I have a piggy that bites me when I put my hand in his cage. Ive had him for about 3 months, and he used to let me pick him up no problem, but now he bites me when i lift him and try to put him on my shirt. Why has he started biting when he never did to begin with? How do I tame? he squeeks very loud and very often and hops up and down in quick little jumps. Is he ok?
2007-07-03 12:09:04 · 7 answers · asked by Trisha 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
It may be mites. The guinea pig that I adopted had the same problem. He lost all the hair on his belly and sides and was nippy. Mites can't be seen by the naked eye or on skin scrapings. They can be dormant for long periods of time and pop up for no reason. Your vet can treat her with ivermectin or you can do it yourself. Check out http://guinealynx.info/mites.html... for all the info you need. Please treat her. Mites can cause serious problems and are painful for the guinea pig. The jumping andsqueeking may not be popcorning, it could be small seizures caused from mites.
Addition: Mites will not neccessarily cause scabs or ANY other symptoms. It is a very common occurance in guinea pigs that can become serious if untreated. Read up on how to treat her and do it. Even if it turns out not to mites, the ivermectin won't hurt her any way. Only good can come of it.
2007-07-03 13:26:03 · answer #1 · answered by MemphisGal 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, when he jumps (that's called popcorning) it means he's happy. Squeaking lowdly is just something they do, so don't worry about that. Don't badger him too much, next time you try to pick him up, give him so lettuce or fresh vegetables (they like those a lot) and he might take to you better. Guinea pigs don't usually bite at all, they're just prone not to, they typically only use that tactic when they feel threatened. Pick them up from the side, not the top (you look like a bird of prey) to frighten it less.
2007-07-03 12:19:23 · answer #2 · answered by ???? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most guinea pigs don't bite if they are gently handled every day from the time they are babies. Scoop him up with one hand over his shoulders and place him on your lap. Put a towel on your lap for security. Feed him a special treat. Keep the training sessions short and quiet. Hopefully he'll get used to handling, but some pigs never become comfortable with it.
2007-07-03 13:00:46 · answer #3 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He probably just didn't want to be picked up then.Sometimes my guinea pig does the same thing,it's completly normal.As far as the jumping up and down real fast,it's called popcorning.It's something that guinea pigs do when they are joyful and happy.And if you do not believe me,here is proof:
2007-07-03 13:57:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
put that nail polish that tastes really bad to stop people from biting their nails on, or use fresh lemon juice. talk quietly and move slowly.
2007-07-03 16:15:18 · answer #5 · answered by ashley 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe its the way ur picking him up...or maybe you just don't handle him enough.
2007-07-03 13:36:46 · answer #6 · answered by GARY M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
flick him hard on the nose every time he does it. works for me.
2007-07-03 12:40:29 · answer #7 · answered by boycrazy123 2 · 0⤊ 6⤋