I Think My Guinea Pig Hates Me

[xmelodeehx]

I have two male guinea pigs. I've had a brown one for about 4 months. I used to pick him up every day, it was never really easy to pick him up, 'cause he'd start running around. Other times he'd stay still and didn't mind it much. I thought he felt lonely 'cause he'd squeak loudly at night, so I got him a buddy (a white piggie) about 3-4 weeks ago.

Ever since, when I want to pick him up he'll start chattering at me (granted, he doesn't squeak at night anymore). Yesterday, I was going to take them out of the cage for cleaning, and he was extra irritated or something, and bit me :/. I'd understand from the white piggie since he's new, but not sure about him. I don't pick him up every day anymore because it seems I'm allergic to the white piggie (now both since they're always together). But I sit by their cage and take them out for floor time and sit with them while they run around me (it only bothers me when they're close to my face or neck, that I get itchy and start sneezing a lot).

So, in short, I think he hates me. What do I do?

 

[Veggies Galore]

Welcome to the forum. I'm still new to piggie behaviour so am not the best person to give you advice but can assure you that others will be able to. While you wait for a more experienced member to get back to you, have a look at some of our other threads about bonding behaviour and boar dating. We are all in agreement that guinea pigs are best not kept on their own but , sometimes, finding them a compatable companion is not without it's teething problems.

It would also help if you could add the country where you live to your profile.

 

[MerryPip]

Hi and welcome!

It sounds like your little guy is not a very personable piggy! Some piggies are never very happy at being handled and sometimes they just prefer to be left alone. What you do need to know is that they are able to be handled without stress in case you need to go to the vet etc.

You've been doing the right things like spending time with them, talking to them and perhaps try feeding them from your hand too. Piggies are a prey species and can get easily freaked out by things approaching them from above so always get down on their level to pick them up rather than looming over them. Try gently herding them into a tube, hide or cosy and pick them up in that, that way they feel safer. Sitting with them in a cosy or blanket can help them feel more secure and safe and some yummy nibbles for bribery always help.

For your allergies try wearing a long sleeve top and thin cotton gloves if you need them to keep skin contact to a minimum. Keep them and anything they've been close too away from your face and eyes. Always wash hands after dealing with them or their stuff. Antihistamines can help control the symptoms so you can enjoy their company more. Plenty of members on here have similar issues and keep piggies by taking simple precautions to help keep symptoms to a minimum.

P.S. it would be a great help if you could add your location to your profile so we can pas on more relevant advice. We have members from all over the world including US, UK and Australia where situations and resources can vary a lot. That way we can give the most sensible or relevant replies

 

[piggyfan]

Aww I am sorry. You did the right thing by getting your guinea pig a friend. It sounds like he is protective of his new friend. It can take months for a guinea pig to learn to trust you. I would have them both on your knee and try feeding tasty pieces of vegetable so they know you are a friend. Good luck.