Hair Loss --------- Hair loss or thinning of the hair is a common problem of female guinea pigs that have been repeatedly bred. These sows tend to lose hair with each successive pregnancy. Hair loss is frequently noted among juvenile guinea pigs in a weakened state at or around the time of weaning. Barbering also results in hair loss. This vice (bad habit) occurs when guinea pigs habitually chew on the haircoats of guinea pigs that are lower in the social pecking order. Younger guinea pigs, in particular, can lose substantial amounts of hair as a result of this activity. Hair can also be lost because of fungal disease and external parasite infestations.