[Gpdd] [Behavior] Donovan's roomate problems

[Penny Charlesworth]

ME.

It would be a shame to split up Donovan and Chakalaka when it may not be 
necessary. If they were fighting, you would be certain to see and hear 
evidence of this.

Some piggies are natural "barbers" as you have experienced when Chakalaka 
attempts his hairdressing on you. I have never had one of these but have 
seen the results on other people's piggies when the coat is nibbled down 
short rather like a mown lawn..

If I find a Piggyfriend with a scabby coat, my first thoughts are of a 
parasite/fungal problem and the piggy is immediately given a dose of 
Ivermectin and has a bath in my anti parasite/fungus shampoo. Piggies in 
England are more prone to fungal problems because of our damp climate but 
piggies living in the enviable and wonderful climate of Florida may not have 
to put up with this.

The scabs are more likely to show on an Abby  because of the bare skin in 
the centre of the rosettes and, if Chakalaka scratches himself, he could 
easily be causing the bleeding himself.

Give the Ivermectin a try first ( unless you see that they are actually 
fighting.) Some vets insist on a scrape test but this is unnecessary. I 
treat the Piggyfriends every three months with this and keep a chart so that 
I know who is due next but occasionally I need to give an extra dose in 
between times. A second dose can be given 10-14 days after the first if 
needed and I repeat the shampoo to wash out all the debris. You might want 
to treat them both.

Good luck.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.