Tickling Guinea Pigs Back..

Status
Not open for further replies.
Sian25

Sian25

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
1,651
Reaction score
1,227
Points
730
Location
Wirral, Merseyside
Right I've always wanted to know the answer to this question.. Why when you tickle a certain spot on piggies backs do they nibble the floor? I don't know whether it's all piggies or just my two haha? Does it mean they like it or is it an annoyance for them?
 
I haven't noticed a spot on their back that causes this. However, I know Sundae will do this if we have to clean up her grease gland, which sometimes get gunky/impacted, and I know it's something that she finds stressful or uncomfortable, so I'm guessing it's an 'I don't like it!' signal.
 
Freela said:
I haven't noticed a spot on their back that causes this. However, I know Sundae will do this if we have to clean up her grease gland, which sometimes get gunky/impacted, and I know it's something that she finds stressful or uncomfortable, so I'm guessing it's an 'I don't like it!' signal.
Click to expand...
Oh really? I thought all guinea pigs did it until I couldn't find anything about it. The spot that makes them nibble the floor is by their grease gland so I'm guessing it's the same behaviour as what you have seen. I would have thought it was a reaction to something they didn't like but then I thought surely if they didn't like it they would run away or try and bite me but they just stay in the one place nibbling the floor so that's what has made me wonder why they do it
 
Sian25 said:
Oh really? I thought all guinea pigs did it until I couldn't find anything about it. The spot that makes them nibble the floor is by their grease gland so I'm guessing it's the same behaviour as what you have seen. I would have thought it was a reaction to something they didn't like but then I thought surely if they didn't like it they would run away or try and bite me but they just stay in the one place nibbling the floor so that's what has made me wonder why they do it
Click to expand...
Maybe it's a grease gland thing! That would make sense. With Sundae I do think she dislikes it, because she's tense and will occasionally try to make a dash for it. I've also seen her bite the blanket (or whatever else she can reach) when I try to cut her nails, which I know she hates!
 
Only one of mine does it. The other one would rather try and bite. Hence nickname 'nips'!
 
It's really strange. I would have thought if it meant they didn't like it they would run away instead but they don't hmm
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top