My Piggie Problem

[SirPubertonOfGuinea]

Hello! I have a nine month old guinea pig. I rescued him at 3 months old. He's not neutered and generally is the first male gp I ever owned. I'm sort of at wits end with my piggy. I'm so used to having a gp that is chill and doesn't mind being held or isn't terrified of just general time out of the cage.

I'm really not sure what to do. He tries to kill himself every time I hold him either on my lap, on my chest, even sitting on the floor. Just ten minutes ago I tried to catch him from really hurting himself. He bites. A lot. I've tried to bond with him and it just doesn't seem to take in any fashion. Does anyone have any suggestions? I was hoping for a pet piggie, not a psycho.

-Heidi & Sir Puberton of Guinea

 

[Piggies&buns]

It is normal for guinea pigs to be scared. They are prey animals and most do not like to be held or touched. You had been lucky with your previous piggies.
Also, is your piggy alone? If he is, then that will not help. Guinea pigs are meant to live in pairs, they are not wired to be lone and can get lonely. And it sounds as if he is quite scared. Please look into finding him a suitable character compatible friend.

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[SirPubertonOfGuinea]

It is normal for guinea pigs to be scared. They are prey animals and most do not like to be held or touched. You had been lucky with your previous piggies.
Also, is your piggy alone? If he is, then that will not help. Guinea pigs are meant to live in pairs, they are not wired to be lone and can get lonely. And it sounds as if he is quite scared. Please look into finding him a suitable character compatible friend.

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

I worry about that because he's a male and quite alpha. I had tried to get him a friend. And a female is really just asking for loads of baby pigs that I won't be able to house or adopt out proper.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I worry about that because he's a male and quite alpha. I had tried to get him a friend. And a female is really just asking for loads of baby pigs that I won't be able to house or adopt out proper.

The key to a good bond is character compatibility and mutual liking. You have to find a suitable friend. You cannot just put another piggy in with him as that will not necessarily work out if they don’t like each other. If you have a rescue centre accessible to you then they can help you - they can find a piggy who has the right character for your boy to accept him.

A male must be neutered before he can be put with a female. That way, there will not be babies. Once neutered, he needs to wait for six weeks to become infertile and then he can be found a female friend. Again though, the female needs to be of a compatible character.

It is not in his best interests to spend his life alone though, so please do look into Your options to find him a friend .

 

[Swissgreys]

Please also remember that not all guinea pigs enjoy being held.
To ensure he feels happy and secure the first step is to look into getting him a male friend.
It is simply not possible to say he is 'alpha' unless you have seen him interact with multiple other piggies.
Do you have a rescue nearby who you could contact to try and find him a male companion. Whatever happens do not try and pair him with a female as this is just asking for problems (and lots of babies).

Please also take the time to read the links Piggies&Buns posted about - these will really help you establish a positive relationship with him.