Thinking of returning Guineas

[saleejo]

My second piggy just got took a nice chomp on my finger making me bleed. I thought the first one only had a little mean streak in it but this was my favourite piggy. Are they supposed to bite when they're little? I've been bit numerous times now where my finger has bled. I picked up my Piggy when she didn't want to be picked up but ouch! Making me a little leary abut Guineas....:/

 

[pig pal]

My second piggy just got took a nice chomp on my finger making me bleed. I thought the first one only had a little mean streak in it but this was my favourite piggy. Are they supposed to bite when they're little? I've been bit numerous times now where my finger has bled. I picked up my Piggy when she didn't want to be picked up but ouch! Making me a little leary abut Guineas....:/

I think you have to give them some time to get accustomed to you. Sometimes you can tell when they're going to bite, like when they think your finger is food. I've never been bit hard enough to bleed but my mother has when she stuck her hand in a cage with two fighting boys. They can cause an infection easier than a dog bite the doc said.

 

[saleejo]

I think you have to give them some time to get accustomed to you. Sometimes you can tell when they're going to bite, like when they think your finger is food. I've never been bit hard enough to bleed but my mother has when she stuck her hand in a cage with two fighting boys. They can cause an infection easier than a dog bite the doc said.

I've already been bit multiple times even though I've only had them for two weeks and evertime I bleed. These must be some tuff lil babies.

 

[AngelsCavies]

I have been there when I had my first piggies for 2 weeks. It took them awhile. give it a time and stick your hand in the cage and let them sniff the top part of your hand so they know that you are not to hurt them and its ok also talk to them while you try to pick them up. My muffy did that. It took her about a month or so not to bit like that. dont return them give them a chance.

 

[saleejo]

I have been there when I had my first piggies for 2 weeks. It took them awhile. give it a time and stick your hand in the cage and let them sniff the top part of your hand so they know that you are not to hurt them and its ok also talk to them while you try to pick them up. My muffy did that. It took her about a month or so not to bit like that. dont return them give them a chance.

I don't really want to return them, just kinda upset me cus it was my favourite cuddly piggy. She lays on my chest when I take her out and is calm just didn't think she would ever bite me. I'd feel awful bringing them back because they are getting really accustomed to me.

 

[AngelsCavies]

Well maybe something happened when you tried to hold her and she got a bit frightened. I would just give her a chance and give her time. I almost took Muffy back and she finally realized that Im not hurting her at all.

 

[tashagurl]

Have you read over www.cavyspirit.com? They have a really good page about biting.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Try picking them up in a cozy or something and then put them in your lap in the cozy and pet them inside of it. I have one that bit me and still does once in a while but she doesn't bite hard.

 

[ChadWPB]

Have you treated the pig for mites?

https://www.guinealynx.info/hairloss.html#mangemite

Mites are painful and can kill. Your pig might be in serious pain. Mites are microscopic and cannot be seen by the unaided human eye. They can be treated easily with an OTC med called ivermectin. You can and should treat your entire herd. 3-5 doses, a week apart for each does the trick. Ivermectin can be dosed orally or even topically (behind the ears). You need not inject it.

If dosed properly, you will see result within the first week. Multiple doses are required to kill emerging mites as ivermectin does not kill the mite eggs.

Read more about ivermectin:

https://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html

Do not return your guinea pigs as they can likely be easily cured. Good luck.

 

[AngelsCavies]

Yeah I didnt think that. That could be.

 

[Auzziefreak]

I really honestly think its just a matter of giving her/him some time. Although it would be wonderful to rule out the possibility of mites, which would include a trip the vet. But i really thinkg, that if you give it some time, and be patient and consistant, your guinea pig will come around nicely. Guinea pigs are often like this comming into a new home, especialy from a pet store where they havn't been held lots. If s/he is biting you to the point of you bleeding, try wearing some gloves when handling. But handle your piggie once or twice a day so it will get used to it..Another way to distract him/her would be to give veggies on your lap while holding your pig...anyway, i hope this helps!

 

[Piglet]

Yes, give them some time. I thought that it could be mites too. A bit off topic, but I gave my pigs the full course of ivermectin about a month ago. Should I give it to them again Chad?

 

[Katie]

Piglet- You don't need to. Treatment is only ever 7-10 days for 3 weeks. If they are better, you don't need to worry.

I agree, treat them for mites. It's simple and doesn't require a trip to the vet.

 

[ChadWPB]

Yes, give them some time. I thought that it could be mites too. A bit off topic, but I gave my pigs the full course of ivermectin about a month ago. Should I give it to them again Chad?

Nah, your pigs are alright. I treated my herd last spring and plan to do so again this year.

Annual treatment may be a good idea, though.

 

[Michellec]

Where do they get mites? Say a pig is treated for mites and is then mite free. A year later, no new pigs have been added to the mix, all is status quo. Why would one consider treating for mites again?

Just curious.

Thanks,

M

 

[sofiemuffins]

This is off topic also...but if your pigs have dandruff does that mean anything?? My skinny pig has been iching lately-and now that his cage mate has dandruff (but I have yet to see him scratching). Any ideas if it's related?

 

[ChadWPB]

Where do they get mites? Say a pig is treated for mites and is then mite free. A year later, no new pigs have been added to the mix, all is status quo. Why would one consider treating for mites again?

Just curious.

Thanks,

M

I'm thinking in terms of myself, my pigs often will see other guineas during the course of a year, and even at the vet, if there was recent mite-infested pig on the same exam table as my pig, my pig may get the mites off the table. I believe mites can live about 24 hours off a host (correct me if I'm wrong). I can assure that at least one of my six guinea pigs will see the vet during the course of the year.

There are no guarantees your pigs won't get mites. Since it's cheap, effective and safe, I consider it an excellent idea. Preventing my pigs from getting discomfort is important to me.

 

[Michellec]

Thanks, Chad. I just had no idea how mites were transmitted. I assumed from other pigs, but I didn't know if I might be missing something.

I think your plan is sound!

Thanks again!

M