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My new guinea pig has a pink bald spot

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Gerti

New Born Pup
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My new 3-month Abyssinian guinea pig has a pink spot and no hair (without any scabs) behind her right ear. I looked online and the area looks nothing like a patch caused by mites. Can anyone please tell me if it is normal for pigs or even Abyssinians' to have a bald spot behind their ears? TIA
 
We have an Aby and she has bald spots behind her ears. I think it's normal.
 
Gerti said:
My new 3-month Abyssinian guinea pig has a pink spot and no hair (without any scabs) behind her right ear. I looked online and the area looks nothing like a patch caused by mites. Can anyone please tell me if it is normal for pigs or even Abyssinians' to have a bald spot behind their ears? TIA
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Hi and welcome

Guinea pigs regulate their body temperature via the blood flow through the ears. In order for his to be effective most have a bald spot behind their ears to allow excess heat to be dumped. The shape of the bald area is individual but it is always symmetrical, so you should find the same patch behind the other ear. There are no breed specific bald patches unless you are looking at hairless piggies.

As a rule of thumb, if you discover a funny area on one side, always check whether there is an equivalent on the other side - in this case it is normal. if not, then please see a vet.

This guide here teaches you more about what is normal and what not in a guinea pig body. You may find it helpful: Guinea pig body quirks - What is normal and what not?

The guide is part of our very useful New Owners information resource, which covers all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about in practical detail. You may want to bookmark it, browse, read and re-read guides at need. It will hopefully help with wobbles over health, care and behaviour as you are finding your feet. We have even included a little course in guinea pig whispering: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
 
Hi, my black Abyssinian also has those bald patches behind her ears.
 
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