Piggie Keeps Biting

[Gizzys_Mama]

Hi my name is Cara and about a week and a half ago I got a cute little piggie, his name is Gizmo. Everyday/night I take him out and hold him and let him run around and he seems to like it sometimes. But others he seems like he hates me. I know we haven't been together long and be still needs time to get used to me but he is constantly biting me and breaking skin. Am I doing something wrong? He has also started to find his voice more and more since yesterday which I love but I can't tell when I'm holding him if he's making noise cause he likes me petting him or he doesn't like it cause then he will randomly bite me. Any advice? I don't want him to hate me I want him to begin to love me. Thanks!

 

[PiggieLove]

The only reasons a guinea pig will bite is if it is in pain, is severely stressed, or if you have food on your fingers and taste yummy! Guinea pigs do not hate.

If he only bites when you touch a particular area of his body, it may indicate that he's in pain and doesn't want to be touched there. You might want to get him vet checked. If he just bites without obvious cause, it's probably a sign of stress.

Do not chase him around the cage to catch him as this will cause stress and he will feel threatened when you're petting him. Gentle shepherd him into a cuddle sack, carrier or tunnel and carry him that way. Then place him in towel or blanket on your lap and feed him veggies. Don't pet him, just let him sit and get used to you. Do this for a few weeks and then slowly introduce petting for very short periods at a time (only one stroke then wait a few minutes...then another stroke and then wait...etc). He should get better over time.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Guinea pigs are group animals and not really wired to be on their own. Your boy is feeling rather lonely and vulnerable, especially if he's not had anything in the way of friendly human interaction. Give him time to settle.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/
You may find our pick-up video in the link helpful: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/videos/

In the longer term, you may want to consider getting your little boy a same sex companion; you will enjoy the lively interaction that makes piggies so unique. You will also find that both piggies will be much happier when in company and have that special sparkle!
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-companionship.37654/

 

[Gizzys_Mama]

Hey guys thanks so much for all the words of advice! He is my first ever piggie and I just want to be a good owner and I want him to get used to me but I know it takes time. I need to get him a burrow bag for his cage and I am definitely already looking into
getting him a little friend because
I feel bad he is alone all day while I'm at work. I am going to need a bigger cage though lol! Now the pet store said gizmo is about 3 months old should I get another pig around his age or younger or does it not really matter? Thanks so much!

 

[gwinnypiggylove]

Hey guys thanks so much for all the words of advice! He is my first ever piggie and I just want to be a good owner and I want him to get used to me but I know it takes time. I need to get him a burrow bag for his cage and I am definitely already looking into
getting him a little friend because
I feel bad he is alone all day while I'm at work. I am going to need a bigger cage though lol! Now the pet store said gizmo is about 3 months old should I get another pig around his age or younger or does it not really matter? Thanks so much!

It takes a while to learn how to look after piggies but since you're trying your best to do everything right I would say you're a good owner! Your boy will appreciate a friend. If you need a bigger cage you might want to look into c&c cages. They allow you to make your cage however you want it and big and cheap! The bigger the cage, the better. When it comes to bonding boars it's not age that matters but personality. Usually, it is easier to get a baby to bond with your pig but it doesn't always work! Boar dating is a good way to ensure your boy gets along with his new friend before you take them home. You need to find a rescue who will let you bring your boy in and meet some possible friends to find the companion he will get on best with.

 

[Wiebke]

Ideally, you get a piggy from a good rescue; that way, he won't have to go through quarantine and you have a place to turn to if the bond is not working out. Unfortunately, I can't find a recommended rescue for your state. Could you get to a Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue centre? They are your closest multi-state rescue. http://www.mgpr.org/

Barring that, a younger piggy is always the safer option. If you can date your boy to take character compatibility into account (that is the key to successful piggy bond), then that would be a real boon!

Please do your research first. Have a look round our housing section re. cage options. Make sure that you have a solution in case your two boys have a fall-out.

You may also find our boar guide helpful: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/boars-a-guide-to-successful-companionship.76162/

 

[Maddykins]

I've had my two boars since January and both of them bite, one of them noticeable more frequently and harder and without warning than the other. I'm getting really disheartened because I thought they might get better over time but him in particular doesn't seem to be making any progress on the biting front :/ He has given me some horrible little wounds. I don't know what I'm doing wrong? Should I go back and just kind of start all over again with him and take things really slow? He never wants to be held but then I feel that if I don't ever hold him he will never get used to it? He will sit on me to eat a treat or veg, well both of them will, but then after that they want to leave, they don't enjoy sitting on my lap, and Martin will just bite into my hand without warning and won't let go!