Temperament issues?

[Megan Davidson]

Hello all! My sweet girl has gotten a tough side lately! She is very sweet, likes to cuddle but not be held type of lady. But lately, she has gotten a bit territorial. She has a loft, and if she is under it and I put my hand there, she lunges and nips. I assume becuase it’s dark and it’s just a big hand coming towards her, but it’s gotten more prevalent. I can barely put my hand by her when she’s in her cage. When she’s outside roaming I can pet and touch her all over, with the exception of her chin. Recently she hasn’t let me get close to her face or chin while having outside play time. I was wondering if maybe she is lonely or just simply has an attitude. Any advice?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please do tell us a bit more about your piggy -
How old is she?
You mention her potentially being lonely - I assume then that she is a single piggy? How long has she been single?

" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)

 

[Taylor46]

Hi I’ve two piggies females sisters 2 years old I adopted them at pets at home the lady said they been handled but only got them out by putting a box in there cage and get them that way once in the play pen have pop ups one love being handled but there bit scared so been clapping talking to them every day and they come up get clap in the cage should I be taken them out daily or just continue for then get used me clean spot check cage every day and also clean once week whole cage there good wee piggies Ariel and Bella . Another question thinking of getting a bigger house like one you put on the floor so lots room like a enclosure more how do you set it up have a litter tray and use sawdust straw on tiles or put paper down then do it all new to this so looking for advice have sleeping area too there growing want more room help needed
And thanks Lorna x

 

[Taylor46]

Hello all! My sweet girl has gotten a tough side lately! She is very sweet, likes to cuddle but not be held type of lady. But lately, she has gotten a bit territorial. She has a loft, and if she is under it and I put my hand there, she lunges and nips. I assume becuase it’s dark and it’s just a big hand coming towards her, but it’s gotten more prevalent. I can barely put my hand by her when she’s in her cage. When she’s outside roaming I can pet and touch her all over, with the exception of her chin. Recently she hasn’t let me get close to her face or chin while having outside play time. I was wondering if maybe she is lonely or just simply has an attitude. Any advice?

My piggies are the same once cuddled happy but still nervous I let mine settle in cage open up when there feed straight up sqeeking and happy I think there getting used to us but low voice being there helps mine I suggest another piggy I wasn’t allowed one said best in pairs one can be more dominant stick bum in the air we the other but they don’t fight really good share food x

 

[Megan Davidson]

Please do tell us a bit more about your piggy -
How old is she?
You mention her potentially being lonely - I assume then that she is a single piggy? How long has she been single?

" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)

My girl is about a year now. she is a single girl as she drew hair and blood from the last cagemate I got her in October, so she’s been alone since then. But, the nipping is making me think she needs more socialization from other pigs or some type of hierarchy. I just haven’t had any luck bonding her with other sows and I can’t separate them becuase I lack the room to have two 4x2’s connected. Not sure what to do

 

[Siikibam]

Sometimes it takes several tries before piggies find a friend. I would try rescues if you can. I know in US they’re possibly quite spread out but travelling would be worth it to find her a friend (if you can). I think when they don’t have s friend, they can sometimes transfer that behaviour to their human.

Have a look at the guide below. If she doesn’t like her chin stroked then stay away from it.
Who is the Boss - Your Guinea Pig or You?

Here is the link for rescues in the US.
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

@Taylor46 it’s better for you to start your own thread. Here it is likely to be missed.