chewing hair

[wannabepiggymum]

Hello

I noticed my long haired piggy now has a mohawk style haircut to the front half of her body - i've had her almost two years and i've never seen her hair go like this. She recently (3 months ago) paired up with a neutered male after her old boyfriend died. They get on like a house on fire, snuggled up together in the sunshine. It was such an easy introduction with them, and I had them housed together within 3 weeks of the first meet.

Is it possible that he is munching her hair? And if so, why would he do this?

Thanks!

Lou

 

[Hermes]

Yeah, this would be barbering. It can be due to stress, illness, boredom or for no real reason at all - just a little over zealous with affectionate grooming. If there's no other signs of anything being wrong then I wouldn't worry too much, just keep an eye on her to make sure he doesn't go overboard on the haircut and actually cause damage as it can be a habitual behaviour. You could try giving lots of other things to chew, hay stuffed toilet rolls and willow sticks and that kind of thing (if you don't already of course) but some pigs just like to barber regardless of what else you offer.

 

[PopcornPigs]

I have this problem Poor doris. Tilly seems to like her a little too much .

 

[Wiebke]

Barbering is quite common in guinea pigs; I have a few homemade haircuts in my herds, too!

Here is more information about barbering: http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/barbering.htm