Skinny pigs

Midge&Panda

Midge&Panda

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Jun 2, 2010
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Plymouth, Whitleigh
After keeping (hairy) piggies for the last 15 years I've been tempted to get a couple of skinny pigs. I know they need a warmer environment and have bigger appetites but is their care much different than that of a normal piggy. Thanks x
 
I’ve never kept skinnies. But I understand their metabolism is much faster than hairy piggies so they eat and POOP far more than hairies. I’m sure I read that you need to do skin care with coconut oil. @Flutterby and @YvonneBlue have skinnies so can give you the lowdown.
 
Mine aren't very different to my hairies and live with them. I make sure their room is kept warm and free from drafts, plenty of cosy beds. They do eat more and poop more but with unlimited hay and daily cleaning that won't be a problem. I don't put anything on my skinnies skin unless their is a problem, if it's not broke don't fix it. They are characters, always hungry and very loud when food is concerned!
 
They do eat and poo a lot more. I think the main thing though is keeping them warm. Mine have lots of fleecy things like cozies and bulbs. Ophelia lives in her bulb but Ronnie has only recently decided he likes them. Last winter he would sleep out in the open or in his hay. They can get dry skin but not that often. I use a Humliac spray when they get dry. They are also massive divas. Ophelia takes being in season to a whole new level and Ronnie is just pure trouble.
 
Skinnies need to be kept fairly warm all the time, we have a heater in their room to keep it warm at night when our central heating is off.
I agree that they eat a lot and poop loads. Mine are very vocal, especially our sow Dora who is very rarely quiet. They are also very active and can destroy a carrot cottage in an hour.
I do have to occasionally bath Dora as her skin gets really grubby. If their skin gets dry I use one of the Gorgeous Guinea products to moisturise it (this seems to happen more in the winter when the central heating is on).
 
I happened to see some skinny pigs for sale at a garden centre the other day, I pointed them out to hubby who being hubby the first thing he noticed was the price of them! (£150) and he said words to the effect of not on your life! :)):)):)):))
 
One hundred and fifty omg i see a market for horrible people to take up back yard skinny pig breeding. Oh dear.
 
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