Question about nibbling

[hopeful07p]

We have had gizmo for 8 days now. He is a young boy, about 3 months old. We bought him from a pet store. Now I know you should never buy them from a pet store. I don't think he is a tame piggy. Gizmo was not used to being held, at first he squealed when he was picked up.

He is getting calmer when being picked up. We talk to him in a soft and baby like voice all day. We have been letting out for short periods of floor time and of course holding him. He is not very found of his veggies, I don't think he was offered fresh veggies. He loves cantaloupe! He likes fruit more than veggies. We find that if we hold it for him he will eat more. (already spoiled) He does enjoy his fresh pellets, water, and an unlimited amounts of hay.

He likes to nibble quite often. Just now I picked him up and let him sit on my lap for a few minutes. After I put Gizmo back in his cage he nibbled my hand. Why did he do this AFTER I put him back in his cage?

I have done a lot of research on cavies and I have not seen any info on biting after being put back in the cage.

I would like to get him a companion soon. There is a cute boy at humane society named Reese. He is 4.5 years old. Is he too old for Gizmo? Is it to soon to get another piggy? I don't want to stress Gizmo out anymore if it can be avoided. If anyone has more info that would be great.

Steph

[envisionary333]

Many young piggies like to nibble. My 2-month old takes a sampling of every finger whenever I hold her, checking to see if there's any food and giving me a good licking too. Most piggies will grow out of it. As for getting a companion, I think an older piggy would be a perfect match. Your chances of success are very high since Gizmo hasn't quite hit puberty yet, and the older piggy should be very mellow at his age. I say go for it!

[envisionary333]

Here's an article about biting that might be useful: Jack Pine Guinea Pig Rescue. And here are a couple of links about your guinea pig's social life: http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm, Guinea Lynx :: Companionship.

You may have seen these sites already, but I thought I'd list them in case you haven't. Good luck!

[clotho]

I think the 4.5 year old is perfect for your little one. That way the older one is past puberty. You may have some issues when Gizmo hits puberty, but it's easier when only one is going through it, not two at the same time.

Please remember you need to quarantine any new piggie you adopt for at least 3-4 weeks in a separate cage in a separate room to make sure the new piggie is healthy. You could get the new piggie now and quarantine him...then in 3-4 weeks they can meet!

Guinea Lynx :: Quarantine
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm#Introductions

[envisionary333]

Oh, I forgot, here is yet another good link for info on biting: http://www.cavyspirit.com/biting.htm

[Ly&Pigs]

Also be careful feeding fruits. They should only have fruit about 2 times per week. Keep trying with veggies such as lettuces (no iceburg), cilantro, bell peppers, etc.