Hi and quick question about shoving....

[jfuller]

Hi All!,

I am a recent recipient of 2 glorious male cavys (Squeek & Brownie), I have never had one before and so am seeking advice, first our story....

I am a single dad with 2 kids, we had a lovely family pet hamster which passed away last weekend. to help with the passing we decided to progress up the chain and get a larger , more robust pet. It was a decision between a Rabbit or the Pigs, the Pigs won hands down. Apologies for this but we purchased our pigs, The thought of rescuing one didnt even enter my mind, I wish it had.

We did the usual thing, brought the biggest hutch they had, but again, wish I'd read this site first... However I have just today received the cubes I need to complete my cavy cage...and am very happy... Photos will be along soon! So the hutch we brought will go in the garden and become a 'holiday home' for when the weather is nice.

And now the question...

Do GPs like to shove?, If put my hand over Brownies head he pushes my hand out of the way! is it a playful thing or am I making Brownie cross?, I can't tell if he's playing or not, obviously I don't want to antagonise him but he seems to be enjoying it, which is correct? Its a little problem, I know, but one that needs resolving!

Thanks for your help and Hi again!

 

[Piglet]

Hello! Welcome to cavy cages, glad to have you here

Don't worry about purchasing - we all make mistakes. At least now you know that there are guinea pig shelters for the future. That's lovely that you're making a C&C cage. Bombard us with pictures please!

My pigs shove their heads upwards too, and to me it is a sign of irratation. Mine like to be petted on the back and not the face, and so when I get close to the face they remind me to stop!

 

[elspeth]

Guinea pigs don't always like their heads being stroked so will thrust their heads upwards to try and get you to take your hand away and stop stroking them...is this what you mean?

 

[Piglet]

I think that's what he means - that's what mine do

 

[jfuller]

Guinea pigs don't always like their heads being stroked so will thrust their heads upwards to try and get you to take your hand away and stop stroking them...is this what you mean?

Yeah thats the one!, OK Cool!, Lesson learned...I'll avoid stoking his head.

Thanks for the tip, How about face to face contact?, any ideas how they feel about that? I like to go nose to nose with the little fellas but again im concerned that they might think im being confrontational or something?

 

[amfeider]

when april is lying next to me she will try to push me out of the way with her head.

 

[Piglet]

I have heard that "nosing" a pig is good because that's what they do with other pigs. I don't know how accurate that it... But I always look at my pigs head on. They are usually on my chest while I'm lying down. I doubt there is any need to worry about it!

 

[jfuller]

I have heard that "nosing" a pig is good because that's what they do with other pigs. I don't know how accurate that it... But I always look at my pigs head on. They are usually on my chest while I'm lying down. I doubt there is any need to worry about it!

Thanks Piglet, i'm just crossing the T's and dotting the I's, The new guys really are a wonderful addition to our family and I want them to feel loved and welcome

 

[Piglet]

Don't worry about, I must have asked a hundred questions when I first got mine.

 

[pennick]

One of my piggies also hates having his head petted, he also pushes my hand away, while my other one loves to have his head actually squashed down. Evidently you have come along way if your piggie actually lets you pet him to begin with. Continue socializing with them, you must be doing a great job.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

A couple of my pigs will push their head against my hand when I stop petting them because they want more. It may be one of those signs where it has dual meanings.

 

[twofinepigs]

I actually have a pig who likes to shove. He shoves lots of things. He shoves the pellet dish all around the enclosure. It doesn't seem to be that he cares where it is, he just likes the act of shoving it. He shoves the wooden shelter sometimes, too. I think it's just his little extra-macho moments.

He will also shove my hand or face away from his head, but I do take that to mean he'd rather I didn't pet him there at that moment.

 

[Percy's Mom]

Percy tends to shove my hand out of the way if I pet his head, but he is crested, so the hair on top is a bit coarser and it probably feels wierd if it moves. As far as face to face, he and I are usually nose to nose or chin to chin. He lays on my chest and puts his chin on mine, and he adores having the bridge of his nose stroked or smooched. Hmm...so does my dog Jasper, and he thinks that Percy is a puppy, so maybe it's just the way I love on my animals.

 

[suzilovespiggie]

Welcome to the forum. You will find it is addictive but has the best advice anywhere.
My pigs don't mind their heads being stroked. I have noticed in the cage, my 3 guys will not leave anything touching the sides. They push whatever is there toward the center.
I guess it's so they can run around the sides which they do.
Don't worry about to many questions. All of us ask questions and everyone is so helpful to always answer. We all want the best for our piggies.

 

[kat_0521]

Welcome to the forum! Nose thrusting or head tossing, happens when one of my girls has had enough petting and would just like to go to sleep in my lap.
Face to face is OK, although the piggies may be a little freaked out by this at first. I'm talking about the size difference, you know? Piggies will touch noses as a greeting/acknowledgement. One of my girls Tigger, will "nose-touch" with my finger. It's her way of saying HI and making sure I'm OK.
During lap time, I'm normally laying down on my bed with my piggies on my chest. They will often curl up right over my heart (I think the hearbeat is soothing to them). I had a male a few years back who LOVED laying right under my chin and on my neck. Luna, another one of my piggies, loves to give kisses. She'll nibble my chin, lips, and cheeks and sometimes give a lick. This is partly affectionate and partly exploring. She mainly nibbles my lips when I'm talking to her-like she's trying to figure out what's making the noise. She has never bitten me to the point of drawing blood. Come to think of it, she's never even bitten me hard. When you experience "nibbling" for yourself, you'll know what I mean.
So this should give you an idea of what to expect from your piggies. Good luck and post if you have more questions.

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Three of my pigs will go nose-to-nose with me and not back off. All the rest get a bit scared, but still come up to me.. They don't come up to touch but just stare at me. It's kind of funny in a way.