General Are long haired guinea pig hard to care for? - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

Shadow1 · #1 07-03-09, 09:33 am

I'm thinking of getting a long hair and short hair cross but are they harder to care for then short hair?

Shadow1 · #2 07-03-09, 09:34 am

Also do you have to cut their hair?

**PiggieMom** · #3 07-03-09, 09:46 am

They are more difficult to care for grooming wise. They need to be brushed and trimmed regularly to prevent matting. Some hair types (i.e. teddies and satins) also are more pron to certain medical problems.

**jenniwat001** · #4 07-03-09, 09:47 am

I have a peruvian and two short haired pigs, the long haired peruvian is definitely harder to care for, but not much. She needs brushing daily and her bum gets really matted with wee. She need baths monthly but just her bottom and it needs trimming every so often. But I love her anyway. And its not that much extra work.

Where are you getting the new piggy from?

Shadow1 · #5 07-03-09, 09:51 am

Thanks for the info.
I cant go to shelters cause their is none in the area.
But I went to a pet store and there was a little guinea pig (The only one) all alone in its little cage.

**PiggieMom** · #6 07-03-09, 09:55 am

Please do not buy a pig. Where do you live? Have you looked at Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder At craigslist? There are always homeless pigs. By purchasing you're contributing to a vicious ring of death from over breeding and over population. We can help you find a pig to save.

**Paula** · #7 07-03-09, 09:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow1

I cant go to shelters cause their is none in the area.

If you take the time to look, call shelters and rescues, I bet you could find a guinea pig. There's also Craigslist, Freecycle, Kijiji, etc. If you can take the time to look, it's very easy to find animals in need in your area without going to a pet store and supporting breeders.

**PiggieMom** · #8 07-03-09, 10:01 am

I also just read your diahrrhea thread. Please put off getting another pig until you take your current pig to a vet and make sure he or she is healthy. Disease spreads so easily in guinea pigs and it'll be a lot less money and a lot less heartache to only have to take one pig to the vet.

**TwilightStar** · #9 07-03-09, 10:50 am

Everyone has already said this, well kind, but all you need to do is wait.
It took us a month or two to find a rescue piggy, but craigslist is a good way to find one. =)

Shadow1 · #10 07-03-09, 11:26 am

I will check craigslist!
My pig is no longer sick

**TwilightStar** · #11 07-03-09, 11:33 am

Guinea pigs can hide illnesses...have you taken her to a vet?
You should make sure she's completely healthy before you bring another guinea pig into your house.

**akstrohm** · #12 07-03-09, 11:33 am

I'm glad your pig no longer appears sick. However, pigs are very good at hiding illnesses. I would recommend taking her to the vet anyway, but at the very least, make sure you quarantine your new pig for three weeks behind a closed door before introducing them. You also should weigh your pig very regularly to make sure she is not losing weight. If she is, she needs to see a vet ASAP or she could go downhill very quickly.

Also, pet store pigs are very often sick, pregnant or missexed. I strongly recommend going to a rescue or shelter for these reasons. If there aren't any nearby, call and ask if they can help with transportation. There are so many pigs out there that need homes that you could help! Craigslist is a good place to check as well--just be patient and the perfect pig will show up. But whatever you do, make sure you are 100% certain of the sex of both pigs. You do not want an accidental pregnancy, as your girl very well could die from it.

**Peggysu** · #13 07-03-09, 12:14 pm

I would really suggest adopting or finding a guinea pig that needs to be rehomed. If you're looking for a specific breed it's just going to take that much longer, but it's worth the wait.

I have a peruvian that I just rescued off of craigslist at two years old, so they are out there and chances are if you live in a heavily populated area then it won't take to long.

I would also suggest getting your guinea pig to a vet. They are very good at hiding illnesses till it's to late. It would be unfortunate if your current piggie got a new one sick and then they both die because you neglect to take them to a vet.

It sounds like you didn't take your piggie to the vet, if you didn't because you couldn't afford it I would suggest that maybe another pig isn't really for you and you might want to rehome your current pig if you can't afford to give it proper veterinary treatment when they need it.

I'm not trying to be rude or assume anything, for all I know you did take your guinea pig to the vet but in the case that you didn't or won't I really would consider other options.

**SnowFlower** · #14 07-03-09, 01:10 pm

Pet shops do this (put them all alone and make you feel bad). No worries, I almost got caught in this trap too with guinea pigs, and DID fall into this trap with a bunny 10 years ago. Wait, please wait, like the others said. There is the perfect pal for your Shadow somewhere close, and patience pays off! And again agreeing with previous posters - you really don't need a pregnant or missexed pig. Good luck finding your baby

**wonderwhiskers** · #15 07-03-09, 01:27 pm

Theres 4 peruvian x's at the rescue I volunteer at.
But I'm in the U.K

They are sooo cute!

**blackarrow** · #16 07-03-09, 01:34 pm

I have only ever had short haired pigs, but wanted to mention - often shelters do not bother to list their "small and furry" animals on Petfinder, only dogs and cats - but they often DO have them nonetheless. Give 'em a call!

**pigsmakemesmile** · #17 07-03-09, 08:23 pm

I have a long haired Peruvian who requires a little more grooming. His underbelly gets matted, discolored and wet so, he requires a little more bathing and trimming. I got to the point now where I use an electric shaver and shave his little butt and his sides nice and short. He seems happier since I did this and now that summer's here, it must be cooler for him. He' such a cute little ball of fur. He looks like a grey and white kitty.

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