Licking

[Cavy2009]

I know it's been done to death, but..do guinea pigs lick you because of the salts from your sweat? Or because they like you?

I ask this because since coming back off holiday, CHocolate has been fussing round me. Looking all moony eyed then starts licking me. Stops. Coos at me then repeats.
")

 

[Caviesgalore (EPGPR)]

Sounds very sweet Cavy2009 and I would love to think it's because your pigs have missed you - our Ruby was a big licker and would snuggle down on my lap and work her way over my hand and lower arm! Much as she loved me I'm sure it was probably because she liked the taste of my skin - not sure how salty I am though! One of our boars, Curly, likes to groom the hairs on arms so woe betide any hairy armed man that gives him a cuddle!

 

[Kira]

Technically they're supposed to lick because of the salt...but we all know that it's really because they love us so much and miss us big lots when we go away

x

 

[Cavy2009]

Yes we can think it's because they love us-c

But he must like how I taste

 

[Wiebke]

Sometimes, it's clearly for the salt. But others, it's piggy "kisses", the way they express affection between each other - especially if they lick freshly washed hands!

 

[Castaway]

Piggies often lick each other to groom and I think they just transfer this behaviour to humans they like. Not all piggies are groomers/lickers though. In pairs, I usually find one is the groomer and the other the recipient.

However, since Gethin passed away a few weeks ago, Celyn's personality changed alot. He became much more affectionate rather than skittish, and started licking me like mad, which he never did before. Gethin was the licker. They were very closely bonded, so I took him to work with me every day until wee Gruffydd (Griff) was old enough to join him.

And, Celyn is now grooming Griff like crazy, which Griff seems to love. Unlike previous experiences of introducing a baby boar to an adult one, he's not showing any "sexual" interest, but more of a maternal interest. Thankfully, he's still licking and singing to me as well! :-)

 

[Abby'sMom]

My Molly doesnt really lick me too often...but Abby....she is a big kisser! always on my cheek...its so sweet. I've come to realize its her way of saying "Mommy, i love you" (ok, it might be the salt...but i just dont like to admit it)
Here she is kissing me this morning!

 

[Cavy2009]

awe how cute

 

[Porky Pig]

My Molly doesnt really lick me too often...but Abby....she is a big kisser! always on my cheek...its so sweet. I've come to realize its her way of saying "Mommy, i love you" (ok, it might be the salt...but i just dont like to admit it)
Here she is kissing me this morning!

Awwwww... that's really special!
My boy doesn't do any of that - just the occasional lick on my hand if he's begging for something! Not sure if he likes me at all