Clump of hair!!! And a lonely piggie!

Question
Hi--During my pregnancy my husband took over the guinea pig care, as I was getting a little asthmatic while cleaning her cage and being around her hair (I think it's the urine, as I get that way with my cat's litter box and I know the ammonia bothers my nose, throat and chest). I was also having a hard time getting around, so he took over duties. I have noticed that she now has a hair ball near her back end, behind her butt, (though it is not resting on her body). She kind of drags it around. I have no idea what this is. He cleans the cage and does most of her feedings, but he has not addressed this issue. What is this and will it cause harm. I am terrified of fly strike, and I don't want this to be a breeding ground for maggots.

Another concern is that she seems very lonely since my pregnancy and delivery, as we are very very busy now. What kind of cage mate can she have? I don't have a huge cage,and really can't afford anything elaborate. Is there a small friend I can get for her? She is a fairly large piggie.

Any feedback is most appreciated.'


Answer
hmmmm.. she may be feeling neglect from not being able to have the same companionship that she is used to. Another friend may help her but since the cage isn't big, lets not get another piggie. The best thing to do is to keep her stimulated. Buy new toys and treats and buy a small play pen. place it in a living room so she can watch what goes on with the family and become stimulated again. This will also give her time to roam around the house as well. I would remove that hair ball from her though. As long as it's just fur and no skin remove it. Are you sure it's a girl though because if there is skin attached it could be testacles. If there's skin it's probably a boy. here's a link to help figure it out. :-) http://www.cavyspirit.com/sexing.htm