Skinny pigs, info needed

[lynda1]

I am trying to get some info about hairless pigs, could anyone tell me whether it is ok to introduce one to a normal hairy pig? I know of one being kept on its own (with company through the bars) and its owner is unsure if she should try them together (all girls) What would you do about outside time if they were together as her 2 girls go out all day and in at night?
She already has 2 cages and has been looking out for a skinny to rescue but there doesnt seem to be any, she doesnt want to buy from a breeder but if this is the only option does anybody know of a 'good' breeder?
Sorry for so many questions but I really dont know anything about hairless piggies.

 

[claremw92]

Corse they can have furry friends...
My Norman has two hairy ladies...

They can't really go out side and need to be kept inside at a level temperature...
They can go out in the run for 15 mins and pop a bit of sun cream on them... They can only go outside in the really nice weather...

Most rescues won't adopt out skinny pigs... I know I haven't with the two I've had...

If anyone is thinking about getting a skinny then you really need to do your research... They are not easy animals to keep... Getting the right ballance for these animals is very hard...

Most Rescues will not rehome a guinea pig to live by it's self even with company through the bars... If you have outdoor guinea pigs then it's not really viable to have a skinny pig... Unless you were willing to move them inside... And is it worth moving your pigs inside for the novelty of a hairless guinea pig when you can re-home a hairy one to live with your herd...
x

 

[Suzygpr]

As you know Lynda, this is a pro-rescue forum so we would never 'recommend' any breeder. There are skinnies in rescue, more come in all the time so it would worth getting in touch with your local rescue so you can go through the homechecking etc while you (or your friend) wait for one to become available. This will also give your friend time to research skinnies thoroughly. Any rescue would ensure that the home is suitable and the owner knowledgeable so the more prep work you do the better.

They can live with hairy friends, though as skinnies are more vulnerable than hairies it is not advisable for them to be outside throughout the day.

Suzy x

 

[lynda1]

Thanks claremw92. As I understand it, my freind received the piggie from a girl who was getting bored of her guinea pig(its not been handled very much), she did not know it was hairless until she went to pick it up, the guinea pig had been bought from a breeder because the young girl had allergies and because mummy and daddy did not have enough money for 2 she only got 1 and the breeder was ok with that mallethead.
The existing piggies are only out on nice days, they have a lovely big area inside for not so nice days so it has not been a problem with them staying inside, (they have a very good slave whos really good with a pair of scissors)
She doesnt really know what shes going to do, I just thought the best thing was to get some of you lovely peoples knowledge on board before I talk too her again

 

[lynda1]

Sorry Suzy, I know this place is pro-rescue but the person in question lives in north scotland and the rescues that she has been in touch with have never had skinnies in at all. It could be that she may get another hairy piggie to keep her company

 

[Connie]

I would suggest that if she doesnt want to stop her existing piggies having outside time (because in reality, from my knowledge that would be the only realistic thing to do if they were all in a big group, but i may be wrong there!) Then she could always take the skinny pig sow dating to find a new hairy friend to live inside with her

 

[claremw92]

Thanks claremw92. As I understand it, my freind received the piggie from a girl who was getting bored of her guinea pig(its not been handled very much), she did not know it was hairless until she went to pick it up, the guinea pig had been bought from a breeder because the young girl had allergies and because mummy and daddy did not have enough money for 2 she only got 1 and the breeder was ok with that mallethead.
The existing piggies are only out on nice days, they have a lovely big area inside for not so nice days so it has not been a problem with them staying inside, (they have a very good slave whos really good with a pair of scissors)
She doesnt really know what shes going to do, I just thought the best thing was to get some of you lovely peoples knowledge on board before I talk too her again

People amaze me some times...!

Realistically if she wanted to keep her she could bond her with another sow /neutered boar to keep in doors all the time... As skinnies can't be outside for any significant period of time... I tend to put mine out on really nice days for about 15 mins...

I understand why people buy skinny pigs for children with allergies / lung problems... But I wish they would spend a bit of time with them first as some of people are allergic to the hairless ones too... mallethead

If she wants some basic care advice I'd be happy to let you know how I cared for mine... And you could pass it on if you wish...

x

 

[lynda1]

Thanks again claremw92, it would be great if you could give me as much info as possible (the good and the bad) as she really wants to find out if she can keep her before she get too attached (I think its too late) I am pming you my email address or you can post it on here and Ill print it out and send it to her, shes not got a computer (yes OMG!)

 

[helen105281]

We have 2 skinny pigs which we adopted from our local rescue and they live with our herd of hairy pigs. We live in a flat so they don't go outside anyway so we don't have the issue of having to separate for run time.