These hairless guinea pigs have become increasingly popular, with prices reaching upward of $150. If you have a suitable piggie proof space, you can even leave the cage door open to let them free range! The new breed of almost hairless ‘Skinny’ pigs was the bred in labs for use in dermatological studies. 5 out of 5 stars (62) 62 reviews $ 5.71. But unless you know the breeding history, it is impossible to tell! Anything in the cabbage family, which can cause bloat if fed regularly so best to avoid. The term "Skinny pig" is often used to describe any hairless guinea pig, but it is, in fact, a distinct breed. It is also much more common to be allergic to your pets bedding materials or foodstuff than it is your actual pet, so be sure to rule any of this out by changing the bedding type and food before you declare yourself allergic to your little buddy! Firstly, a readily available supply of fresh water is a must. How to care for them and ensure years of happy Guinea pig ownership ! The age of the male is not overly important as long sexual maturity has been reached. A well balanced and healthy diet is the number one place to start. Skinny Pigs, although completely hairless apart from patches around their feet and muzzle, often have varying skin pigmentation giving them a unique appearance. Which makes it possible for 2 haired Guinea pigs to produce Skinny Piglets. Skinny pigs are where the price can shoot up. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. How much are guinea pigs at Petsmart? That's why we love them so much! Be sure to keep your Skinny Pig in a safe environment and consider selecting bedding and substrate that is not too abrasive on their delicate skin. When, back in the 1970’s Scientists started breeding them for deermatolical testing. This means you cannot keep them outside and should be kept indoors in a snug and warm environment. Skinny pigs, like their haired counterparts, are very sociable animals and should be kept together. Skinny pig weight, as for any animal can be a really useful indicator of overall health, and help detect underlying health issues. Besides being hairless on most parts of its’ body, the skinny pig still has hair but only on its feet, legs, and all over its’ nose. Skinny pigs like to live at room temperature. When we say skinny Genes, we are not talking about the latest fashion item which you might see Justin Bieber wearing. Answer: Skinny pigs can ‘popcorn’ which is a little jump in the air when happy. Check for red sore areas on the skin, and use your fingers to feel around the uncommon areas such as under the chin and armpits. Although fairly unusual, Skinny pigs are quite popular amongst Guinea pig enthusiasts. If you’re concerned about them weighing too much, a trip to the vets is important, they can better let you know if they are concerned by the high numbers. Piglets (Under 40 lbs.) Skinny Pigs have no hair, so they … Skinny Pigs are certainly an unique breed of guinea pig. Studies on Guinea pigs have lead to the discovery of : Studies on Guinea pigs have helped in the development of: This video tells us more about the history of medical testing on Guinea Pigs and is well worth a watch if this interests you. Question: Why does my Skinny Pig hop around ? Which we’ll learn about more here. Skinny pigs tend to encounter a few more health problems than the haired variety. Skinny pigs should not be exposed to direct sunlight as they have no protective hairy coat! Your Piggies home needs to be safe and secure. We are a USDA breeder in Houston, TX and have over 15 years … There is no real difference from a Skinny Pig to any other breed of guinea pig. They have friendly, outgoing personalities and are ideal for anyone dealing with allergies. Guinea Pig adoption is a wonderful way to give Guinea Pig another chance and the loving environment. Similarly, you should also have a good base understanding of the levels of care and attention you need to provide your cavy for a long and happy life together. As we will see below. It’s a gamble, but here’s how it works: Two Skinny Pigs will result in 100% of the litter being Skinny Pigs. However, with their lack of a hairy protective coat, They take more looking after than the haired variety so be sure to house your piggies to the required levels of the resident skinny pig. Female guinea pigs are pregnant for approximately 2 months. Should you absolutely need to bath your Skinny pig, then avoid any soaps or detergents and simply rinse with tepid water, and dry with a warm dry cloth. with the exception of green beans. The average litter size is 3 piglets, but this can vary depending on mother nature! Skinny pigs have natural oils in their skin to prevent dryness, and bathing your skinny will wash this natural oil away and potentially cause skin irritation. Answer: Skinnies average size is around 12 inches when fully grown. It may take a while to gain their trust, however it is a natural process every hopeful owner should encounter! Please read on here for more information on Guinea pig cages and what to look for hen selecting your buddies new home! Posted at 20:06h in Help by Richard. How much does a skinny pig cost? We hope by reading and understanding this guide, and other Guinea pig care associated articles on this site, you should now be well equipped to identify health issues before they become more serious. the average lifespan of a guinea pig is around 6-8 years. She was born... Charlotte is a beautiful baby female red and white skinny pig that was born on November 6, 2020. The guinea pigs can have as much … Look for signs of changes in appetite, bodily functions and activity and get them checked by your vet. Skinnies are very quick to learn, and recognise things pretty fast as well, especially the sound of a fridge door opening or the rustle a bag that might contain food – they soon let you know they have heard what is going on even when in a different room! But you can expect to pay anywhere near $40 if you are going directly to a breeder. Skinnes will be very happy in a room