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Recurrent static lice

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LydiaMinx

LydiaMinx

Teenage Guinea Pig
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My boar has had static lice on and off for roughly 3 months, each time I have treated (Johnsons Isecticidal shampoo and spray) as soon as I noticed the speckles and have checked regularly afterwards to make sure they were all removed with treatment.

I began to suspect he had a fungal infection also, as he has had mild dandruff since his initial bout of lice, so I bathed him with Nizoral this morning, which is when I noticed the speckles again! So I rinsed the Nizoral off and used Johnsons Insecticidal shampoo also. (Will the double shampoo cause him any discomfort? I was so frustrated at the pesks that I just switched shampoo straight away :{ )

Now obviously he has static lice again pow-pow I've changed hay brands multiple times and am running out of different brands to get. Is it possible they have just never been fully treated? I feel like a bad owner if that is the case!

Can anyone suggest hay brands that they've used that have never contained lice? I want to prevent further infestations in the future.

Thanks for any help :)
 
Hi, it is quite posible that the problem wasn't fully treated hence why the lice keep coming back. Please do not blame yourself, as good as shampoos are, stronger treatment is often needed so I suggest a visit to the vet who can prescribe something safe http://www.guinealynx.info/lice.html

I am not sure what to suggest regarding hay. I use Natures Own and have never had a problem http://www.naturesownpets.co.uk/about-us.html
 
I have the same problem. I keep washing my lot with Georgeous Guineas lice and easy but I cannot shift them at all.
 
Just a note but Johnsons Isecticidal shampoo and spray is not legally aloud to be strong enough to do any real dammage, any items bought in a shop such as flea treatments will have a reduced amount of the chemicals used to kill the problem in them hence why they are virtually useless and too weak to kill anything. Anything that is strong enough should really be prescribed by a vet however i personally have never used gorgeous guineas so can't pass judgement on those proudcts. But talking to your vet may be a good idea to try :)

I'd try something a little stronger (but still safe for pets) and see how that helps.

Don't forget every single item touched by your guinea pig or in his area will need a good soak and scrub.
 
piggyfan said:
I have the same problem. I keep washing my lot with Georgeous Guineas lice and easy but I cannot shift them at all.
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Have you contacted Chrissie and Gorgeous Guineas if it's not working, I'm sure she would want to know and can probably suggest something else instead. The manuka and neem shampoo isn't specifically for lice but should also shift them.
 
katiepops said:
Have you contacted Chrissie and Gorgeous Guineas if it's not working, I'm sure she would want to know and can probably suggest something else instead. The manuka and neem shampoo isn't specifically for lice but should also shift them.
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Thank you. I never thought to do that but I will.
 
She's very helpful, I met her at a guinea pig awareness event in Reading (where she's based) and asked her what was the best shampoo to use for regular shampoos rather than specific skin problems and she suggested the manuka and neem as a good all rounder because it will get rid of the lice as well. She said a lot of rescues she supplies have that as their preferred shampoo because it will sort most things.
I know she's developed other products in response to specific conditions so is obviously open to feedback.
 
Sodapops said:
Out of interest - how big is each hay bag from natures own? i see they sell them in packs of 5, but cannot find out exactly how much hay each bag contains....
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It doesn't say on the packs the actual size but they are extra large and in my opinion quite big and good value for money. I'd say they are slightly bigger than the large bales of pets at home hay that's £5.99

If you have a 'The Range' near you, they sell Meadows Own hay in there for £3.99 a pack.

Generally one pack last me over a week and that's for 4 guinea pigs living in a free range 6ft by 3ft shed. They have two 2ft ish lazy bones wooden houses that I pack with hay and scatter on the floor for them to lay on and eat. I use quite a lot at a time too :)
 
Static lice are hay lice/mites so to eliminate the problem fully you need to thoroughly clean the cage, throw any hidies or toys that can't be washed in hot soapy water & rinsed. Fleece needs to be washed at 50 degrees or 60 degrees as well.

With regards to shampoos, Johnson's is probably not effective enough. I use Flea or Die, thoroughly soap them & leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly, repeat after a week then you can use it regularly to kill any mites. I have never had a problem getting rid of hay lice/mites using that shampoo, it's what Vedra at the CCT recommends & it does definitely work! However you need to use a hay that doesn't contain the mites. You should look for an imported USA hay like Western Timothy or Alfalfa King Timothy hay (Don't worry that's just the brand name, it is Timothy hay). I get the AK hay from PAH I hate going in there but my piggies love this hay & there is never any waste. It comes in a compressed pack. A pack lasts my three about 2-3 weeks & costs £8 a pack & they have hay 24/7, so never go short. Imported hay from the US has been heat treated due to EU regulations, so any living creatures like mites are killed off. I also microwave each batch before I feed them, for about 40 seconds on high.

Hope that helps :)
 
Poppy'sMum said:
Static lice are hay lice/mites so to eliminate the problem fully you need to thoroughly clean the cage, throw any hidies or toys that can't be washed in hot soapy water & rinsed. Fleece needs to be washed at 50 degrees or 60 degrees as well.

With regards to shampoos, Johnson's is probably not effective enough. I use Flea or Die, thoroughly soap them & leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly, repeat after a week then you can use it regularly to kill any mites. I have never had a problem getting rid of hay lice/mites using that shampoo, it's what Vedra at the CCT recommends & it does definitely work! However you need to use a hay that doesn't contain the mites. You should look for an imported USA hay like Western Timothy or Alfalfa King Timothy hay (Don't worry that's just the brand name, it is Timothy hay). I get the AK hay from PAH I hate going in there but my piggies love this hay & there is never any waste. It comes in a compressed pack. A pack lasts my three about 2-3 weeks & costs £8 a pack & they have hay 24/7, so never go short. Imported hay from the US has been heat treated due to EU regulations, so any living creatures like mites are killed off. I also microwave each batch before I feed them, for about 40 seconds on high.

Hope that helps :)
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I buy Alfalfa King currently for his feeder hay, he will now not eat anything else hay wise! It's the bedding hay I'm having the issue with, considering switching to fleece. When you microwave the hay do you put it on/in anything? And I will definetly buy some of that shampoo and give it a go, thanks :)
 
LydiaMinx said:
I buy Alfalfa King currently for his feeder hay, he will now not eat anything else hay wise! It's the bedding hay I'm having the issue with, considering switching to fleece. When you microwave the hay do you put it on/in anything? And I will definetly buy some of that shampoo and give it a go, thanks :)
Click to expand...

Yes I put some in a pyrex bowl then zap it for about 40 seconds, although it shouldn't have any mites as it is sterile, I am being over cautious lol :) They've changed the packaging since I bought mine but this is it :
http://www.petscorner.co.uk/herbal-and-health-flea-or-die-shampoo-

:)
 
Yep, I have a big problem with static lice, massive breakout in both cages.

So everything is getting pulled apart, boiled washed, scrubbed, soaked...and that's just the furries :)). Just kidding, but the gang will be getting a good bath, just as well I have the long weekend.
 
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