Hay mites?

[Ekily]

Hi,
I have 2 indoor female piggies. They have what I thought was dry skin. However I now think its hay/static mites. One of the girls sheds alot of hair and the other has a very small bald patch behind her ear. Other than this no other patches or redness or sores and they aren't excessively itching. Which makes me think it's not mange mites fingers crossed.

I bathed them as I thought It was dry skin but so much dirt/skin came out which is why i think its mites. Looking at the hair i cannot see anything on the skin but can see black specks on the hairs which also come out when I stroke them. Has anyone experienced this before.

I was going to upload photos but cannot get it to work.

Thank you

 

[Siikibam]

Use the attach files button underneath the text box.

It’s normal for them to have bald patches behind the ears. Bathing isn’t actually good for them unless they’re really mucky. It can dry their skin even more.

I would get them seen by the vet as we can’t diagnose online and aren’t qualified to either.

 

[Ekily]

Hello,
I havent got a button under the textbook. I have an image button but it wants an internet site address. Yes I am going to contact the vets I just wanted to get advice or more information in the meantime.

Thank you

 

[Siikibam]

When you type you’re reply there is a button underneath with a paper clip and ‘Attach files’. If you click that it should show browse, take photo or video, browse. If you choose browse then you can attach a photo from your phone.

 

[Piggies&buns]

As siikibam has said, every piggy has bald patches behind their ears - that is normal.
if you are dealing with hay mites all you will see is what looks like pepper grains usually over the back end of the piggy. If you run your hand down the hair shaft, you can feel tiny beads on the hair. Those are the egg casings of the mites. You cannot mites themselves as they are microscopic.
Definitely have a vet check them over and prescribe treatment if necessary. (Don’t be tempted to home treat or use any pet shop products as they aren’t strong enough. Its also not a good idea to bathe a piggy before seeing a vet as it can wipe the scene and make it harder for a vet to diagnose).

this guide gives information on parasites
New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites