Nipping

[The Soir]

Hi all,

I've tried searching the forums for the answer to my question but can't find exactly what I'm after.

My Guinea Pig - Kingsley, has taken to nipping me. I'm unsure whether this is him being unhappy and scared or some strange sign of affection. It by no means hurts and feels more like either a friendly nip or him confusing my hands for food. When I am next to his cage if I put my fingers through the wires then he will come up, sniff around and let me stroke him but will then also try and nip me. The same with laptime, he is more than happy to sit on my lap without trying to run away but will also try and nip me.

I am also wondering whether it would be too late to introduce another piggy in with him. We bought 2 to start with but unfortunatly Teddy died(when we took him to the vet he believed it might have been due to the pet shop we got him from as he was quite young and recently bought and could see no direct signs that would cause ill health apart from weight loss.)

Kingsley is now around 8 months old and was by far the most dominate one when we had 2. He seems quite strong willed and I'm therefore unsure whether it would be a good idea to put another pig in with him incase he may bully him.

[starshine123102]

Many piggies like to nibble, especially if you have recently handled food. If it's more of a hard bite, you may want to treat him for mites, but from what you're saying it doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary.

No, it is not to late to ADOPT him a new friend. If he is around 8 months he may be going through adolescence so intros may be smoother with an older pig or a younger pig. Check out your local rescues, shelters, Petfinder.com, classifieds, and Craigslist (beware of breeders) to get him a friend.

[Siobhann]

One of my girls nibbles on my fingers when I’m holding her but it’s more of a grooming thing then trying to harm me. My other girl licks my fingers and the boy just doesn’t seem to care either way. My mother’s pig bit me and bit me hard enough to draw blood. I guess it just depends on the pig and their temperament.

[Fairfax]

Nipping is actually pretty common. It more of a love nip or a put me back in my cage. My guinea pig oreo always nips me when she needs to be put in her cage to go to the washroom. If you guineapig is nipping you when he is in his cage, he probably just wants food hahaha. Its nothing to really worry about.

Your young male would probably rather have a buddy than be alone. Guinea pigs are social animals so he might want a pal. I introduced my second pig when my first pig was 3 years old. It is never to late. My new piggy actually became the dominant one.
If you guinea pig is neutered than maybe getting a girl would be good. If he is not though its a must that you stick with another boy.