Biting guinea pig

[Hummusandavocado]

Hi guys,

So I’ve had my two guinea pigs for about 6 months now and and I love them to pieces but about 2 months ago one of them starting biting and I can’t figure out why. Everything I’ve read says that guinea pigs don’t bite unless something is wrong. I’ve had her checked out at the vets, treated with ivermectin and I’ve looked for signs of ringworm. She used to only nibble when she needed a wee but now when I hold her she’ll bite at my clothes and seek out bare skin to bite. This is even if she’s sat on me without being touched - so I don’t think it’s the way she’s been held causing her pain
She’s never drawn blood and her bites are quite gentle with me. It’s worse when my partner holds her, she bites their hands and has gotten close to drawing blood. It’s so strange because she used to be the easier one to hold but now her sister is an absolute angel. I’ve asked for advice from a guinea pig rescue and they’ve suggested treating her for ringworm which I’m happy to try but I can’t find any signs of it so I just don’t see it making a difference.
Any ideas would be really appreciated. I love them both to pieces I just wish I could figure out what was wrong!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys,

So I’ve had my two guinea pigs for about 6 months now and and I love them to pieces but about 2 months ago one of them starting biting and I can’t figure out why. Everything I’ve read says that guinea pigs don’t bite unless something is wrong. I’ve had her checked out at the vets, treated with ivermectin and I’ve looked for signs of ringworm. She used to only nibble when she needed a wee but now when I hold her she’ll bite at my clothes and seek out bare skin to bite. This is even if she’s sat on me without being touched - so I don’t think it’s the way she’s been held causing her pain
She’s never drawn blood and her bites are quite gentle with me. It’s worse when my partner holds her, she bites their hands and has gotten close to drawing blood. It’s so strange because she used to be the easier one to hold but now her sister is an absolute angel. I’ve asked for advice from a guinea pig rescue and they’ve suggested treating her for ringworm which I’m happy to try but I can’t find any signs of it so I just don’t see it making a difference.
Any ideas would be really appreciated. I love them both to pieces I just wish I could figure out what was wrong!

Hi and welcome

Whoever told you that guinea pigs don't bite wasn't exactly well informed! However there is a big range of very different issues tucked under that umbrella.

Please take the time to read the guides below so you can tackle the issue in ways that make sense to a guinea pig as you'll learn how address the problem by using their own social mindset and mimicking the way guinea pigs deal with their own.
Some piggies will use tweaking (controlled biting that usually doesn't break the skin) to express disapproval about being handled; you are currently dealing with a teenager at the typical age for pushing the boundaries (8-10 months).
" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?

These guides are all part of our pretty comprehensive New Owners information collection, which specifically addresses the areas we get the most questions and concerns about. You may want to bookmark it and use it as a resource. The guides format allows us to update and extend our information as needed, unlike a book.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

You can access our full and even wider information resource via the shortcut on the top bar.