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.

Outlines

00:00

🐷 Introduction to Skinny Guinea Pigs

Sasuke from Licentious Guinea Pig Rescue introduces the topic of 'skinny pigs,' which are guinea pigs without hair, also known as 'naked' pigs. These pigs are not naturally occurring and were bred for laboratory use, making them require special care. Sasuke expresses concern over the breeding of these pigs for novelty and emphasizes the importance of proper care, especially in providing warmth due to their lack of hair. The pigs are shown to enjoy huddling together for warmth and require heating pads during winter. The video also mentions the high amount of food and waste these pigs produce, indicating their need for more energy to maintain body temperature.

05:03

🛌 Housing and Care for Hairless Guinea Pigs

The video script describes the housing setup for hairless guinea pigs, emphasizing the use of fleece liners for comfort and cleanliness, given the pigs' high waste production. A heating pad is crucial for their warmth, and the pigs' cage is designed to be a safe space. The script also discusses the pigs' diet, noting their preference for fresh pellets and the need for frequent feedings due to their high metabolism. The importance of cleanliness is highlighted, with a recommendation for multiple fleece sets to manage the pigs' waste efficiently.

10:05

🛁 Oil Bath Demonstration for Guinea Pigs

Sasuke demonstrates how to give an oil bath to a hairless guinea pig using organic coconut oil. The process involves applying the oil all over the pig, including the belly, and then gently removing the excess. This bath not only cleans the pig but also moisturizes its skin. The video points out the difference between the oily gland and the anus, explaining that the gland produces a hard-to-clean oily residue. The script also mentions that while natural oils are preferred, gentle creams can be used as alternatives for moisturizing the pigs' skin.

15:08

🧼 The Reality of Owning Hairless Guinea Pigs

The final paragraph addresses the reality of owning hairless guinea pigs, noting that they require extra care, time, and money due to their unique needs. The pigs' high food intake and waste production mean more work in maintaining their cage. Sasuke warns potential owners to consider these factors seriously, as the novelty of owning a hairless guinea pig may wear off. The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and a thank you to the guinea pig featured in the video for being a good example.

Keywords

💡Skinny Pigs

Skinny pigs, also known as hairless guinea pigs, are a breed characterized by their lack of fur. In the video, the term is used to describe guinea pigs that are not actually skinny but are naked, meaning they have no hair. The speaker expresses concern about the breeding of these animals, which were specifically developed for laboratory use, and advocates for their proper care, emphasizing that they are not a natural breed and require special attention.

💡Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are small rodents often kept as pets. They are mentioned throughout the video as the primary subject, with a focus on the care and needs of hairless or 'skinny' guinea pigs. The video discusses their unique requirements, such as the need for warmth due to their lack of fur, and the importance of providing them with a heat source.

💡Naked

The term 'naked' in the context of the video refers to guinea pigs that have no hair. This is a significant point as it affects their ability to regulate body temperature and their susceptibility to cold, which is why they require additional care such as heating pads.

💡Heating Pad

A heating pad is a device used to provide warmth. In the video, it is emphasized as an essential item for the care of hairless guinea pigs, as they cannot generate their own heat due to the absence of fur. The speaker demonstrates the importance of a heat source for these animals, especially during colder seasons.

💡Breeding

Breeding in this context refers to the intentional mating of animals to produce offspring with specific traits. The video discusses how 'skinny pigs' or hairless guinea pigs were bred for laboratory use, which the speaker considers to be unnatural and ethically questionable.

💡Laboratories

Laboratories are mentioned as the places where hairless guinea pigs were specifically bred for use, indicating that they were not developed for the pet market but rather for scientific research. This highlights the video's underlying message about the ethical treatment of animals.

💡Body Temperature

Maintaining body temperature is crucial for hairless guinea pigs due to their lack of fur. The video explains that these animals require more food to generate the energy needed to maintain their body heat, which is why they eat and poop more than their haired counterparts.

