What the Skinny?! Skinny pigs are actually hairless guinea pigs. This is the result of breeding in research labs over many generations. Skinny pigs differ in the actual amount of fur they have on thier bodies. Some have a few sparse hairs on their bodies and some are very bald with just a few tufts on their forehead.
Care and Facts:
Lifespan: 4-7 years
Diet: Guinea pigs have a complex diet in captivity. They require a high quality guinea pig food, you cannot feed them rabbit food. Timothy hay should be available ot them at all times, and veggies can be given daily. (apples, corn, sweet potato, celery etc) They must have vitamin C added to their diet, this can be done with viatmin C tablets or food supplements.
Size at Adulthood: 1-2 pounds, males are slightly larger than females.
Gestation: 32-40 days with litters of 1-8.
Minimum Cage size: There are many commerical cages specifically made for guinea pigs. The important thing to have is a spacious cage that is easy to clean and will allow your piggy to have plenty of space to live comfortably.
Lifespan: 4-7 years
Diet: Guinea pigs have a complex diet in captivity. They require a high quality guinea pig food, you cannot feed them rabbit food. Timothy hay should be available ot them at all times, and veggies can be given daily. (apples, corn, sweet potato, celery etc) They must have vitamin C added to their diet, this can be done with viatmin C tablets or food supplements.
Size at Adulthood: 1-2 pounds, males are slightly larger than females.
Gestation: 32-40 days with litters of 1-8.
Minimum Cage size: There are many commerical cages specifically made for guinea pigs. The important thing to have is a spacious cage that is easy to clean and will allow your piggy to have plenty of space to live comfortably.
What is a Skinny Pig?
A skinny pig is an almost completely hairless guinea pig. They have a few sparse hairs usually on their feet and faces.
Skinny pigs make great pets and are good for children. They do not bite and they will let anyone hold them. They are quick little guys but can be held and enjoy treats and attention.
They are vey easy to keep, all the supplies you need for them can be found at a petstore or Walmart. I have placed many of them in schools as classroom pets as they are really cool pets that children are very intrigued by. They are excellent "first" pets for kids and easy to maintain.
Living with a Skinny Pig:
Having a skinny pig is not the same as having a regular guinea pig. They require a warmer environment and their skin needs care and attention. They are quiet, small, and easy to maintain. They do not require daily handling to keep them tame, and they hardly ever bite.
Skinny pigs live in groups and it is strongly recommended that you have two. You can have a skinny pig and a regular guinea pig live together to have company.
Overall they make excellent pets, can be handled and cared for by the whole family.
Skinny Pigs as pets- REAL owners perspectives and stories:
Ashley Duncan- Skinnies are very sweet and the thing I love about them is that they DONT bite! Anyone can hold them and their skin feels really cool. They whistle when they want their treats and will greet you at the cage door to get them. They are very communicative and show thier feelings more than a hamster or a hedgehog would.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do they have scent glands or a smell?
A: No they do not have scent glands or a smell.
Q: Do they need baths?
A: We do give our skinnies weekly baths to keep thier skin conditioned and clean. You can use a mild soap with warm water- keep soap out of eyes and ears.
Q: Do they require any vaccinations?
A: No vaccinations are needed.
Q: What is their general personality?
A: Skinnies are curious and easy going, very vocal and can communicate with you
Q: How are they with other pets?
A: Larger animals may frighten them, and some animals like ferrets and genets will try to eat them.
Q: Can I take my Skinny outside?
A: Not unless they are secured in a kennel.
Q: Should I get two, so my skinny wont be lonely?
A: They are social animals and do better in pairs or more.
Negative Aspects of owning a skinny pig:
They require frequent nail trimmings and skin care, thier skin is more delicate than a regular guinea pigs and require delicate treatment.
They are very active at night and can make quite the ruckus when you are trying to sleep.
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