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Vibrating skinny pig

LeeLee_:)

LeeLee_:)

Junior Guinea Pig
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I recently adopted a skinny pig and I have noticed she gives off a little vibrating shiver every couple seconds, at least when I hold her. I'm not sure if she does it when I'm not holding her because I can't really see it I just feel it. Is it normal for them to do this? If not do you think she's just cold or is it something else?
 
If your piggy is vibrating it means she's very scared. Do you cover her up when you give her a cuddle? this can help. When I first adopted Lexi and Thea, Lexi was so very frightened she would vibrate. I only cuddled her for a few minutes before I put her back. I haven't handled Lexi or Thea that much since I adopted them in November last year. They are a lot more confident now and have a few more cuddles than they did but Lexi is always in a blanket or in my cardigan so she feels safe.
 
I normally cover her with a blanket, but she really isn't ever shy or nervous at all. I don't think it's because she's scared but it may be possible that that's why. She also doesn't stay vibrating. Kind of like when people get a chill and it makes them shake, except it happens every couple seconds.
 
How recently did you adopt her? She could be running on prey instincts and keeping as still as possible hoping you'll lose interest.
 
Do you take her out with a friend or in her own? I would consider whether she is enjoying the cuddles. And maybe move to stroking her in the cage rather than taking her out.

The image portrayed by some can be misleading because guinea pigs aren’t a cuddly pet. As above, keeping still is a prey instinct. It’s not necessarily a sign they’re enjoying it.
 
I take her out alone usually, except when everyone's together for floor time. I've had her for about a month now, and she seems quite comfortable. She also moves around when I have her out alone so I don't really think she's trying to get me to loose interest. Her vibrations are also different from the vibrations a purring pig would have, whether it's a good or bad purr. It almost feels like she does it involuntarily.

(P.S. Thanks for helping me try to figure out what's going on)
 
In my experience, Skinnies are quite sensitive to touch, and, largely, do not like to be handled, much preferring nose strokes, and ear rubs - I would imagine that your Skinny exhibits this behaviour when you touch certain parts of her body, particularly her shoulders? If you continue to handle your Skinny, the best thing would be to use a soft fabric to cradle her in, and just stroke her nose, and/or rub her ears.
 
She'll shiver even when I'm not stroking her, but I'll try this. Thank you.

Edit - She does really enjoy having her fuzzy spots on her ears and nose pet though
 
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