Skinny Pigs What You Really Need to Know Before Buying Skinnies

Summary

In this video, Sasuke from Licentious Guinea Pig Rescue discusses the care of 'skinny pigs,' or hairless guinea pigs. Highlighting their unique needs due to lack of hair, Sasuke emphasizes the importance of heat sources, as they are more susceptible to cold. He also notes their high food intake, as they require more energy to maintain body temperature, and the necessity of soft bedding due to their delicate skin. Additionally, Sasuke demonstrates an oil bath technique to moisturize their skin and remove dirt, a task more challenging for hairless guinea pigs. The video serves as both an educational resource and a cautionary tale about the increased care requirements for these unique pets.

Takeaways

• 🐷 'Skinny pigs' is a misnomer for hairless guinea pigs, which are actually bred for laboratory use and not naturally occurring.
• 👶 These hairless guinea pigs, particularly the Baldwin breed, require special care due to their lack of natural insulation.
• 🌡️ They are highly susceptible to cold, necessitating the use of heating pads or lamps to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• 💩 Hairless guinea pigs produce a significant amount of waste, almost double that of regular guinea pigs, which requires more frequent cage cleaning.
• 🥗 They have a higher food intake, needing to consume about twice as much hay and snacks to maintain their body temperature and energy.
• 🛏️ It's crucial to provide a soft, comfortable surface like fleece in their cage to protect their delicate skin from abrasion.
• 🚿 Unlike typical guinea pigs, hairless ones require oil baths rather than water baths to keep their skin moisturized and clean.
• 👐 Guinea pigs dislike the taste of plastic, so their cage setup with plastic components is safe from being chewed.
• 🏡 The video features a 'space house' designed for corner placement, which is both space-efficient and comfortable for the guinea pigs.
• 👋 When handling hairless guinea pigs, it's surprising how warm they are to the touch due to their high body temperature.

Q & A

What is the term 'skinny pig' referring to in the context of guinea pigs?

The term 'skinny pig' is used to refer to hairless guinea pigs, which are not actually skinny but are called so because they lack hair.

Why were the Baldwin guinea pigs bred?

The Baldwin guinea pigs were bred specifically for use in laboratories, which is an unfortunate and unnatural practice.

What is the importance of a heat source for hairless guinea pigs?

Hairless guinea pigs require a heat source like a heating pad because they have no hair to protect them from cold, making them more susceptible to getting cold.

How often do hairless guinea pigs need to be fed compared to regular guinea pigs?

Hairless guinea pigs need to be fed more frequently, about twice as much hay and more snacks, because they require more energy to maintain their body temperature.

Why do hairless guinea pigs produce more waste than regular guinea pigs?

Hairless guinea pigs produce more waste because they eat more to generate the energy needed to maintain their body temperature, which results in almost double the amount of feces.

What type of surface is recommended for hairless guinea pigs to live on?

Hairless guinea pigs should live on a soft surface like fleece, as rough surfaces like pine shavings can be uncomfortable for them due to the lack of hair on their skin.

Why do hairless guinea pigs need oil baths instead of regular baths?

Hairless guinea pigs need oil baths to moisturize their skin and remove dirt, as they have an oily gland that produces a hard-to-clean residue, unlike regular guinea pigs that can be bathed with water and shampoo.

What is the purpose of cleaning fleece liners in the cage of hairless guinea pigs?

Fleece liners need to be cleaned at least twice a day due to the high amount of waste produced by hairless guinea pigs, ensuring their living environment remains clean and comfortable.

How often should hairless guinea pigs receive oil baths?

The frequency of oil baths for hairless guinea pigs depends on their cleanliness, but it is used not only for cleaning but also for moisturizing their skin.

What is the significance of the 'space house' mentioned in the script?

The 'space house' is a corner-designed cage that saves space and provides a safe and comfortable living area for guinea pigs, which can be found on Amazon.

What advice does Sasuke give to potential owners of hairless guinea pigs?

Sasuke advises potential owners to be aware of the extra work, expense, and time commitment required to care for hairless guinea pigs properly, and to consider these factors seriously before adopting one.