Long Hair Issue Help- First Post!

[nacho+queso]

https://www.imghippo.com/i/vYtJ21719605854.jpg
This is Nacho (erm, well, his backside LOL).. He reaaaallly wanted some more snacks and decided to climb inside one of the hay feeders!

Hi all! I got two male piggies from a local high schooler who was going away to college about a month ago. I never owned any guineas before but did a lot of research on them! All things with them are great and they warmed up so quickly to me and my family!

The issue is, my long haired piggy has a bad hair day- every day. He does not like being touched much (really at all), let alone brushed. I did give him a bath about a week or so after getting him because he was really dirty from the previous owner. I bathed him and dried him off with a brush and air temp blow drier. He seemed to like that part at the time!

You can see that his hair “splits” around his backside. It doesn't lay flat, it sticks up to the sky with a perfect line in-between. Not sure if this is normal or a cause for concern.

Any tips, info, help, etc. is appreciated! Thanks!

[Lynx]

The hair pattern is normal for an abyssinian (which he is). Check hair for flakiness (fungal infections), lice and mites.

Glad you took him into your home! If you haven't read over the care guide, you might like to:
https://www.guinealynx.info/healthycavy.html

Is there any odor? If so, you may wish the clip the butt hairs too.

[Sef]

Ditto Lynx. Those little hair swirlies are rosettes (and cute ones, at that!). Sometimes guinea pigs will have mites (tiny parasites that can't be seen with the naked eye) that can cause skin sensitivity. A change in environment can be a trigger. If you notice excessive itching/scratching/biting at himself, hair loss, or dandruff in certain spots, you will want to treat for mites. We can walk you through how to do that at home; most vet tests for it tend to be unreliable. Otherwise, he likely just needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. Spending time by his cage, gently talking to him can help build trust. Treats also help! ;) (What pellets are those that you are feeding him? I don't recognize them.)

Best of luck and congrats on your new friend!

[nacho+queso]

@Lynx no odor but I am planning a trim soon! I will check his skin too. I don't see any behaviors that would indicate that he is having any issues but I will pay more attention as well. That's good info! It’s cool to know what kind of guinea he is! Thanks for the guide :)

@Sef thank you! It is cute! Just wasn't sure if it was a cause of concern, good to know it’s not! Like I said to Lynx, I don't see any excessive scratching or biting but I will keep an eye out and check his skin. He definitely loves his treats! He goes crazy for romaine lettuce especially! He is the louder of the pair with his wheeks when he sees I have food in hand :)
The pellets are Science Selective- Balanced Guinea Pig Food. It’s what they came with from the previous owner. I did a little research and it seemed like a good food and most of the bag was still left so I stuck with it. If this brand isn't suitable, please do let me know! The trust we built over the past month has been monumental but he’s just still going to need some more time :)

A pic of the boys relaxing

Nacho had his eyes closed sleeping!!— felt like such a win :)

Nacho after his bath :)


Thank you for your help again :)

[Lynx]

They are real cuties! A win for everyone!

[Renonvsparky]

Abyssinian (abbies) are my favorites. They have personality to go with their wild looking rosettes. My sole remaining Abby is very zany and entertaining. Your are lucky to have them.

Say hello to Grady!

[Lynx]

Hi Grady! What a cutie!

[ItsaZoo]

Nacho is a cutie, how good of you to take him in. I recently purchased a little trimmer to trim my little dog’s mouth and chin. It’s very small and quiet, and I think it would work on guinea pig backsides. It’s cordless and designed so you can’t nick the skin. Just a thought.

https://www.amazon.com/LEYOUFU-Clippers ... hdGY&psc=1