temperature environment, which is usually around 23°C or around 70°f. credit to Skinnypigs1 for the Video, Where do you purchase all of your cage mats and bedding supplies. It is very important to not expose your piggy to prolonged periods of direct sunlight, and use a suitable and safe sunblock if you intend on letting your piggy play outside. They are still used to this day. Unlike the other type of hairless guinea pig, the … A Buyer’s Guide to Finding The Best Rabbit Water Bottle in 2021, The Comprehensive Guide on How To Litter Train a Rabbit, The Best Rabbit Litter Box: The Six Top Trays of 2021, Lettuces (excluding iceberg lettuce which has no nutritional value). Pig Food Requirements. Symptoms may include scratching and itching on the back, and around glands. Answer: Skinny pigs can live for up to 8 years. LittleFurryPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Skinny Guinea Pig at PetSmart. Unfortunately, surgery is often required to remove these stones as they are too large to be passed through the urinal tract. Guinea pigs which have a high pellet diet, and less hay and fresh fruit and veggies are are more likely to suffer from bladder stones, so it is important to vary your buddies diet as much as possible. They’ll have some wrinkles and flaps in their skin located close to their ne… But they are not rare anymore. Babies tend to range from around 3-4 inches at birth, with fully grown piggies around 8-12 inches at full maturity around 14 months. The Skinny Pig is a fairly new addition to the long list of Guinea pig breeds. We recommend having multiple sources of water available as a safety net in case one of your dispensers is faulty or gets blocked up. Hence the term ‘Human Guinea pig’ frequently coined for human subjects. Skinny pigs are also prone to mites. They need most of the same care, including the same diet and lifestyle needs. Both come in a range of coat colors and patterns. Like all Guinea pigs, Skinny Pigs require a regular trim up of their nails or claws to avoid discomfort imfection or even Bumblefoot! While some people find their unique appearance unappealing, others find them quite irresistible. They tend to be more energetic than guinea pigs due to their fast metabolism, so giving them more space than this is going to be beneficial. In order to keep your piggy healthy and happy, you will need to pay special attention to the care of their skin, by identifying issues and maintaining healthy skin. We say almost as they do have small patches of hair around the feet and muzzle. Some good healthy options are: Add in some other fruit and veggies in moderation: Foodstuffs to avoid feeding a skinny pig include: A common misconception is that pet allergies are always caused by the animal’s hair or dander. Answer: Skinny pigs have hair on their faces and feet. We sell skinny pigs online, delivered to an airport near you. They have a surprising history and a unique set of needs. We are in fact talking about the Skinny pig Gene, which gives this little critter its near hairless characteristics. What should i avoid feeding my skinny pig? Our guide on Guinea pig behavior tells you all you will need to know about what to expect from your furry little buddy. Some of the more common signs that your Guinea pig has bladder or Urinary stones can be more frequent urinating, or straining to urinate. The author is a veterinarian and shares much high quality information including great photographs and illustrations to enhance the value of the charts, graphs and checklists which make this book a must have for anyone with an interest in Guinea Pigs and Skinny Pigs. But you can expect to pay anywhere near $40 if you are going directly to a breeder. With patience, proper care and love, a Skinny Pig’s average lifespan is 6 to 8 years. It is, of course, important to keep their living quarters clean and tidy by changing their bedding and substrate regularly, with regular deep cleans to remove any soiled on dirt and feoeces. UNLIMITED Some skinny pigs suffer from oily skin ,which is caused by an over production of natural oils and can cause blockages in the pores of the skin. Typically, guinea pigs are cheap to buy in pet stores. If you have Skinny pig gene carriers in the mix, you won’t for sure get Skinny pigs. As with any pregnancy there can be complications. • Skinny pigs have much the behavior of other guinea pig breeds. • Like other guinea pig breeds they thrive with company and prefer to be around other cavies. Answer: Skinny pigs require more care than their hairy relatives. Skinny Pigs Aren’t Extremely Agile Or Flexible. As always, consult your local friendly vet for further skin care advice. Question: Do Skinny Pigs require more or less care than other Guinea Pig breeds? Skinny pigs need to be kept warm, due to the fact that they do not have any natural insulation in the form of hair. Iceberg lettuce – little or no nutritional goodness, Potatoes – Skin is poisonous, plus they are very starchy and high in Oxalic acid. Say hello to Dallas, the black & white skinny pig! As Skinny pigs get older, and become less active, they may require some additional love and care to ensure they live out their twilight years as healthy and happy as possible. The skinny pig breed of guinea pig originated from a crossbreeding program between haired Guinea pigs and a hairless lab strain. They have gained in popularity over the years with Cavy enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Skinny pig behavior doesn’t generally deviate too far from normal guinea pig behavior but some owners insist that it is more outgoing and friendlier than other haired species. Pigs love.. and need.. their veggies! It is extremely risky for older Sows to give birth, so this should be avoided if at all possible. Treatment for UTIs is usually a course of antibiotics to clear up any infections. Joined Mar 23, 2011 Messages 2,353 Reaction score 471 Points 645 Popular healthy hay types include: Avoid feeding your Guinea pig Alfalfa hay as it has a high calcium content and can cause bladder