Min ~0.7m2 floor for a pair (e.g. 120x60cm), bigger better
Social needs
Highly social; must live with other guinea pigs
Diet
Herbivore; hay-based, needs added vitamin C
Time
Medium-high; warmth, feeding, daily care
Cost
Medium
Overview
Skinny pigs are a nearly hairless variety of domestic guinea pig, usually keeping only small patches of fuzz on the nose and feet.
They share the gentle, vocal, herd nature of haired guinea pigs but have extra needs created by their lack of coat: more warmth, more food, and careful skin care.
Like all guinea pigs they are strongly social and must never be kept alone.
Their hairlessness makes them more delicate and higher-maintenance, so they suit attentive owners rather than absolute beginners.
Housing
Provide a large, single-level cage with a solid floor and soft bedding such as fleece or paper-based substrate; for a pair, aim for at least about 0.7 square metres, and more is always better.
Avoid wire floors, which injure their feet.
Add hides and a hay rack, and keep the cage out of drafts and direct sun.
Because they lack insulating fur, ambient temperature is critical: keep them in a stable 20-24C range, never cold and never overheated, and provide soft warm hides.
Their bare skin also sunburns and dries out, so no direct sunlight.
Diet
Skinny pigs are herbivores that, like all guinea pigs, cannot synthesize vitamin C and will develop scurvy without a dietary source.
Feed unlimited grass hay as the staple, a measured portion of plain vitamin-C-stabilized guinea pig pellets, and a daily variety of fresh vegetables high in vitamin C, such as bell pepper.
Because hairless bodies burn more energy staying warm, skinny pigs often eat noticeably more than haired guinea pigs.
Provide constant fresh water and avoid sugary fruit and muesli mixes.
Never feed rabbit food, which lacks vitamin C.
Health
The classic guinea pig disease is vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), causing weakness, joint pain, and poor healing.
Hairless skin adds risks of sunburn, dryness, scratches, and fungal infections, so monitor and gently moisturize only if a vet advises.
Dental overgrowth, bumblefoot, and respiratory infections are also common.
They chill and overheat quickly, so temperature swings are dangerous.
Any guinea pig that stops eating needs urgent care, as gut stasis develops fast.
Regular weighing is the best early warning of illness.
Temperament
Skinny pigs are gentle, timid, and highly social, communicating with an endearing range of squeaks, purrs, and excited "wheeks" at feeding time.
They bond closely with cage-mates and, with calm regular handling, with their owners, often enjoying lap time and warmth given their need for heat.
As prey animals they startle easily and dislike sudden grabbing, so gentle, low handling builds trust.
They must live with at least one compatible guinea pig; a solitary guinea pig becomes lonely and stressed, which harms both behavior and health.
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate