George is pulling and chewing the fleece

[Trish]

Hi all,

I got George's C&C cage built and the sewed the fleece liner today. He is in his new home and seems very happy, as he has been running laps and pop corning all evening.

One problem: he keeps pulling at the fleece with his teeth. I'm afraid that he will get threads up and eat them. Not to mention that I put a lot of time getting the fleece ready for him and won't be so happy if he chews holes in it right away.

Is this because the fleece is new and he'll stop, or are there any ideas on how to get him to stop?

Thanks

Trish

[guineapigs2468]

Hi all,

I got George's C&C cage built and the sewed the fleece liner today. He is in his new home and seems very happy, as he has been running laps and pop corning all evening.

One problem: he keeps pulling at the fleece with his teeth. I'm afraid that he will get threads up and eat them. Not to mention that I put a lot of time getting the fleece ready for him and won't be so happy if he chews holes in it right away.

Is this because the fleece is new and he'll stop, or are there any ideas on how to get him to stop?

Thanks

Trish

Pulling the fleece up and over the coroplast, and making sure its pulled tight. Your guinea pig shouldn't be able to pick up any fleece with his teeth that way. Putting cozies and hideys etc in the corners will help to keep the fleece flat to.

[rrriottt]

I'm having this same problem, he has plenty of toys to chew on, yet he still chews on fabric and the cage bars. :/

[Trish]

George has, thankfully, stopped pulling at his fleece. It is because of one of two things (I'm assuming because they're the only different things). Either it really was just because it was new, and he's used to it now. Or it's because of the new way that I am placing it. The first time, I sewed a full liner with sides that pulled up and over. The last two times I put fresh fleece in, I folded it under the towels and binder clipped it on the corners and a couple on the sides. This did seem to make it tighter. Since he doesn't pee or poop too close to the edge, this seems to be working well.

On a side note, I LOVE the fleece. George is in my bedroom, since that is where I spend the majority of my time. The bedding smelled quickly of pee (I tried both Carefresh and Aspen). Even fresh, I did not like the smell in my room. Because I spot clean the fleece several times a day, there is no smell. I change it every third day, so I haven't smelled urine, either. He loves his new cage and his fleece. It kind of kills my back when I clean the cage and change the fleece, but it's a minor inconvenience for my boy. Oh the joys of getting older

I have found a rescue "in the area" (3 hours away) that has a boy who needs a home. I spoke with both of the owners about my space issues (couldn't separately house a second pig long-term if they didn't get along), and they agreed to let me bring the guinea pig back if they can't get along after a sufficient amount of introduction. I will be going next week, so I am pretty excited.

George has settled in very well. He comes to the front of the cage and wheeks when my daughter and/or I walk in the room. Funny thing is, he is more skittish when he hears my son or my father or any other male voice. Interesting. He lets us pet him whether or not we have a veggie treat for him. I've been a little frightened about picking him up, but will be starting that this week. I want to check his nails and anal glands/grease spot, so I have to get up my courage. I honestly don't know why I'm afraid; he has never bitten any of us. I guess because he seemed so frightened when I tried the first couple of times, which I know is normal. I think I'm going to use the "elevator trick" that others have spoken about.

So we are one big happy family

Trish