Biting

[Piggielover333]

So within the last couple months I got two Guinea Pigs, and then added two more to them. So I currently have four. The first two are 12 weeks and 9 weeks. The second two are 9 weeks and 5 weeks. They are all female (I’ve checked various times).

Anyways, the initial two have never done anything but slightly nibble on my boyfriend and my fingers. Usually they tend to give kisses. The new ones however started out fine for the first couple weeks but have now bitten my boyfriend and I, drawing blood each time. Now I’m not necessarily concerned about the biting (yes it hurts but it’s tolerable), but more so why they are biting us. They are definitely still scared but they just seem to bite much harder than my first two pigs. I make sure to have areas for them to hide but they both tend to scurry around trying to escape the whole lap time. My first two pigs always just have relaxed under a blanket and now completely pancake almost every time.

If I sit with them during floor time they usually all come investigate me after a while, although they are still very skiddish. They have been handled regularly since I’ve had them and they are much easier than my first Pigs to pick up. They almost just let me lift them up without a fight.

Any advice on stopping the biting would be much appreciated!

 

[Piggielover333]

Ziina bit me first under my finger nail when she was initially gentally nibbling my finger. All of the sudden she just chomped down and drew blood. I kept holding her but I scared her because I jumped due to the surprise of the bite. Zayda bit my boyfriend when he picked her up, and since then she has been trying to nip at us when we go to pick her up. I guess they both could have just been coincidences but I’ve read that it’s rare that they bite and I want to teach them sooner rather than later to be more gentle.

 

[Jesse's pigs]

I would have thought as you've put their biting is down to fear. Perhaps look at the ways your currently holding them etc and see if you can do anything to make it more comfortable for them. For example carrying them from A to B in a blanket or cuddle pouch rather than in your arms. Offering food when on your lap will let them associate you with treats and make them enjoy lap time more. Above all be patient- it's not like a dog where you can say no and they'll stop- but guinea pigs are smart. Try offering veg when they're not biting and if they bite stop the veg and put them back.

None of my guinea pigs have nibbled me!

Hope this helps

 

[Wiebke]

So within the last couple months I got two Guinea Pigs, and then added two more to them. So I currently have four. The first two are 12 weeks and 9 weeks. The second two are 9 weeks and 5 weeks. They are all female (I’ve checked various times).

Anyways, the initial two have never done anything but slightly nibble on my boyfriend and my fingers. Usually they tend to give kisses. The new ones however started out fine for the first couple weeks but have now bitten my boyfriend and I, drawing blood each time. Now I’m not necessarily concerned about the biting (yes it hurts but it’s tolerable), but more so why they are biting us. They are definitely still scared but they just seem to bite much harder than my first two pigs. I make sure to have areas for them to hide but they both tend to scurry around trying to escape the whole lap time. My first two pigs always just have relaxed under a blanket and now completely pancake almost every time.

If I sit with them during floor time they usually all come investigate me after a while, although they are still very skiddish. They have been handled regularly since I’ve had them and they are much easier than my first Pigs to pick up. They almost just let me lift them up without a fight.

Any advice on stopping the biting would be much appreciated!

You may find our biting guide helpful. If it is a case of what I call deliberate tweaking, it generally helps to assert your dominance in a friendly but firm way with a spot of piggy whispering and then to make ot clear that tweaking is not done in your group. The trick is not to be harsh, but to deal with the issue in a way and a frame that guinea pigs understand. They live in a hierarchical society. By using their own body language, you can make yourself clear.
Make sure that you also give them plenty of piggy kisses, so they know that they are welcome and loved as long as they behave!
Doing it this way actually works!
" Biting" And What You Can Do
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language

 

[Piggielover333]

You may find our biting guide helpful. If it is a case of what I call deliberate tweaking, it generally helps to assert your dominance in a friendly but firm way with a spot of piggy whispering and then to make ot clear that tweaking is not done in your group. The trick is not to be harsh, but to deal with the issue in a way and a frame that guinea pigs understand. They live in a hierarchical society. By using their own body language, you can make yourself clear.
Make sure that you also give them plenty of piggy kisses, so they know that they are welcome and loved as long as they behave!
Doing it this way actually works!
" Biting" And What You Can Do
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language

Thank you!

 

[Piggielover333]

I would have thought as you've put their biting is down to fear. Perhaps look at the ways your currently holding them etc and see if you can do anything to make it more comfortable for them. For example carrying them from A to B in a blanket or cuddle pouch rather than in your arms. Offering food when on your lap will let them associate you with treats and make them enjoy lap time more. Above all be patient- it's not like a dog where you can say no and they'll stop- but guinea pigs are smart. Try offering veg when they're not biting and if they bite stop the veg and put them back.

None of my guinea pigs have nibbled me!

Hope this helps

Thank you for your advice! I will definitely try out your suggestions.