Is my guinea pig territorial?

[BrianaB]

Hi all!
I recently adopted an 8 month old male guinea pig and love him to death! We’ve had him for about three weeks and he’s settled in really well overall. However, in the last two days he’s started biting and fluffing his fur every time we try to get him out of his cage. He only does this inside his cage. Once out of his cage, he’s really friendly and will crawl into my lap on his own, let me pick him up and even sleep on me.
I’ve tried placing my hand in the cage without touching him, he doesn’t mind this. He’ll even rub against my hand so I don’t think he’s afraid. But as soon as I touch him, he bites. I can’t figure out where this new behavior is coming from?
I read the guides on biting, cuddling and dominance and from what I’m seeing, I think he might be trying to be dominant over me.
I also thought about trying to use a cardboard tunnel to take him out to avoid the issue all together but if he is trying to be dominant this probably wouldn’t resolve the issue, would it?
Any ideas?

 

[Siikibam]

He may just not like being touched or taken out. Picking them up triggers their prey instinct in most piggies. I’d advise you do try to use a tunnel or cuddle sack or box to get him out.

Are you planning to find him a friend once lockdown is over? They’re very social and need companionship of their own kind.

we’d love some photos of him

 

[BrianaB]

He may just not like being touched or taken out. Picking them up triggers their prey instinct in most piggies. I’d advise you do try to use a tunnel or cuddle sack or box to get him out.

Are you planning to find him a friend once lockdown is over? They’re very social and need companionship of their own kind.

we’d love some photos of him ☺

Thanks for the reply! Do you have any idea why his dislike for touching is reserved for inside his cage?
I would love for him to have a companion but we live in a pretty small apartment and don’t have room for a larger cage

 

[Siikibam]

How big is the cage he’s in and what type? A pair of boars need at least 150x60cm. Could you fit that anywhere, or s there a corner where you could possibly fit a c&c

I don’t mean to bang on about it but it’s really not fair to keep him alone. He could live for up to 8 years and that would be a lonely existence for him.

As for the inside cage behaviour, he does come up to you when you put your hand in so you just have to go by his terms. He may just not like being touched. And also, he may just be acting like that because you’re the only thong he can interact with in a way that’s understandable to you. Have a read of the thread I’ve linked below.

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

 

[BrianaB]

How big is the cage he’s in and what type? A pair of boars need at least 150x60cm. Could you fit that anywhere, or s there a corner where you could possibly fit a c&c

I don’t mean to bang on about it but it’s really not fair to keep him alone. He could live for up to 8 years and that would be a lonely existence for him.

As for the inside cage behaviour, he does come up to you when you put your hand in so you just have to go by his terms. He may just not like being touched. And also, he may just be acting like that because you’re the only thong he can interact with in a way that’s understandable to you. Have a read of the thread I’ve linked below.

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

Thanks for your help!
Aww, I would hate for him to be lonely. I think we’ll try to find him a new larger cage and a brother to go with it.

 

[BrianaB]

I'm back again with an update. The tunnel worked the first few times but it seems he's learned and will no long enter the tunnel while it's inside his cage.
I am so discourage and disappointed
He is so sweet and friendly if only I can get him out of his cage. He's eight months old and after reading the section on boars, I'm thinking maybe it's just teenage angst? But I'm worried if I can't get him out enough, we'll start to lose our bond. Does anyone have any advice or encouragement?

On a happier note, I've found him a tiny baby brother who was in need of a home. We haven't brought him home yet (still have cage expansion and learning about introductions to do) but he'll have a brother in a few short weeks.

Pictures of Archie pancaking (8 months) and baby Huxley below!

 

[Siikibam]

Be aware that most pigs don't like being picked up and he may never get to like it. And you won't lose the bond if you don't hold him often. I've got four and rarely take them out for lap time. But the bond I have with my boys (and the girls slowly) is still great. They come up to the cage bars for a fuss if I'm walking past. Your relationship with them isn't just about having lap time, it's more nuanced than that.

Baby is cute, how old is he? Please double check the sex when you're bringing him home. I'll link to the bonding threads below for you to read. But in summary, you need to do it on neutral ground. Set up a play pen or whatever, and put just hay in the middle. Thoroughly clean out their cage and rearrange it. You will need at least 2 of each - hides, bottles, hay feeding stations, bowls (for pellets/veg). Make sure the hides have two exits, and think about putting one in that only baby can get into and out of. Their cage needs to be minimum 150x60cm, or a 2x5 c&c (grids).
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs