Everything You Need To Know About The Hairless Guinea Pig – Fumi Pets

Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Fumipets

Hairless Guinea Pig

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When you think of guinea pigs, you probably think of their plump bodies, cute noses, and thick, glossy coats. Consider a guinea pig with all of the above, but without the thick, shiny coat.

Congratulations, you’ve just visualized a Skinny Pig, also known as a hairless guinea pig. These guinea pigs are identical to typical guinea pigs, with the exception that they have very little hair (and sometimes, none at all).

Skinny Pigs are becoming more popular, despite not being as popular as their hairy counterparts. Continue reading to discover more about these lovely tiny rodents.

Quick Facts about Skinny Pig

Species Name:	Cavia porcellus
Family:	Caviidae
Care Level:	Low to Moderate
Temperature:	65-75°F
Temperament:	Friendly, outgoing, social
Color Form:	Dutch, brindle, Himalayan
Lifespan:	5-7 years
Size:	9-12 inches long, 1-2 pounds
Diet:	Hay, pellets, fruits, veggies
Minimum Tank Size:	7. 5 square feet per pig
Tank Set-Up:	Minimal
Compatibility:	Highly social with other guinea pigs

Skinny Pig Overview

There’s not much that distinguishes Skinny Pigs from typical guinea pigs. They need the majority of the same medical attention, as well as the same nutrition and lifestyle requirements.

These hairless pigs are thought to have developed spontaneously around 1978, but by the early 1980s, they were being bred purposefully for their hairlessness. Their lack of hair makes them suitable for scientific usage, particularly in dermatological investigations, in addition to being fantastic companions. Their skin is comparable to that of humans, which is why they are utilized in such investigations.

Skinny Pigs are quite lovely, and they’re just as entertaining to look at as typical guinea pigs.

However, not every Skinny Pig is hairless. Although some have hair on their muzzles, paws, legs, or backs, they all have more exposed skin than not. Werewolves are people with more hair than you’d expect from a Skinny Pig, which is about the most fantastic thing we can think of.

How Much Do Skinny Pigs Cost?

When it comes to guinea pigs, Skinny Pigs used to be the undesired visitor at the family gathering. However, they’ve become quite the fashionable pet in recent years, and as a consequence, the average cost of one of these creatures has risen.

In general, a Skinny Pig will cost between $100 and $200, however the price may go up if you desire a unique color. Also, keep in mind that they are sociable creatures, so you’ll probably need at least two (though they’ll get along great with a conventional guinea pig if you’re trying to save money).

Typical Behavior & Temperament

Skinny Pigs, like other guinea pigs, are gregarious and extroverted. They like being around other guinea pigs as well as their owners. When they’re among their friends, they’re generally pretty talkative, and you’ll frequently hear them chatting loudly.

You shouldn’t have too many territorial problems with them since they’re less belligerent and aggressive than typical guinea pigs. They would rather avoid confrontation than confront it head-on.

They like being petted and being let out of their cage, but be cautious since they may be extremely fragile.

Appearance & Varieties

The physique of a Skinny Pig is similar to that of any other guinea pig. The only difference is the hair. Skinny Pigs are normally not fully hairless, but have little patches of peach fuzz on their bodies.

Skinny Pigs all have significant patches of bald skin, making them more vulnerable to sun damage and making it more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. They’re prone to having dry skin and being infected by mites.

Brindle, Himalayan, and Dutch designs are among the many hues and patterns available.

The most common colors are:

• Chocolate

• Cinnamon

• Silver

• Lilac

• White

• Golden

Skinny Pigs, like other guinea pigs, have short, thick legs that make them excellent diggers. They also have long whiskers that enable them to feel the environment surrounding their heads, as well as a keen sense of smell that compensates for their poor vision.

How to Take Care of a Skinny Pig Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

Cage

Each Skinny Pig requires at least 7. 5 square feet of tank area, but since you’ll most likely be keeping many at once, you’ll need a tank that’s much bigger. They like climbing and descending various levels, but they prefer to explore horizontal space even more, so make sure your tank is at least as broad as it is tall.

