My piggy keeps nipping at me - why?

[NewPiggyLover]

One of my little girls (age 3 1/2 months) has taken to nipping at me whenever I have her out for cuddle time. She used to be very skittish about being picked up but is much calmer now and I have been using cuddle & lap time to get her used to love and sometimes special nibbles of yummy food like parsley. However the last few times I have had her in my arms/hands for any length of time she has been nipping at my fingers. The first couple of times it seemed sort of exploratory and I thought maybe my hands smelt yummy to her. However the last few times it has seemed increasing aggressive, especially as she begins to struggle, as if she really does want to bite me or at least is giving me a warning. Is this normal? Is she just looking for food from me or is she trying to tell me to put her down? If so, it has worked - I sure don't want her to bite me! Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[CuteButShyPig]

did you adopt her? if she was maybe in her last house she wasn't handled properly and is still not trusting people.

 

[NewPiggyLover]

did you adopt her? if she was maybe in her last house she wasn't handled properly and is still not trusting people.

Yes, I did adopt her but I have had her now for 6 weeks and this nipping has only just started.

 

[CuteButShyPig]

Hmm, is she getting along with your other piggy/piggies?

 

[NewPiggyLover]

Hmm, is she getting along with your other piggy/piggies?

Yes, although she is the dominant one and pushes her way into getting what she wants. I have not observed any nipping or other aggressive behaviour between them.

 

[kat_0521]

Try this website:
https://guinealynx.info/links.html#biting

Sorry it's not the exact page, I couldn't find it.

 

[CuteButShyPig]

hm, maybe its because you just got her a month ago. i just got a piggy a month ago and she is alittle skittish. I have a full grown pig already and she went through that stage of nipping, some pigs are just like that at first. Im sure if you give it time she will get comfy with you. For now maybe you should give her some alone time, and give you lap cuddle time every other day.

 

[NewPiggyLover]

Try this website:
https://guinealynx.info/links.html#biting

Sorry it's not the exact page, I couldn't find it.

Thank you! A link to two great sites - I appreciate the information and will work on the problem with my little piggy!

 

[Sara'spets]

Hi:

Does she nip at you immediately while holding her and after some time has gone by? If it isn't right away, she may just want to go back into her cage. It is also a sign she has to relieve herself.

Now, if that isn't the reason it may just be her way of getting to know you. I don't consider nipping a bad thing - it's the hard biting/blood drawing you should concern yourself with. And since you said she is pretty much the dominant one in the cage, then she might just be expressing that towards you. She is still rather young and I am sure she will outgrow it.

Also, do you rub noses with her or kiss her on the nose? Try that since that's Guinea pigs way of getting to know one another. I have one pig who loves to be kissed on her nose. When she is scared and I do it she will actually reach out for more.

Good Luck and just have a little patience with her.

 

[CuteButShyPig]

I agree with Sara'spets, If she draws blood then you will need to be concerned.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

She may be telling you she needs to pee, or that the way you are holding her may be uncomfortable.

 

[RyanR]

yeah, how is with my boys they aren't comfortable there is a bit of nipping. If they continue after I've readjusted them or anything. They want to go back in. of course in CC's case if he doesn't want to be picked up he looks back towards the cage and starts whimpering.