The first time you feel a Skinny Pig, you will be surprised at how warm they are to hold. They aren't really any hotter than a normal Guinea Pig but because there is no hair to insulate them, you feel their body heat immediately.
The Skinny Pig (Cavia porcellus) is an almost hairless breed of Guinea Pig.
Although they may have started life out as genetic mutants, they are now ethically bred in the UK.
They can't live outside because they feel the cold too much so must be kept in a warm, heated house. They have a higher metabolism than Guinea Pigs with fur because they need to maintain their body heat. This means they eat much more food, munching all day if possible!
Skinny Pigs can be a lot more messy and noisy than their furry relations.
If a Skinny Pig goes outside during the Summer, they have to be covered in a high factor sun cream or sun block to protect their skin from burning in the sun.
