Why Do They Barber?

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Herd of Marley

Herd of Marley

Junior Guinea Pig
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This is something which has always puzzled me but I have never been able to find an answer. As soon as he sees my hair, Marley will scramble up to my chest and could keep chewing forever if I didn't move it out of the way. I know guinea pigs also barber each other and I have heard that it can be a sign of dominance/boredom. I doubt that it's boredom in Marley's case because he will ignore toys/seed bars that he usually loves in favour of my hair. But, I find it amusing to think of a little guinea pig considering himself dominant over me!
 
Some piggies simply seem to find long human hair irresistible while others are not at all interested. A bit like plastic... :mal:

Nobody can say for sure what barbering is about, and so far no explanation is really satisfactory as it is likely a far more complex behaviour. It is often younger piggies that groom their dominant partner (who may tolerate it or not), which would rather suggest a kind of social grooming gone a bit overboard in some cases.
Dominance or power grooming by a leader is usually concentrated on ear licking or nibbling; this action translates as "I want to you to be a member of the group I am leading". Eye licking or fur nuzzling signals affection.

Here is my foster Essylt/Jessica at it:
IMG_1405.webp
 
Well I hope it's not boredom! Marley has never got on with the other gps I've tried to introduce him to and as I am in 6th form now, my Mum won't let me buy any more pets before going to Uni as I'm not even sure if I'll be able to take him. Do you have any other tips for "boredom breakers"?

Wiebke said:
Some piggies simply seem to find long human hair irresistible while others are not at all interested. A bit like plastic... :mal:

Nobody can say for sure what barbering is about, and so far no explanation is really satisfactory as it is likely a far more complex behaviour. It is often younger piggies that groom their dominant partner (who may tolerate it or not), which would rather suggest a kind of social grooming gone a bit overboard in some cases.
Dominance or power grooming by a leader is usually concentrated on ear licking or nibbling; this action translates as "I want to you to be a member of the group I am leading". Eye licking or fur nuzzling signals affection.

Here is my foster Essylt/Jessica at it:
View attachment 13869
Click to expand...

She looks very please with herself! I hope it is more of a social/friendly behaviour than one to worry about.
 
Thank you! He has all the basic things except a friend but unfortunately we can't get another guinea pig right now. The toys to chew sound fun though and I'll definitely try making him a few of them. Also, I didn't know they could see their reflections in mirrors... Mind = blown :O
 
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