Barbering Guinea Pigs, Advice Please!

[nuttyguineaz]

Hello!
I have 3 guinea pigs, Cashew, Walnut, and Maki. Cashew and Walnut are both adults and get along extremely well. We went to buy Maki and she was alone and I didn't want to do that to her so I took her in at 2 months. She got along great at first, but as they grow she's started to barber on both the adults. I know people don't recommend sprays and such to stop them, so the plan was to get another cage and put her and a new gp together so she wouldn't be alone and wouldn't be barbering them. I also have the fear that she may begin to barb the new one. Is it possible for me to buy a fluffy fake guinea pig so she wouldn't feel alone separated and she can barber the toy? Cashew and Walnut don't seem bothered, but the bald spots are starting to get to me.

 

[Naserian]

Barbering?

 

[Wiebke]

Hello!
I have 3 guinea pigs, Cashew, Walnut, and Maki. Cashew and Walnut are both adults and get along extremely well. We went to buy Maki and she was alone and I didn't want to do that to her so I took her in at 2 months. She got along great at first, but as they grow she's started to barber on both the adults. I know people don't recommend sprays and such to stop them, so the plan was to get another cage and put her and a new gp together so she wouldn't be alone and wouldn't be barbering them. I also have the fear that she may begin to barb the new one. Is it possible for me to buy a fluffy fake guinea pig so she wouldn't feel alone separated and she can barber the toy? Cashew and Walnut don't seem bothered, but the bald spots are starting to get to me.

Hi!

Here is our information on barbering, which is far more complex than you might imagine: Barbering ( Eating Hair)

Barbering can have quite different reasons; it would be good if you could try and work out in which context Maki is doing it. If your other guinea pigs are tolerating it, then I would not separate even if it is unsightly.
Have you also checked whether she has full eyesight/hearing if the barbering is very haphazard and in odd places?

Please never keep a piggy single; a stuffed toy cannot replace the constant ongoing companionship and stimulation that guinea pigs need. You made the decision to bring Maki home so she wasn't alone; please don't fail her just because she exhibits natural behaviours that you do not like.