5 min read
Guinea Pig Barbering: Why Pigs Chew Fur
Barbering is when guinea pigs chew their own or a cage mate's fur. Learn the causes, from boredom to dominance, and how to stop it.
What barbering looks like
Short, uneven, chewed patches of fur with normal skin underneath. Patchy fur with red or scaly skin is more likely a skin condition.
Common causes
- Boredom and not enough hay to chew.
- Dominance, where one pig chews another.
- Stress or overcrowding.
- Lack of fiber in the diet.
What helps
- More hay in several locations.
- More space and enrichment.
- Watching group dynamics.
- A vet check to rule out mites or fungus.
When to call an exotic vet
This guide is general education, not veterinary advice. If your guinea pig stops eating, stops producing droppings, struggles to breathe, bleeds, or seems suddenly quiet, contact an exotic vet the same day. Guinea pigs hide illness, so small changes matter.