By removing them from their container and allowing them to run about, you may reduce their requirement for horizontal space. They’ll also require a lot of toys to keep them entertained.

Remember that the more space your mouse has, the more equipped they will be to isolate their potty region from the rest of the tank. It is not only healthier for your pet, but it also makes cleaning their cage simpler.

Bedding

Skinny Pigs need a lot of substrate at the bottom of their cages so they can dig down when it gets chilly. Because cedar and pine contain compounds that might hurt your pet if swallowed, opt for paper shavings or comparable materials. The gases may be detrimental to your critter’s respiratory system even if they don’t consume them.

Temperature

Skinny Pigs have problems controlling their internal temperature since they lack hair (or at least not much of it). Their cage should be maintained at a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and they should be kept away from anything that might affect their core temperature, including vents, fires, and direct sunshine.

Lighting

Skinny Pigs don’t need any additional illumination. Because they aren’t nocturnal, they should be housed somewhere where they can watch the sun rise and set naturally. However, you do not need to adjust their light exposure artificially.

Do Skinny Pigs Get Along With Other Pets?

Skinny Pigs get along well with other guinea pigs; in fact, they prefer it. Unless you intend to spend a lot of time with them on a regular basis, make sure they have at least one other pig to keep them company.

When it comes to other pets, you usually don’t have to be worried about your Skinny Pig. Larger pets, like as dogs and cats, may prey on them, so keep them away from them. Any smaller guinea pigs are a bit of a gamble, but we’d only advocate matching them with other guinea pigs.

What to Feed Your Skinny Pig

Your Skinny Pig’s diet should mostly consist of Timothy or another low-fiber form of hay. Not only does this provide them with all of the nutrients they need, but chewing on the hay also helps to keep their teeth in good shape. If they don’t have anything to chew on, such as hay, their teeth will continue to develop, producing a variety of dental problems.

You may also offer them Timothy hay pellets, which can be bought at most pet shops. Provide them with a source of vitamin C, such as bell pepper, tomato, asparagus, and other vegetables.

They also like leafy greens, cauliflower, carrots, and squash, as well as fruit such as pears, kiwis, oranges, and apples. Simply avoid overfeeding them fruits, which are heavy in sugar and may lead to diabetes and other weight-related concerns.

Skinny Pigs’ metabolisms have to work more to keep their core temperature up than other guinea pigs’, therefore you’ll have to feed them more as a consequence. Just be careful not to overdo it, since obesity is quite harmful to these creatures.

Keeping Your Skinny Pig Healthy

Aside from skin maintenance, there isn’t much that Skinny Pigs need that is specific to them. They, like other guinea pigs, need a clean environment, with bedding replaced on a regular basis if feasible.

They don’t need much, if any, bathing, and washing them too regularly might cause their skin to dry up. If their skin becomes dry, use a little amount of natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil, but never use lotions intended for humans.

You’ll have to cut or file their nails from time to time since their lack of hair makes them more prone to scratching their skin if their nails get too long.

Breeding

Because Skinny Pigs are bigger after birth, breeding them is a little more challenging than breeding conventional guinea pigs. They also have bigger litters, which means birth difficulties are more common. The first pregnancy is frequently the most difficult, but all of them are a bit of a gamble.

According to some estimates, 20% of female guinea pigs will die throughout the pregnancy and delivery process. Professionals same specialists often advise leaving the breeding procedure to those with knowledge, since doing it yourself might endanger your Skinny Pig.

If you do decide to breed your Skinny Pig, make sure the boar and sow are separated as soon as possible after birth. These animals may have another pregnancy only hours after giving birth, although it is exceedingly unhealthy for them.

Are Skinny Pigs Suitable for You?

Consider adopting a Skinny Pig if you like guinea pigs but want something a little different. They’re just as cute and cuddly as conventional guinea pigs, but their largely bald look makes them stand out in a sea of fuzzy companions.

However, you’ll have to spend extra for one since they’re more difficult to produce and are now highly fashionable to acquire. They also need extra attention since they have a harder time controlling their body temperature and are more susceptible to a variety of health issues. If you’re prepared to pay the price, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful, extroverted pet that will never fail to make you smile.

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