Troublesome piggy, driving me crazy!

[Sharon.Mackay]

My piggy Jem is one of 6. He has always been a character but lately his behaviour is driving me nuts! I am home a lot with a long term illness, so spend pretty much all day with them in the 'piggy room' (its a living room too, i dont curl up on the floor with them |)
He was always noisy but lately it's constant. He whinges when i get up to leave the room, when i play with the other boys, if i am cuddling other pigs. He has started spraying on me too which stinks! we got him at 3 weeks old (early but noone was at fault and he really needed a home) He spent a lot of time tucked in my jumper for comfort, so we have formed a close bond. Is he jealous? does he spray because i am his property!?! When he starts whingeing it goes on till i pick him up, i cant ignore him because he is LOUD! He's almost a year old, could it be a phase?
I really want to curb this because i am working hard to tame the other 2 babies, and when he starts his tantrum it upsets them. I dont want him to feel sad, i totally adore him so cant bear the thought of him being stressed.
Any ideas?

 

[TAN]

No idea I am afraid - so just bumping this up for you

 

[piggyfan]

Aww he is clearly very attached to you. Does he live alone? I think he believes you are his mate and only his and you are not allowed to touch anybody else!

 

[Wiebke]

It's not easy to deal with jealousy, even in a piggy! Jem obviously doesn't like to share you. Is it possible to ignore him so he learns that he won't get your attention with his antics? Just put him back in the cage, gently but firmly as soon as he sprays you. Take him up again a bit later on, so he can link the two together, but doesn't feel unfairly punished.

 

[Sharon.Mackay]

Thanks guys, he has a cagemate and is happy in between tantrums. My hubby says he doesnt do it when I'm out and he's there. He just has me wrapped round his little paw eh? I am trying to ignore him, and be firmer. But he just has to look at me with his sad eyes and i melt |)

 

[Madoodie]

Troublesome goat- or piggie you say...

Our guinea pig is quite the character all right... We had the same problem as you, he was in living room with us and he constantly chatted and I mean constantly it got to the point where we couldn't watch tv or be on the phone. I swear it was almost yelling loud! So we had to move him into the office. It contined for awhile longer but he finally started to understand that we wouldn't respond to his chatting at inappropriate times.

 

[suem]

He has you very well trained!
Bertie is not very vocal, so he has learnt that if he makes the slightest squeak Mummy rushes over to see him....
"What is up Bertie, are you hungry?" finds some nice veggies.
"Sorry Bertie it is raining, you cant go out!" rushes out garden in rain to pick dandelions.
"You need a cuddle!" picks him up and tucks him in dressing gown, where he stays for next 20 minutes.
We dont really spoil them, do we?x)
ps he needs feeding so he is pulling the paper from his cage and making a noise! I havent had my brekkie yet, but guess who will get fed first!