We've had him about a month, and he didn't bite before. These are not "looking for something to chew" bites, these are very aggressive "going for your hand for the purpose of biting" bites. He is handled with care, is aloud to run about an hour free every day, is handled gently in small amounts throughout the day. He has timothy hay and chew toys. He has a hidie-hole and a big cage. What else do we need to make our little piggie love us? My daughter is 4 and just loves "Snuggles", I don't wish to deprive her of him, but I don't know what else to do. (no, she is not aloud to handle him without my help). If anyone has any information, please help.
2006-12-28 06:37:11 · 7 answers · asked by amosburnell 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Also try to wash your hand before handling him as if your hands have the smell of his food he'll try to eat it.
2006-12-31 00:04:14 · answer #1 · answered by Albert S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, whenever guinea pigs begin to bite when they didn't previously, there is a good reason that they are doing so.
The most common reason that we (at the guinea pig rescue) see "bitey" guinea pigs is that they have mites, which is very common and is not transferable to humans. They can become very sensitive to the touch, so when you pick him up, it hurts him terribly, and the only way he has to tell you so is biting you in the hopes that you stop hurting him.
Your vet can show you how to treat for mites, generally they'll use either ivermectin or revolution.
That would be my first step with a biting guinea pig.
Also, the third answerer is incorrect. It is extremely UNCOMMON for guinea pigs to bite, and neutering a pig does not change it's personality. I should know, I work with a rescue, and we take in and commonly neuter male pigs (to keep people from breeding them). Their personalities stay the same. Nor do the unfixed males bite.
2006-12-28 14:44:37 · answer #2 · answered by Lotus Effect 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 4 year old shouldn't be allowed to handle the piggie at all. Guinea pigs don't like to be handled at all. They don't mind resting on your arm or on a towel on your lap. A lot of piggies will nip to be put down if you hold them next to their home. Piggies are not naturally aggressive towards humans. If he tries to bite when you pick him up, it sound like he may be hurt, or other health issues, or to much stress from the noise and actions of your kid.
2006-12-28 18:39:00 · answer #3 · answered by Who am I? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very common for guinea's to bite. Mine did the same thing. They can get aggressive sometimes, especially if they aren't neutered and don't haeve access to a female. Some piggies are just aggressive when they get older. It coudl also be that you believe that you are holding them properly, but you really are causing them discomfort, though I'm not saying that you are. In thi case, though, when you take him out to play, just rest him on the floor and pet and play with him like that and only hold him when absolutely neccesary. Pet him only on the back and away from the head. This way, you won't give him a chance to bite you or your daughter. His being aggressive may just be the way that he is, just learn to love him for the way that he is. Good luck, I hope everything works out for you, your daughter and snuggles.
2006-12-28 16:58:37 · answer #4 · answered by Dana Mulder 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Changesin people and the home can make a guinea pig suddenly aggressive. New pets or different smells especially.
There's also the possibility that he doesnt feel well. When my piggys dont feel well and dont want to be messed with, they let me know. Be sure that your piggy hasnt been accidently injured. They are very fragile and its usually hard to tell when and where they are hurting.
If nothing above applies, I'd bribe him with food. Feel him while you play with him and what not.
Good luck!
2006-12-28 14:48:04 · answer #5 · answered by rachel0hs 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i had the worlds most spoiled piggie and it spent its entire life trying to bite me! My mum in fact nick named it rottwiller as it would just launc an attack for no reason. i think if you have a shall we say slightly less friendly pig than all you can do is respect him as he is and possibly play by his rules, i did this and we lived many happy years together without me losing any fingers.
2006-12-28 20:48:08 · answer #6 · answered by louise b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there a certain time that he starts biting? Maybe you're touching his feet, sides, or underneath his head without realizing. They HATE being touched in those places. He could also be ill, I think it'd be best that you took him to your vet (it's important to make sure your vet is "cavy savy" some vets don't know how to properly diganose certain illnesses when it comes to guinea pigs).
2006-12-28 19:37:24 · answer #7 · answered by Deb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