stones. Grass Hay is a staple for Guinea pigs, so ensure there is plenty available. This could be breeding 2 hairless piggies together, where you are sure the gene will be present. His parents... William is a handsome baby male red and white skinny pig that is looking for a new forever home! How much do skinny pigs cost? This is not overly common in other mammals, so a real unique experience if you are considering breeding. A skinny pig is a type of hairless guinea pig. Skinny pig homemade pin - cute guinea pig homemade gift - chibi skinny pig pin - magic bee illustrations magicbeeillustration. ©2021 littlefurrypets.com. Be sure to include fresh, leafy green vegetables, with high vitamin C content. They will still nurse shortly after birth for a period to get some essential vitamins from mum, but they are also able to consume normal food such has hay almost immediately! Painful urination (listen out for squeaks when peeing), blood in their urine and more frequent urination are all good indicators that there may be a UTI. How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Again the best course of action if you detect any of these signs is a trip to your local vet, who will be able to diagnose further. Therefore this is defintely not recommended. If you are interested in breeding Guinea pigs, although not difficult, there are a few important considerations. With this in mind, bathing your skinny is rarely required and should be avoided. UTI Urinary tract Infections in Skinny Pigs. If not they require the attention of … Answer: Skinny pigs do not exist in the wild. Being nearly hairless, you will need to keep your piggy indoors at room temperature to ensure they are not too cold. we have covered what you can expect to have to budget for in our article here! If however, reading this helpful guide has fuelled your interest into the world of Skinny pigs, then what are you waiting for! Since January 1, 2003, California pet stores have been required by law to … Unfortunately, Guinea pigs are also prone to developing UTIs or urinary tract infections. It’s … The Skinny pig in particular, with its near human like skin has been useful in many dermatological studies, and was bred for exactly that purpose. Quite often it is, in fact, the skin or saliva of the animal causing the allergy. We have discussed above the various health complications you might experience with Skinny pig keeping, so how can we ensure we are giving our little non-furry pets a good chance at avoiding all of these? Cranberries. Sows older than 5-6 months may have complications due to a fusing of the pubic symphysis, which will cause complications during birth and most likely results in a Cicerian section being required. What are the best Vegetables for a skinny pig? The answer is largely dependent on where you get your new piggy from. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is due to the different patterns and skin tone variations. The hairless strain was actually a genetic mutation in a group of lab-bred Guinea pigs first discovered back in the 1970s in Montreal. if you suspect your piggy has dry skin, use a small amount of a natural unscented moisturizer, free from chemicals to relieve the dryness. Skinny pigs, just like haired pigs are very sociable creatures and enjoy the company of other pigs. How I Stay “Skinny”: Some Helpful Tips From a Skinny Pig. A pet store guinea pig purchase is often unplanned and unresearched. this can lead to irritation, scratching and itching. Skinnies tend to be slightly smaller than their haired counterparts when fully grown. For those of you who don’t know, one of the many issues I face is anxiety/insomnia. Vitamin C, as discussed above is crucial to help your piggy fight infections as and when they develop. But…it makes for very entertaining and useful blog posts for you so…you’re welcome. guinea pigs fur keeps them warm. The average cost of a skinny pig is around $25. The Skinny pig or skinny is an almost hairless breed of guinea pig. However, it is rather based on the observations of the ages of the guinea pig, that veterinarians have established a correlation table (age chart) to see an equivalent in human age: Real guinea pig age 1 mth 2 mths 4 mths 6 mths 8 mths 10 mths 1 yrs 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs 6 yrs; There are many good quality water dispensers on the market to suit all budgets. Hi Lori, Thanks for the question! We have put together a guide here on how you can do this yourself at home using either a regular human nail clipper or specialized small critter clipper. While the rescues give it at the cost of the 125-150$ … Check out our guide to the best guinea pig bedding, where we have all the details. There are several tips here which will ensure your senior citizen is receiving all the help he can in maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle. Growing & Finishing Pigs (40+ lbs.) Skinny pigs typically have hair on their muzzles, feet, and legs, but are hairless over the remainder of their bodies. But that’s just the price to pick up your guinea pig. As Skinny pigs are unable to form their own scorbic acid naturally, it is important to supplement your piggies diet with Vitamin C in order to maintain health and promote healing for scrapes and wounds. Apples with skin – remove the toxic seeds! Skinny Pigs require some additional considerations to that of their hairless relatives when selecting their new home. Ultimately, after reading this blog you should have a good idea of what it takes to keep a Skinny pig as a pet. Due to their history and breeding complications, immune systems can sometimes be weaker to that of a haired Guinea pig. How long do skinny pigs live? however, a "skinny pig" needs a temperature of over 22 degrees celcious How much wheat grass can guinea pigs have? They typically have hair on their muzzles, feet and legs but are hairless over the remainder of their bodies. There’s very little that makes Skinny Pigs different from regular guinea pigs. 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