Biting HARD

[Feeorin215]

Hey guys. I've had Ronin since the middle of January. This is my first guinea pig and he's still sort of a baby. Anywho, I just built him a C&C cage and now anytime I try to pick him up, he grabs onto my hand and bites me HARD. Not a nibble...enough to draw blood. He makes me cry because of the pain. He did this three times before I gave up and walked away. I've never smack him or abused him in any way whatsoever and he's only belonged to me since I've had him since he was a baby. What is going on and why is he being mean now?

[BabyBellie]

My first thought would be mites. They would make it hurt for you to touch him so he's reacting to the pain. I would go ahead and treat for mites and see if that helps. These links should help.
Biting Guinea Pigs: What to Do

http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

A vet visit may also be a good idea if this is a change in behaviour.

[Feeorin215]

Thanks. I tried petting him harder than normal (not enough to hurt him) but he just sat there and closed his eyes. could this still mean mites? also, after i pick him up, hes normal again...

[BabyBellie]

I would probably treat him anyway. It won't hurt him to treat for mites. It's very rare that a guinea pig is a biter. There is usually a reason. I would probably take him to the vet. He may also be going through adolescence. It usually starts around four months. If thats the reason for the biting then it should stop once he matures. However, a vet visit to rule out anything else is always a good idea. These little guys go downhill so fast so anything that is out of the ordinary could be cause for concern.

[GizzyandMe]

I know mites could be a problem but for future pick ups try the piggy elevator - works like a charm for a lot of people!!

http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...-elevator.html