Comments | cavy_lovers: Noises and biting

smiley_laydee in cavy_lovers

Noises and biting

Aug 19, 2010 20:20

I wonder if you could help!

We've had our first guinea pigs now for almost a week. They're about 8 weeks old, and we're having trouble with one of them, called Rodney.

He seems to object to being picked up at the moment. He seems fine for a minute or two, after which he's nipping and trying to butt my hands with his head. Can anyone advise how to ( Read more... )

Comments 3

karalianne August 19 2010, 19:43:24 UTC

You could hold Rodney for a shorter length of time, but more often. If he only lasts a minute or two before the behaviour starts, that may be his limit for handling right now. Respect that by putting him back in his cage before he gets to that point.

I would take turns between the two. Start with Rodney for the short time, then have Chuck out for a longer time, then have Rodney out for the short time again. That'll be their handling time for the day or for that half-day or whatever.

squoctobird August 20 2010, 02:06:36 UTC

When I got my guinea pig the pet store said it could take awhile for them to get used to being held. They have to get used to your smell and what not. They told me that I should put my hand in the cage for a bit so they could get used to my smell. Maybe give that a try?

kaysuiko August 21 2010, 14:51:25 UTC

They're still very young, so I wouldn't be worried :) Our one pig, Alfred, is very mouthy and slightly aggressive and sounds exactly like yours. He'll headbutt our hands to move them or request petting and he loves to chew on my husband's hands. It doesn't hurt or anything, just his way of showing affection. Our other pig, Jack, was SUPER skiddish when he was a baby... Now he's really relaxed and accepts attention fine. Being prey animals, some pigs never really get over the dislike of being picked up. For the first year or so, they would freak out during the time between their feet leaving the cage floor and settling on our laps ( ... )