Biting.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Amanda*
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Amanda*

Hello everyone.

I recently adopted two female Guinea Pigs from a local shelter. They are both roughly ten weeks old. I've had them around three weeks now. I started very slowly with handling, both will come to me to take food, both will allow me to stroke them when in their cage.

When it comes to holding them however one is absolutely fine, will sit and be stroked and explore etc... the other started this way. Was more adventurous than the other even however has over the last three or four days taken to nibbling me. At first I thought it was simply another means of exploration but today she bit rather hard. I have taken the line of putting her straight back down. Biting = no cuddles or treats (They both have treats whilst being handled) However I'm unsure if this is the best policy. Should I carry on handling her even if she tries to bite? Or start again from scratch and wait?

They have a very large cage, fresh veg and hay etc, toys... both look healthy and I've seen them Popcorning. They both wheek when I approach. Is she simply a moody pig? :)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Amanda.
 
I wouldnt put her down if she bites as this tells her that if she bites, she will be put down!

Some guineas just arent cuddly...some of mine are, some not so I respect that. It is good to handle them as, if you really need to one day, it will be easier.
Does she bites straight away or after a while? most of mine get agitated or give me a nibble if they need to go back for a wee, they do have some sense of hygeine although will poop anywhere :D
 
Hi,

Thanks for replying. I was unsure about putting her down straight away to be honest. But yes she sits still while I get settled then turns and nips the ends of my fingers. I'm only worried about this because their nails are getting to the point where they need clipping so it would be good to be able to handle.

;D
 
maybe its a accident... do your fingers maybe smnell of the treats?
One of mine nips when she is fed up... usually on the chest and it hurts like hell.... she seems to know its think skin there as opposed to a chunky finger... but she is lovly x
 
Possibly, but I should mention that 'treats' means cucumber so it's not exactly smelly :D

I think I'll jut persevere with the cuddling. Fingers crossed she stops because it's not exactly pleasant :)

Thanks for the replies.
 
Clare said:
i knew you ment veggie treats, remember their smell is better than ours!
Click to expand...

I know that :) I was merely clarifying in case someone thought I meant the yoghurt coated variety etc.
 
Clare said:
maybe its a accident... do your fingers maybe smnell of the treats?
Click to expand...

I was going to ask that. Is it when your fingers smell of nice vegs or fruit perhaps?
 
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