Problem picking her up...

[Jane_G]

This is a fairy new problem with Cookie. Ever since I moved her into her C&C cage I can't pick her up without being bitten. I wind up having to put on oven mits to catch her. She rumbles and races around the cage. Once I actually catch her, she's fine. Sits on my lap, but prefers, as always to be on my chest, under my chin or on my shoulder, under my hair.

We've had the cage a month, so I can't say that she's just getting used to it. It's almost like she doesn't want to be picked up, but once she is, she's fine. When I sweep out the poops, she attacks the brush. Is she being a brat or is there something else going on?

Thanks for any help....

[Sammy and Peanut]

She's probably scared. Think about it. Would you feel a little scared if a giant hand or brush came into your cage? Try to offer her a little piece of fruit or veggies every time you walk up to the cage. She will get used to it in no time! It may also take her a while to get used to her new environment.

[newpiggiemommy]

If this is a new thing, might she have mites! Sometimes when piggies get mites it hurts when you pick them up. You might want to treat for mites, or get them checked out at the vet!

[Dodge]

I am having this problem too. Is it possible to tell without bringing them to the vet if its mites? What would we look for?

[newpiggiemommy]

On guinea lynx it has a lot on information about it! You may see scratching, hair thinning, dandruff-looking stuff, or scabbing of the skin.

I have read on here that if a piggie is not liking to be picked it might be mites. I have never experienced them before so that is all I can add. Sorry!

[Jane_G]

She has been to the vet and everything was fine.

Just before I was petting her head and scratching her chin and she was loving it. Then, before she knew what was going on, I scooped her up. I think she was shocked! She was fine in my hands, did her usual scoot up to my shoulder. I think she's just not that into being picked up if she doesn't want to.

She also hates it when I clean up her cage. I have a mini dust pan and brush and she attacks the brush and chatters at it. I talk to her the whole time, but I think she just doesn't like her little paradise disturbed.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

[wiggley_narco]

My boy York does the same thing. He's fine in my lap, but when I go to pick him up he runs like mad and chatters his teeth at me like he'll bite at any second. It's just part of his personality I suppose.