Biting, drawing blood

Cherryblossom09

Cherryblossom09

Junior Guinea Pig
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So I've had my two girls two weeks now. They're only a couple of months olds but one is so sweet (blossom) and loving and will come to me already but the other I can't lift at all without being bit hard (cherry).

I gave them a few days when we got them and started working at their level. I started hand feeding and they're taking it from me no problems. Blossom already will jump up on my knee and will for the most part let me scratch her chin etc she's even fallen asleep beside me in bed.

Cherry on the other hand is a nipper. She has bit me very hard to the point of blood. I only lift her out in her cuddle or a blanket that has their scent on it but even at that she's biting the blanket and actively looking for my hands. If I even go to touch her ears or head, that's it shes got my finger. I have tried doing doing 10secs in blanket but again she'll bite it.

I know it's early days but in all my time having guinea pigs this is the first for me and it's sad. ☹️

I'm at a loss. I will treat them both incase they have anything. I've read the biting section, she not in pain or anything as she's popcorn as we speak. 🤷 Should I take her to the vet?
 
Cherryblossom09 said:
So I've had my two girls two weeks now. They're only a couple of months olds but one is so sweet (blossom) and loving and will come to me already but the other I can't lift at all without being bit hard (cherry).

I gave them a few days when we got them and started working at their level. I started hand feeding and they're taking it from me no problems. Blossom already will jump up on my knee and will for the most part let me scratch her chin etc she's even fallen asleep beside me in bed.

Cherry on the other hand is a nipper. She has bit me very hard to the point of blood. I only lift her out in her cuddle or a blanket that has their scent on it but even at that she's biting the blanket and actively looking for my hands. If I even go to touch her ears or head, that's it shes got my finger. I have tried doing doing 10secs in blanket but again she'll bite it.

I know it's early days but in all my time having guinea pigs this is the first for me and it's sad. ☹

I'm at a loss. I will treat them both incase they have anything. I've read the biting section, she not in pain or anything as she's popcorn as we speak. 🤷 Should I take her to the vet?
Click to expand...

Hi!

Please take the time to read these guides here and respect her instincts. Guinea pigs are prey animals and not born as animated cuddly pets. Keep in mind that all the cute videos on social media cater to human tastes and are not a representation of the reality. Who wants to see a video of a frightened piggy that doesn't want to be handled?
Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely
 
I have read them several times. I understand it's early days and she's stressed. I will go back to square one. Shes ok to come out, for me to clean cage and over to me for food. She's start wheeling too. But I can't stroke her ears as advised or chin. And I never loom or grab. I've had five guinea pigs in the last 10 years and I've never had one bite. I've had pretty chill piggies (maybe just lucky).

Just looking to see if anyone had been through the same. Maybe any wee tips that aren't already mentioned. Toe clipping etc if shes gonna bite.

Also she's now rumble strutting and mounting blossom the last couple of days, I'm thinking maybe shes harmonal.
 
I’m not sure what you mean by toe clipping. Could you perhaps clarify?

I’m part of a rescue and we take in many traumatised and terrified piggies. Some of them are real biters and using Wiebe’s piggy whispering guides she has linked above I have always found that in time we can coexist. You do have to go at the piggy’s pace rather than your own, and you have to accept that not all piggies will enjoy being handled. It is very early days for your girls.
 
You can try wrapping her up like a burrito and only leaving out the foot that you’re cutting the nails on. Food is also a good distraction while cutting. Perhaps a treat like parsley, or some coriander or lettuce.

As for the biting, I think you have to realise that she may just not like being stroked or cuddled/lap time. Not all piggies are like your previous ones, or the other girl in the pair. I therefore think you have to respect her wishes. Taking food from your hand won’t necessarily mean that she likes being stroked etc. May I ask where you got her from? What’s her background?
 
I got them from pets at home. Rescue near me only has ones willing to go to quieter homes with older children. (My son has not held them yet to clarify). Yes I understand and that's ok, I just don't want to be bit 😂 while I have to do the necessary health checks, nail clippings etc

I don't mind having a piggy not wanting held its nice just to watch them too. Plus I have other animals aswell for cuddling 😍 that enjoy it. And my sons fine with that too.

Other half said he will wrap her up and hold her for me when it comes to nail clipping time.

Thanks for all your help X
 
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