New Guinea Washing Behaviour

[BlueBird]

Hi There,

I've been lurking for a week or so knowing we were getting a new pig (though this isn't my first ever Guinea, just the first in a long while). I feel like I've read most of the forum by now hahah. She is a single pig we've adopted off a branch of the family who were ... Let's face it ... neglecting her. Eventually we will get her a friend but I'm not going to stress her out too much in one go.

We've just got her home and although she's 2-3yrs old she isn't particularly tame. With taming other animals I read it was a good idea to put newly worn items of clothing in the cage with them so they can get used to your smell. So we popped some old socks from the bottom of the wash basket in with her.

She immediately came out to investigate (I think she'll be a cheeky pig one day) and had a good sniff. Then after nosing them around a bit and ending up between them, she started washing. Does this mean something or was she simply having a wash? Felt like it was significant since I only really see Guineas washing after a bath and it was really quickly after having a sniff of our socks.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi There,

I've been lurking for a week or so knowing we were getting a new pig (though this isn't my first ever Guinea, just the first in a long while). I feel like I've read most of the forum by now hahah. She is a single pig we've adopted off a branch of the family who were ... Let's face it ... neglecting her. Eventually we will get her a friend but I'm not going to stress her out too much in one go.

We've just got her home and although she's 2-3yrs old she isn't particularly tame. With taming other animals I read it was a good idea to put newly worn items of clothing in the cage with them so they can get used to your smell. So we popped some old socks from the bottom of the wash basket in with her.

She immediately came out to investigate (I think she'll be a cheeky pig one day) and had a good sniff. Then after nosing them around a bit and ending up between them, she started washing. Does this mean something or was she simply having a wash? Felt like it was significant since I only really see Guineas washing after a bath and it was really quickly after having a sniff of our socks.

Washing is also a social behaviour, but it is in any way a good sign as she wants to be friends with you and is not afraid.
You may find these guides here helpful:
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Socks?! How could you be so cruel
Sounds like you have a lovely new friendship blooming!

 

[Mandy Liss]

I have a piggy that here recently has started doing a teeth chatter when he wants food. I have been paying close attention to this behavior. It usually happens when my husband or I bring snacks or greens to the pen for lap time. This has been going on now for around 2 weeks. It is a new behavior to us and I am wondering if this behavior is normal among pigs? He has never done this before unless he is upset or trying to express dominance in the pen.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

@Mandy Liss it would be better if you started your own thread so people can find it and help you on that

 

[Guinea Slave]

I think if I put my old socks in the guineas cage they would be reporting me to the RSPCA

Seriously, thats actually a really good idea! Never thought of that.

 

[BlueBird]

Well socks are nice and smelly and small enough not to swamp the cage. The poor thing is temporarily living in a 30x70cm cage right now! (can't wait for the c&c stuff to arrive) anything bigger would have left her with no room at all! I just thought socks would do the job perfectly. I drew the line at pants.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Well socks are nice and smelly and small enough not to swamp the cage. The poor thing is temporarily living in a 30x70cm cage right now! (can't wait for the c&c stuff to arrive) anything bigger would have left her with no room at all! I just thought socks would do the job perfectly. I drew the line at pants.

Hahaha I'm sure your piggy is glad you drew that line too