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Scratching

Wheaksnwiggles

Wheaksnwiggles

New Born Pup
Joined
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When we got our new piggy yesterday he had no straw or hay in his cage. We have put some in last night aswell as the food brand that we use. I have notice today that he is scratching alot and wondering if this could be the cause? Should I remove them all and introduce them one at a time to find the cause. Also wondered if it could be mites or fleas, would they be noticeable if he has them. Any help would be appreciated x
 
Mites are not visible to the human eye. You can only see their evidence - scratching and sometimes specks in the piggy's hair (these are the eggs of the hay mite which attach to the hair shaft). Mange mites borrow into the piggy's skin and cause quite a lot of discomfort.
Guinea pigs do not have a species specific flea.

If he is found to have parasites, then the proper course of ivermectin treatment needs to be prescribed by the vet.

If he is not used to having any bedding (straw should never be used for guinea pigs), then it may be that it has now irritated his skin. However, you should always check out the potential for parasites first by having a vet check carried out rather than assuming it is a sensitivity to any bedding.
Can I ask where did you get the piggy from? If it was from a reputable rescue then he would hopefully have been fully vet checked before being rehomed, but if it was from anywhere else then having a vet check done for a full health check as well as checking for parasites would be a good idea.

If piggy is younger than four months of old you need to go through the neutral territory bonding process straight away as babies should not be alone.
If piggy is older than four months of age, it is recommended to carry out a two week quarantine in a separate room to any other piggy you already have.

New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights
 
He was given to us by a woman who didn't have time for him anymore, he's 1 and a half years old. We got him to bond with gizz, who I'm guessing is only a couple of months old, we weren't told, after we lost gizmo a few days ago. They are currently in cages next to each other as I wanted to make sure they are both healthy before I start to bond them. I've spoken to the vet and am waiting for an appointment for them both to have a full health check with them both losing their bonded partners and also with the new one scratching.
 
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