💡Fleece

Fleece is a soft, warm material used in the video to line the guinea pigs' living area. It is important for providing comfort and insulation for hairless guinea pigs, as they cannot rely on their own fur for warmth and protection.

💡Oil Bath

An oil bath is a grooming method mentioned in the video for hairless guinea pigs. It involves applying oil, such as coconut oil, to their skin to moisturize and clean it, which is necessary due to their lack of fur and the associated increased risk of skin dryness.

💡Adoption

Adoption in the video refers to the process of finding permanent homes for rescued guinea pigs. The speaker encourages viewers to consider the long-term commitment and special care requirements of hairless guinea pigs before adopting them, to ensure they receive the proper care they need.

Highlights

Introduction to 'skinny pigs', a term used for hairless guinea pigs despite not being skinny.

Discussion on the origin of hairless guinea pigs, bred for laboratory workers, and the unnatural nature of their breeding.

Emphasis on the importance of proper care for hairless guinea pigs for their well-being.

Necessity of heat sources like heating pads for hairless guinea pigs due to lack of hair for insulation.

Highlighting the high food intake and pooping frequency of hairless guinea pigs compared to regular ones.

Recommendation for using fleece as a cage lining for hairless guinea pigs due to their sensitive skin.

Explanation of the need for oil baths instead of water baths for hairless guinea pigs.

Demonstration of an oil bath using organic coconut oil for a hairless guinea pig.

Importance of providing a clean and warm environment for hairless guinea pigs with frequent cage cleaning.

Misunderstanding about guinea pigs' interest in telephone wires, highlighting their unique behaviors.

Introduction of space-saving 'space houses' designed for guinea pigs' cages.

Advice on feeding habits, including the preference of guinea pigs for fresh pellets over stale ones.

Discussion on the extra work and cost associated with caring for hairless guinea pigs.

Warning about the potential for the novelty of owning a hairless guinea pig to wear off, emphasizing the commitment required.

Final thoughts on the care and consideration needed when adopting a hairless guinea pig.

