s really grubby to be honest. You could also try pee pads in high traffic areas that you can then change out daily if they’re very soiled.

I only bathe any of my pigs (skinnies or furries) if they are dirty and need a bath. If the skinnies are a bit grubby I use a nice warm wet flannel and just give them a wipe down, but I very rarely have to do it. Usually only have to bathe the skinnies a couple of times a year

Yes I agree a quick wipe over with a damp flannel with just plain water should be sufficient

I only bathe any of my pigs (skinnies or furries) if they are dirty and need a bath. If the skinnies are a bit grubby I use a nice warm wet flannel and just give them a wipe down, but I very rarely have to do it. Usually only have to bathe the skinnies a couple of times a year

Perfect I wasn’t sure and read mixed reviews and suggestions! I never thought about the flannel, but that is a perfect idea. His cage mate is an Aby (someone to keep him warm lol) and I have been bathing him Roughly once a month is that too much? I’m still new to the guinea pig world and want to make sure I’m doing the right things for them!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Perfect I wasn’t sure and read mixed reviews and suggestions! I never thought about the flannel, but that is a perfect idea. His cage mate is an Aby (someone to keep him warm lol) and I have been bathing him Roughly once a month is that too much? I’m still new to the guinea pig world and want to make sure I’m doing the right things for them!

Once a month for a full bath is too much. Piggies don’t need regular bathing if they are otherwise healthy and keeping themselves clean - bathing is generally only done for medical purposes or if they are particularly dirty but often a quick and occasional (a couple of times a year maybe) bum bath would suffice.

 

[Tlong]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure if that was too much. I just worried about him laying in pee and Irritating his skin but he is haired and I have a pee pad down and a fleece over top and change the fleece every other day if not daily!

 

[Tlong]

Once a month for a full bath is too much. Piggies don’t need regular bathing if they are otherwise healthy and keeping themselves clean - bathing is generally only done for medical purposes or if they are particularly dirty but often a quick and occasional (a couple of times a year maybe) bum bath would suffice.

Luckily I have only traumatized my sweet little boy for the last 2 mos I’m sure he will appreciate your advice more than I do

 

[Siikibam]

Change the fleece/pee pad regularly if it’s wet from urine. Otherwise you’ve been given fab advise above.

 

[Tlong]

Thank you! I appreciate the help! I change it out every other day and daily if needed I use a pee pad underneath that and change that out at least once a week or more if needed when I wash all their linen!

 

[Tlong]

I only bathe any of my pigs (skinnies or furries) if they are dirty and need a bath. If the skinnies are a bit grubby I use a nice warm wet flannel and just give them a wipe down, but I very rarely have to do it. Usually only have to bathe the skinnies a couple of times a year

I know this is a not related to my original question but do you feed your skinnies a little bit more than the hairies? I know they have a faster metabolic rate than the hairies do to keep warm. I usually give Mac (skinny) the bigger piece of romaine or veggie when I feed him. He is never not hungry I catch him all the time stealing my little ones food if he doesn't finish his fast enough!, luckily my little is getting braver and will go and steal it back lol! Sibling rivalry at its best!

 

[Flutterby]

I know this is a not related to my original question but do you feed your skinnies a little bit more than the hairies? I know they have a faster metabolic rate than the hairies do to keep warm. I usually give Mac (skinny) the bigger piece of romaine or veggie when I feed him. He is never not hungry I catch him all the time stealing my little ones food if he doesn't finish his fast enough!, luckily my little is getting braver and will go and steal it back lol! Sibling rivalry at its best!

The only thing I feed more of is hay, as in everyone gets unlimited Hay but the skinnies get more refills as they eat it faster than the hairies. I don't give them more veg or nuggets. They should be fine on their unlimited hay

 

[Tlong]

The only thing I feed more of is hay, as in everyone gets unlimited Hay but the skinnies get more refills as they eat it faster than the hairies. I don't give them more veg or nuggets. They should be fine on their unlimited hay

Perfect thank you! I work from home so I always have unlimited hay! Most of the day he has floor time in my office with me and when I watch him he never stops eating or POOPING at about 10 times the rate of his hairy brother! I didn't pay much attention to it till I got Monty and realized the amount of eating and pooping he does is quite different and less than my skinny Mac! But I love him and his little personality so I will take the extra cleanup to have him as part of our family!