is my piggy pregnant?

[AshleyK]

We bought a piggy about a week ago from our local pet store. They said she's probably 6-8 months old ( I have since looked online and by the looks of her nails, I think she is older) She was a trade in...someone didn't want her anymore, and traded her for a bunny. She wasn't with other piggies at the store, they had her with baby bunnies.
Anyhow, she has a lot of long hair, so it's hard to tell the shape of her body, but she doesnt like to have her sides/stomach/rear touched. She will jump and turn towards you to nip. Ive had her for a week and she is getting worse about it. My daughter had her on her lap for a while and when we went to get her she wouldnt let anyone pick her up..I had to scoop her up with the towel she was on while in her lap, and carry her back to her cage that way. Is she just not at friendly as we thought? Or could she be pregnant? Hurt? She doesnt seem to be in pain at all. Any input would be appreciated.

[auburnmare5]

Considering you got her only a week ago, she may still be adjusting. I would give her some more time to get used to the environment, and see how it goes. I am not sure why it is getting worse, but someone else may know!
Maybe if you spend more time with her and give her veggies while holding and petting her, she may warm up to you a little more. You said she was a trade in?... Could something have happened when the previous owner picked her up? Like she fell or something? Maybe she is scared that it may happen again?
I am not totally sure about that, but it could be a possibliity.
Good Luck!

[Cherish]

It sounds to me like she may have mites.

Guinea pigs do not usually bite, but mites can cause even the friendliest of pigs to nip at people, as it is very uncomfortable for them to be touched.

As you got her from a pet shop, and you say it has worsened while you've had her, mites seem very likely.

Have you noticed her scratching much?

Mites are actually microscopic, so you can't see them with the naked eye, but a good vet should be able to determine exactly what the problem is.

Mites are only serious if left untreated over a very long period of time, and they are relatively easy and inexpensive to treat and cure.

So I really would recommend getting a vet to check her out; if it is mites, she could be healthy and happy within a few weeks.

[SerpentineSylph]

Cherish said it all. That was my first thought, too.
Guinea pigs usually aren't that aggressive, but they can become so with a good case of mites. I'd suggest to take that little darlin' to the vet to get her checked out for sure. I'm sure your new family member would really appreciate it.

[AshleyK]

Okay, thanks guys! Im gonna get her in to see the vet this coming week... as for mites..she doesnt scratch or anything at all? Could she still have them but not itch?

[SerpentineSylph]

Make sure you go to a cavvy savvy vet!
Here's a list of some cavy-recommended vets in Texas:
Veterinarians Texas - The GLX-Files

The thing is, she could be itching while you're not watching. It's always best to safe than sorry!