Hairless guinea pigs, also known as skinny pigs or Baldwin guinea pigs, have grown in popularity in recent years. These sweet rodents have all of the lovable qualities of your average guinea pig, and their care is similar as well! However, there are some important differences to note.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about caring for your hairless guinea pig.
What Are Hairless Guinea Pigs?
Hairless guinea pigs are just like they sound. They’re normal guinea pigs with little to no hair on their bodies. Typically referred to as skinny pigs, these rodents initiated as purposefully bred laboratory animals. Their hairlessness makes it easier to test skin products on them, even today.
However, the public has also developed a fondness for skinny pigs, and their popularity is growing steadily. Many animal mills began selling them to pet shops to make more money, and eventually, some reputable breeders fell in love with the critters as well.
Still, you’re likelier to find unethical breeders selling hairless guinea pigs. They’re often bred for looks over health and longevity, which leads to a shorter lifespan compared to furry guinea pigs.
If you’re looking to adopt a hairless guinea pig breed, we highly recommend looking at your local shelters or rescues.
Skinny Pigs vs Baldwin Guinea Pigs
Baldwin guinea pigs are hairless piggies that are completely bald. While many people use “skinny pigs” as an umbrella term for all hairless piggies, it technically refers to mostly hairless guinea pigs who have some fur on their noses and feet.
How to Care for Hairless Guinea Pigs
Feeding
A hairless guinea pig’s body is constantly working to maintain their body temperature. This means more than basking in the sun or cuddling in their favorite fleece house, though both are helpful.
Skinny pigs also eat and drink around twice as much as guinea pigs with fur, which gives them the energy needed to stay warm. While their dietary needs are otherwise the same, you’ll want to feed them a larger daily serving of veggies and pellets. Double-check that you’re giving them enough hay to last them while you’re away since they may eat it faster than you’re used to.
Remember that a guinea pig’s metabolism is constantly moving, which is why they need 24/7 hay access. This is doubly important for a skinny pig, as their bodies burn through calories even faster.
Grooming and Skin Care
The good news is that you’ll never have to brush your hairless guinea pig or worry about them shedding. However, their exposed skin does require some special care.
When you notice your skinny pig’s skin looking dry, greasy, or dirty, apply some coconut oil onto their skin using a cotton round. You may notice their natural oils and debris from the skin coming off on the cotton. Remember that a little bit of coconut oil goes a long way, and feel free to wipe off any excess oil once you’re done rubbing it in.
There’s no need to bathe your hairless guinea pig unless instructed by a veterinarian for health reasons. They will need their nails trimmed around once a month.
Housing
First, let’s discuss the basics of guinea pig housing. You’ll want an enclosure that’s at least 7.5 square feet, but ideally 10-12+ square feet of unbroken floor space. Lofts are great additions for some piggies, but not all enjoy them, and they don’t count toward the square footage of the cage.
Now, here are some considerations that are specific to hairless guinea pigs:
- Fleece is the best bedding for a hairless guinea pig’s sensitive skin. It also helps to keep them warm!
- Fleece hides and even a pet-safe heating pad can also help to keep your guinea pig warm in the cooler months.
- Your average guinea pig is constantly munching on hay throughout the day. If you can believe it, hairless pigs eat even more! Make sure to include multiple large hay racks or opt for a hay pile on the floor of the cage.
- An extra water bottle in the cage will ensure they don’t run out, as these piggies drink more than average.
Keeping the Enclosure Clean
You may have guessed this already, but double the food means double the poops! Here are some tips to keep your hairless guinea pig’s enclosure clean:
- Set up a litter box: While guinea pigs can’t be completely potty trained, they typically poop where they eat. This means we can control where they go by placing their hay inside their litter box. Ensure the litter is safe and soft on the skin – don’t use clay or clumping cat litter!
- Use pee pads or bath mats in their favorite places: For instance, place a pee pad in their favorite hide. These can be traded out when soiled so that you don’t have to replace the entire liner.
- Spot clean more frequently: Sweep up poops and swap out soiled pee pads twice daily to keep the cage as clean as possible between full cleanings.
- Avoid scented cleaners: Like all guinea pigs, skinny pigs have sensitive respiratory tracts and can get sick from strong chemicals or scents. A clean cage shouldn’t smell–if it does, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Health
Hairless guinea pigs are prone to the same health problems as furry guinea pigs, but they are more prone to develop skin and digestive issues. This is because of the way they were bred.
Since their skin is exposed, they’re more prone to cuts and scrapes. They may also be more susceptible to fungal infections such as ringworm and a number of other skin issues.
The flip side of this is that since they don’t have fur, they’re less likely to carry certain pests, such as lice.
The biggest health problem to watch for in hairless guinea pigs is digestive issues. It’s important that these guinea pigs are constantly eating, as they’re even more prone to GI stasis, bloat, and other digestive issues. Just 6-8 hours without eating can kill any guinea pig, so it’s vital to monitor their food intake. It’s also crucial to catch dental issues early on so that their teeth don’t prevent them from consuming the food they need to stay healthy.
