Anyone adopted a "skinny pig"?

[CavyKind]

Hello all,
Please let me begin by saying I do not endorse the breeding of these poor little mites. However, we cannot ignore their existance.

As far as I am aware, and I may be wrong, but thankfully these guinea pigs are not available in the UK...yet.
I just wondered if anyone here had any first hand experience of caring for this type of guinea pig? Do they come up in rescue regularly in the United States? Or are they still pretty rare?

I'm not interested in being referred to breed specific forums etc, I'd rather hear from compassionate people who have rescued one of these little guys.

Must add I hate the name "skinny pig" is this really what breeders they call them?

Thank you,
Barbara

 

[tashagurl]

Skinny pigs have many health problems. Read this thread https://www.guinealynx.info/forums/v...t=skinny+health

 

[Teria]

I was pretty shocked to see that picture link in the other thread. Skinny pigs, hairless cats and dogs - it's simply disgusting to think that people breed animals that won't survive for five minutes outside.

 

[Katie]

I've always wanted one and am always on the look. There are 5 in a rescue in the next state over from me, but they do not do out of state adoptions.

With backyard breeders everywhere starting to breed them (they say not for the money, but they do bring in $100- $150 per pig, how can that NOT be a profit?) I'm sure they will become just as common as Americans and Abys in a few years. Just like the "designer mutts" in dogs, all the "poos" that go for $1,000 can be found in almost every city pound now. It's sad, yet many ignorant people still believe they are "breeds" and will only get a "purebred Shipoo or yorkiepoo" from a breeder..... sigh...

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Once in a pet store they were having a 'sale' on skinny pigs. I think it was on sale for $100. Poor pigs.

 

[DocDolittle]

I was pretty shocked to see that picture link in the other thread. Skinny pigs, hairless cats and dogs - it's simply disgusting to think that people breed animals that won't survive for five minutes outside.

Actually, Chinese Crested dogs and Sphinx cats, though bred for showing purposes, can live very long and healthy lives. However, the pigs are another story. Their genetics are incredibly unstable and can lead to many skin cancers and other disease.

 

[DaCourt]

The average life span of a skinny is half that of a hairy pig. I will be fostering 2 soon and it will be a big undertaking. It is a totally different mind set.

 

[DocDolittle]

The average life span of a skinny is half that of a hairy pig. I will be fostering 2 soon and it will be a big undertaking. It is a totally different mind set.

Isn't it so sad? What people will do to make pet's 'show quality'.

 

[CavyKind]

Isn't it so sad? What people will do to make pet's 'show quality'.

It certainly is...I just can't get my head around why anyone wants to perpetuate this breed.

Barbara

 

[Access]

If I remember correctly from the show I saw, there was a series of prizes (1st place, 2nd place, etc.) specific to each recognized breed. For instance there was a 1st place teddy, 1st place abyssian, 1st place skinny, 1st place silkie, etc. This was only 'recognized' breeds, ie. fortunately 'lethal' is not considered a breed by these people, not yet at least. The awards are based on how closely the pig matched its 'breed ideals' including rosettes, coloring, symetry, etc. So naturally a rare breed has less competition and more chance of winning a prize. I think that's part of the reason, at least.