fur- lots of pics.. not sure what's going on

So, I've noticed for a couple months now that my suggies's fur is going downhill. Cocoa has always had kinda crappy looking fur, but I figured it was just in her genes since she came from PP. But as the weeks turn into months, the fur is getting more crackly and bumpy looking; even Gizmo who has always had immaculate looking fur is starting to look a little off. So, here are some pictures for you all to tell me what you think. Is it diet? Is it humidity or lack of moisture in the air? Is it the fleece or laundry detergent I'm using? They are on HPW Complete- have been for about 6 months

Here is Cocoa in October


Cocoa in November


and Cocoa today



Here is Ziggy last month December 10


and Ziggy today. I know the biggest 'crack' in his fur is because of his joint there, but you can see how bumpy the fur looks everywhere else



and Gizmo November- perfectly smooth fur!


and Gizmo today.. I think his butt fur looks funny


OK. There is my suggies over the last few months. Does anyone have a clue what could be causing the fur to look like that? Or am I just being over-paranoid? I think Cocoa's looks the worst, but like I said earlier, maybe she's just got poor genes for pretty fur?

There are several threads - both here and on GC - about humidity/heat/changes in weather having an effect on glider coats. I can't link from this computer, but I know there is one by Davie here on TSS.

So, I would start there. Humidity. If that doesn't make a change, then consider other environmental and health issues.

I agree with Val, winter and having the heat on more then likely is the cause.

what topic would other similar posts be under? I had no clue where to even post this one

I've been having cracking fur issues as well but for over a year now. (too lazy to go look for the thread) I tried changing diets, changed to Priscilla Price diet but nothing changed. They never improved. In my case, my husband started working from home so he has my glider room (office) extra hot all day long now, with the extra monitors and laptops. I am chalking it up to that (since I tried two diets, no change) until I can figure out if it's something different.

BTW I don't think your gliders really look that bad. lol

I'm voting humidity, as well. Is it just my screen or does there also seem to be a bit of staining, too?

DCMuffin wrote:

I'm voting humidity, as well. Is it just my screen or does there also seem to be a bit of staining, too?

If you're talking about Cocoa, she has that cinnamon color in her and is naturally brown-ish. If not... then I dunno, I hope they aren't stained.

This is Cocoa back in November, you can really see her cinnamon shade here



if that's not what your talking about, then please let me know what could be causing staining.

Yes, the brownish color is what I'm talking about and I hate to say it, but it looks like staining to me. Maybe I'm completely wrong but looking at the pic above and comparing it to the pics now, she's much less brown than she used to be (a good thing). Staining can come from several things - diet is one of the big causes, but it can be from overcleaning the cage (resulting in overmarking) and also pouch hygiene and how often you change them.

Again, maybe I'm off on this one and I'm seeing things differently so we'll wait to see what others have to say.

my glideres fur looks exactly like that! i didnt think it was TOO bad, though. I got a humidifier since my apartment has that steam heat that makes the air very dry...it seems to help a bit. their coats were much thicker and "silkier" when i first got them, and theyve been on a good diet (BML) and dont show any signs of staining....so Im blaming the lack of humidity. no way to really tell though, until the weather starts warming up and the heat is turned off in my building.

also, i notice its much worse if i take them out of their cage before theyve had a chance to groom themselves...their fur always looks better in the morning, when i take out their food. this could be a factor, as well, depending on what time you are taking these pictures of their fur.