[Gpdd] Care: Long haired pigs

[Maren Fouts]

I have a couple long haired guinea pigs.  What I do with one is bathe him
whenever he starts to smell like urine (he doesn't get the wet bottom like
some).  Once I'm done with the bath, I put a towel on the toilet (lid down
of course!) and set him on it.  As I sit on the floor I dry him off a little
and start to comb his hair with a part down the middle.  Then, I'll cut his
hair with scissors meant for hair cutting (short and sharp) to just above
the floor line.  When it dries it's shorter than the floor and I can see his
feet.  I also give him an extra trim around his private areas to get those
extra short.  Proceed with caution if you do this!  It can be tricky!

With another pig I have she does get a wet and dirty bottom when she needs a
trim.  So when I see she is starting to have a wet bottom often, I'll do the
same with her.  Bath and haircut on the toilet.

One thing I do make sure of is that I can see the tips of my scissors before
I cut.  I don't want to cut my babies!  Neither one likes the haircut much,
but we manage.  Having them on the toilet while I sit on the floor is great
because they are mostly at eye level and I can use both hands.  The worst is
the combing.  They dislike being combed and will jump and I have to start
all over.  When this is the case, I'll put one hand under them to keep them
from jumping and gently comb their hair.  Just have to be careful not to
pull too hard on those knots!

Good luck!

Piggy Kisses,
Maren, Charlie, and Kaylee