Transcripts

hi everyone Sasuke here from licentious

guinea pig rescue and I would like to

talk about skinny pigs now they call him

skinny pigs I know why they call skinny

pigs cuz they're not skinny but they are

naked naked

they have no hair that's a silly name

really you think about it but the

piggies we see the most are the ones

like aging now now and PD these are our

little babies we love them so much they

have a little hand the nose sometimes it

a little more hair in the nose sometimes

don't have a little Tufts of hair

everywhere and then there are two Guinea

fix that they call Baldwin and those are

completely naked

they have no anywhere they came about by

breeding and they were bred specifically

for the workers who work in laboratories

unfortunately and it's it's not natural

at all so I personally think we should

stop bringing these skinny pigs because

it's not normal it's not and I don't

think they are very happy unless they

get the bit the good care which really

takes a lot do it right I think there

there might be a bunch of skinny pigs or

involvement piggies naked piggies that

are not happy because you know they're

very specific and need quite some

specific care so one of them is the fact

that they get really cold so they love

this little house they always smuggle in

together it's the cutest thing and right

now it's winter time so in the summer

that will have something like this also

to kind of snuggle up in and hold all

together but in the winter time we

actually have a heat / heating pad you

can either do like a heating lamp or

like we have we have heating pads and

that is just crucial that is really

really crucial I mean they have no hair

do they don't have any protection relief

against a call

so that's the first thing I tell people

please make sure you have some kind of a

heat source just because it's warm in

your house over the in the winter

doesn't necessarily mean that that's

enough for them so put down that heating

pad and I'm gonna show you the way we

have their set up as well

that's really important the other thing

you need to know about these guys which

I always laugh about so hard is that

they poop more than any other guinea pig

they eat and poop so much it's almost

double in fact and I should do video on

this I won't count at the cookies in it

was a crazy amount it was 50 times more

than the poopies home regular guinea pig

in a 24-hour period so you go figure and

and you know they eat that much but they

don't get bigger or anything and then I

think that's because it takes them so

much energy to maintain their body

temperature and so that's why they have

this good need for more food and the man

they can eat so they eat about twice as

much hay as the other guinea pigs we

have to fill up their hay at least like

maybe once or twice a day more than we

do with the other piggies they get more

snacks and you know because they need

all the energy and that comes from their

food so yeah that's a really funny thing

to know about them now because they have

no hair under their belly it's really

it's really important that they are

living on the right surface so if you

have a cage that has like pine shavings

like we doing yes we use mainly the pine

shavings for the figs it's not very

comfortable for them so I always you

know recommend that you don't police

police is really nice and soft and again

I'm gonna show you what they live how

they live here in their cage the fleece

is really nice it's soft on them they

don't have to feel like this it

kind of stuff that they're lying in they

have a nice soft area to sleep so that's

good for them nice soft piece little

cozies like this one are perfect so that

is really really important what else in

my time I am missing anything super

important

they don't need bats like normal guinea

pigs need bats so they what they need

are actually oil baths and that's what

I'm actually gonna demonstrate I like to

tell everybody it's like a facial facial

yes it's a facial

kind of because you're just so which one

you know which one of you guys if y'all

know is a little fidgety so maybe maybe

PD needs to go get him get his such do

have another skinny pig that might be a

good candidate yeah that is organic

coconut oil this is the stuff that you

use for cooking I use for cooking and

it's a completely all-natural product

and it it's great to give them a little

oil bath with so I'm gonna demonstrate

that in a little bit now let's go look

at the house let's go see so this is

their house their temporary house

because we're hoping to find them a home

as you can see we have nice fleece

liners in here those you wash you want

to make sure that you clean these enough

because of the because of the amount of

voice that they produce you definitely

have to clean it twice a day minimum or

you just take everything out and if it's

really wet you have to wash it of course

then they have a heating pad right here

this is their heating pad it's all warm

and it's not as you can see now what's

really interesting about guinea pigs is

is that they have no interest in 9 on

this I've never had a guinea pig do that

they dish they just don't I think

bunnies will they'll just go

for it I used to have a bunny if we let

it walk around in the house my dad would

always get very upset because sure

enough the telephone line he just used

to nibble right through that guinea pigs

just don't like it they just not

interested so this whole thing is quite

safe right here in the cage and they

love it they love it there we put the

house here and this by the way is a

space house I designed these space

houses that are perfect for the corner

and they're on Amazon actually I'll put

a link as well and everybody loves them

in a safe space so instead of like a

bulk bulky Heidi's that don't really you

know you fit in anywhere these are

perfect for the corner and you really do

save space

we got them in three colors right now

okay so it's really important and plenty

plenty plenty food so this is like the

third time that we refresh there hey and

I don't like to put too much pallets in

the in the balls I just want to do a

