How to Care for a Hairless Guinea Pig

Some guinea pigs are hairless

Guinea pigs have long been popular house pets--they rarely bite, have a calm temperament and are relatively easy to take care of, making them an ideal first pet for children. A newer, more exotic twist is the hairless guinea pig, which offers the qualities of a traditional guinea pig plus an unconventional, conversation-starting appearance. They have smooth, hairless skin with only tufts of hair on their faces and feet. Caring for a hairless guinea pig--also called a "skinny pig"--involves some special precautions.

Instructions

1. Keep your hairless guinea pig out of the sun. Without a fur coat, this breed of guinea pig lacks natural protection against sunburn. If you take him outside, keep him in the shade.

2. Keep your hairless guinea pig warm. Skinny pigs are more susceptible to cold than furry ones, so include in her cage a small house where she can go to get warm. You can buy guinea pig houses at pet shops or pet supply stores, but you can make your own with a shoebox. Just turn it upside down and cut a hole for a door. Add a small blanket or hand towel to the house for extra warmth.

3. Keep your hairless guinea pig's home indoors. Because they are sensitive to changes in weather, skinny pigs should not live outside.

4. Be gentle when handling your hairless guinea pig. Hold him against your chest with one hand and support his bottom with the other, or sit with him on your lap. Keep your nails short and make sure your hands are not too cold.

5. If she needs a bath, wash your skinny pig with unscented hypoallergenic soap. You can moisturize her skin with unscented hypoallergenic lotion if it becomes dry or flaky.

6. Change the bedding in his cage regularly, and give him fresh food and water daily, as you would any guinea pig. Guinea pigs need vitamin C, so buy guinea pig food fortified with vitamin C or feed your skinny pig orange slices with the seeds removed. Also give him a salt lick, available at pet stores.

7. Do not attempt to breed hairless guinea pigs yourself. Breeding skinny pigs must be done with caution by an experienced breeder, as improper breeding can cause offspring to be born with genetic disorders.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to spend at least $100 on a hairless guinea pig, plus the cost of a cage, food dish, water bottle, house, bedding, guinea pig food and fresh fruits and vegetables. You will also have to take him to a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy.

• Guinea pigs are social animals, so you may want to get two. If they live in the same cage, make sure they are the same sex.

• Keep your skinny pig away from larger house pets, such as cats and dogs. Always wash your hands before and after handling your guinea pig. Supervise children when they are holding or playing with guinea pigs.

References

• Daily Mail: Meet the Latest Designer Pet - a Hairless Guinea Pig
• Animal-World: Skinny Pig, Hairless Guinea Pig