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Skinny Pig

Hairless Guinea Pig

Family: CaviidaeCavia porcellusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   Though called a Hairless Guinea Pig, the Skinny Pig actually does have just a bit of hair!

  The Skinny Pig is a very unusual, yet an increasingly popular breed of Guinea Pig. There are actually two types of Hairless Guinea Pig, this one and another called the Baldwin Guinea Pig. These nearly hairless critters have a funny way of winning the hearts of nearly all they come into contact with.

   Skinny Pigs are as curious and mischievous as any other breed of Guinea pig, but some owners and breeders claim that they are more outgoing. They are quite playful, and they love attention.

   Skinny Pigs do not require the brushing that other Guinea pigs need, but they do have certain special needs. They are more susceptible to injury than breeds with hair covering their bodies, and they are more sensitive to sunlight and temperature. They need a responsible owner to keep them happy and healthy.

Guinea Pig Information - Guinea Pig Care
Guide to a Happy Healthy Guinea Pig

Geographic Distribution Cavia porcellus Data provided by GBIF.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Caviidae

Background:

   The Skinny Pig's origins go back to the late 1970s. The breed is the result of inbreeding in laboratory Guinea Pigs, which produced a genetic mutation that caused offspring to be born with virtually no hair. These animals were very unhealthy and had short life expectancies. But once in the hands of capable breeders, they were bred to healthier Guinea Pigs, and the health of the fledgling breed improved. They also developed a variety of colors and patterns.

Description:

  The Skinny Pig has almost no hair on most of its body. The only exceptions are usually the nose and feet. Some have a small amount of hair in other areas such as the rump and shoulders. Its skin is somewhat wrinkled.

Color differences:

   The Skinny pig can display any of the basic colors and patterns of the Guinea pig. This breed is not recognized by the ACBA or ARBA, so there is no set standard for coloring.

Keeping Guinea Pigs:

   Be sure to provide your guinea pig with a good home and a proper diet. This will keep it happy and healthy and ensure a great pet for a long time.

   Guinea pigs need plenty of exercise and they also love to play. You can let them outside or run around in the house for short periods of time under supervision. They love to explore and need at least one hour of supervised 'floor time' every day.

   When picking up a guinea pig make sure you do not grab it only by its shoulders. Just keep in mind when picking your pet up to do it evenly. With your hands, support it's entire body, and be careful not to drop it.

   Guinea pigs are social creatures and will like to have a companion. They are great companions for children.

   Take time to learn what your guinea pig needs, including:

• housing
• care and feeding
• social behaviors
• activies
• handling and training
• breeding guinea pigs
• baby guinea pigs.

Availability:

   Skinny Pigs are becoming easier to find, but breeders may be hard to come by in some areas. Prices are higher than most other breeds, averaging $60 to $70 apiece
   Guinea Pigs come in many varieties and are readily available at pet stores, shelters, and rescues. When looking to acquire a pet guinea pig make sure it is a healthy animal. A healthy guinea pig will have brilliant eyes, good sound teeth, and a healthy coat. Any age and either sex will make a good pet, however you should plan to get more than one as they are very social and do best with a companion. Get a same sex pair or you could end up having babies.

References

Pattinson, Emma Louise, "Origin of the Skinny Pig", Copyright JACBA
"Skinny Pigs Information", Guinea Pigs Club Malta, Copyright 2006-2008
"Skinny Pig Cavy",The Rabbit and Cavy Directory
"Skinny Pig",Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Lastest Comments on Skinny Pig View all 14 comments on Skinny Pig Add Your Comment

jamie - 2012-03-25 Hi we have a skinny pig great little guy.We have him caged with a Chinchilla they get along great.The Chinchilla keeps him nice and warm with his fur.But what I'm wanting to know is I give my Chinchilla a sand bath but is there any way to bath my skinny pig?? Know they can not get very cold and do not want to but them in water if it's not good for them.Just seeing if there;s anyway to clean them?? Jazmyn - 2012-05-24 All you do it either get a damp baby wipe with aloe or get a luke warm damp cloth and wipe them down Reply

Deb - 2012-03-24 We just purchased a skinny pig (Hairy) and are learning about it. What does it mean when you pat Hairy and he squeaks? Is this good or bad? essie - 2012-04-23 The squeaking is a happy sound...they chirp, and chortle, and squeak when they are happy, or want something from you. Enjoy your piggy! Reply

stephanie - 2012-03-20 i have a new skinny pig, and I'm having an issue keeping it warm. I'm thinking of putting it in a fish tank so I can put a heat pad on the bottom, but someone thought it might be too noisy for the little guy. does anyone know if that is true? please help....thanks Charlie Roche - 2012-03-21 Noisy no. OK you can put the little fella in a fish tank given it's large enough and place paper towel on the bottom (so it doesn't slide). Then put carefresh or some bedding on top of the paper towel. Place a heating pad on low under 1/2 the tank so the little fella can be as warm (or cool off) as he wants. You could also place a heat lamp shining over 1/2 his cage and he could do the same thing. Reply

Lora - 2012-01-20 I had a pair of male guinea pigs, one died now the other is alone. What suggestions do you have? Concerned with compatibility of introducing him to another one. He is two years old. Clarice Brough - 2012-01-20 Guinea pigs are pretty social. He will enjoy a companion, and should get along just fine after they get familiar with each other. I do suggest getting another male though, unless you want babies. Reply

Austin - 2011-12-11 What do they eat Jasmine Brough Hinesley - 2011-12-11 Skinny pigs eat the same diet as other guinea pigs. This consists of fruits, vegetables, and grains because they are herbivores. You can usually purchase a good guinea pig pellet or feed mix at a pet store and then supplement this with small amounts of fresh veggies and fruits occasionally. Reply

Whitney - 2010-04-23 I notice that sometimes my skinny pig eats its fecal matter, what causes this and is that normal? Guinea Pig Breeder - 2010-04-29 Yes, it is common. They eat it because it is completely full of vitamins. Mary - 2010-08-11 Yes, it's normal. The pig eats then poops. There is still a lot of nutrition in the poops. I had a skinny pig when they first became available. I loved little Sydney very much. He developed kidney stones, was operated on but died a month later. Too much for his little system. I have not seen any skinny pigs for sale since. I have a regular one now, Snapple, a real cutie. Erin - 2010-12-20 It is completely normal. Guinea pigs digestive track is simple and passes food through it quickly and is therefore not completely digested. They eat their feces because it is still about 50% food. Ever noticed how the poop looks a lot like the food? It is! :) Janell - 2011-05-17 If you are still looking for a skinny pig, I just recently purchased two and I will be breeding them. If you would like a baby, please conatct me at lifenutrition2002@yahoo.com and I will let you know! Thanks :) Also, if anybody wants to give me information (facts) about skinny pigs, breeding habits, etc...., that would be great as I am still researching and want to learn everything about them! We love them very much! cindy hunt - 2011-10-25 I agree with the above answers. The 'big' word for eating ones poops is corprophageous. It's easier to say eats poops!!! LOL Reply

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