handful per guinea pig at a time and

don't just keep filling it up

another reason for that is actually

guinea pigs they don't like it when they

get stale still pellets they're really

weird like that so they have a ball of

pellets but then you put like a little

teeny and full of new pellets in the

ball guess what they'll come running and

they'll start eating the new pallets

even though you know they're the same as

the other ones but you know what do you

know guinea pigs say all right so let's

oh the other thing is is the amount of

washing hacked through the fleece

because they produce so much poop and

peat that you have to be prepared to

wash a lot and I want to get a few sets

of fleece I'll put some links to some of

the stores that sell fleece that we work

with for some of the sellers on Amazon

that that I really like that have a good

quality stuff and then let me go get my

we're gonna do a batch right yes all

right let's get ready for a bath so I'm

here with Percy

you didn't see Percy yet today Percy's

being with us for a little bit and he's

not getting adopted on so thank you uh

this is in solid form because it's a

little cold so I'm gonna just warm it up

a little bit in my hands my hands it's

gonna so what you want to do is you want

to make sure this goes everywhere

absolutely everywhere and then once

you've done that you want to gently take

off the excess oil and that is a skinny

bath now he's actually pretty clean I

don't need him very often but it's also

really nice to moisturize their skin

it's really really good for that and

want to make sure you get everything

including the belly as well oh you

already complaining you're not gonna be

happy with me you're complaining already

I'm sorry but you get to eat though it

can't be that bad

it can't be that bad

so is there any other kind of oils that

you can use precise darkness there's a

bunch of oils there's some oils that

people have made specifically you know

as long as it's a natural natural oil a

natural cream as such you could even

maybe use like a people cream like a

really nice gentle cream and kind of the

works the same way but we just like to

use kind of an oily substance with those

little skinny guys oh gosh look you know

like you like that part huh Oh

sweetheart would like to remind everyone

that Percy is for adoption and he likes

to have his cheeks rocked oh my gosh

what a sweetheart

what a sweetheart yes you over I'm

wearing my apron because obviously this

is Timothy it's messy job my specially

made apron for me Thank You Irene

not happy

oh you know what else is really really

interesting about these little ones is

that when you pick him up

it's you're astonished but if you pick

him up for the first time by how warm

they are they are so warm they like

little potato that's right guinea pigs

are hot potatoes so we've done that now

we're going to gently take off all the

excess and this is where you will see

the dirt that's on your guinea pig he's

relatively clean yes yes yes

now sometimes some skinny pigs will come

here and they have a lot of dry skin a

lot of dry skin yes and that is also

what you're taking off is dry skin some

have it a lot but this guy that's before

and he's actually wasn't really due for

one but they usually get a lot dirtier

than this now over here is and with

these with these skinnies you can see it

really well

this is his oily gland a lot of people

tend to confuse this with with the anus

and the pocket that's all here but these

has nothing to do with it this produces

this really oily kind of residue it's

almost a resin that it's so hard to

clean and get rid of so with pigs with

hair I will often just cut it off

because I haven't found a shampoo that

can cut through that that is there this

you know works well enough for that oil

to be dissolved you cut off the hair

that's like cover in the goop right yeah

so look I'm a trying I am trying and

it's a toughy how long do you want and

you can soak in the oil heal it off

actually

you know if this area you want to soak

it a little longer the rest of the body

you know you're good as long as you've

got it on you can you can slowly start

taking it off again so you don't really

have to wait yeah it feels so nice when

we're done yeah you are

new sorry things I'm sorry

so I see them we never used to see

skinnies at all never never used to see

them and all of a sudden it's like the

pet store starts having them and we

actually I was actually talking to my

counterpart in San Diego she said well

let's get ready to get the heat blankets

out already because it's gonna be no

time before we're gonna see them and

sure enough at one point we had I think

six or so their high point so it's not

comparatively a lot you know with the

rest of the normal pics that we get but

you know they do require all a lot of

extra work it's a lot of extra laundry

for us and so yeah I think that's the

part people don't understand is they

really to do it right for these little

guys for the hairless guinea pigs you

you have to have the time for it you

really do it's work it is a lot of work

and it's more expensive because they eat

so so very much that's a good-looking

poopie yes yes it is

so they're so yeah if you are thinking

of getting one of these just be what be

just know that you know you're gonna

have to spend extra money you're gonna

have to work a little harder to keep

their cage clean etc but yeah you know

the novelty will wear off so just like

with any pets if you're just doing it

could you think oh my gosh it's just so

cool my friends are gonna think this is

like the coolest thing ever

then don't do it because the novelty

will wear off you know oh my goodness

it's just the gloves guys it's been a

common thing that's right

yeah I say had already eaten they

wouldn't respond like that I always say

you're making me look bad when they're

doing that because it's like I'm not

feeding Mary

yeah so thank you Percy for being such a

good boy yes so such a good boy and

thanks everyone for watching thanks for

showing us all the skinny pig knowledge

magic all right guys thank you

you