The little guinea pigs are very sweet and we are touched when they whistle when they see us. These little animals seem like the perfect company for us and our children. But surely you have sometimes asked yourself: Do guinea pigs bite? We must respect our friends, the guinea pigs, and treat them with respect and affection. In this way, it is very rare that they want to bite us on purpose.
Guinea pigs naturally tend to run away and are easily startled, but rarely seek confrontation. Sometimes when they get scared, it can happen that they bite as last defense resource Keep reading this article on our site if you want to find out why guinea pigs bite and how to avoid it.
Do guinea pigs bite people?
Guinea pigs are docile animals, non-aggressive and simply adorable. With enthusiasm and attention they greet their keeper with their typical whistle. They recognize their guardians and love them. In stressful situations, guinea pigs lick the hands of their guardians to calm down. With all this we mean that guinea pigs are very peaceful animals and that do not tend to bite or scratch their guardians, as long as they are treated with care and respect. However, each guinea pig has its own character and some may bite if they feel uncomfortable, for example when they are mishandled or when their nails are being trimmed.
Why do guinea pigs bite?
If your guinea pig has bitten you, it may be for these reasons:
- Because he hasn't gotten used to his new home yet: a young guinea pig that has just arrived home, is usually not housebroken and he frets with every movement and noise. When we try to pull it out or pick it up, it is more likely to bite us because it is not used to us yet. After a while, he will lose his fear and become your best friend.
- Because he was scared: even if you are already friends and love each other very much, it is possible that sometimes the guinea pig gets scared. As a natural and instinctive defense, it is normal for him to pinch your hand.
- Because he has learned it: Another reason why a guinea pig becomes a biter is because he has gradually learned that he is worth do it. If handled inappropriately, our friend may start biting us. The animal must feel safe with us, especially when we have it in our hands. The animal must be treated with respect, but firmly. If he notices that you are too shy to pick him up, he will feel insecure and start pinching your hand to keep him away or to get away.
- Because she's sick: Pain is another common reason guinea pigs bite. If, for example, she has contracted a skin disease, she becomes sensitive to the touch, and even after it heals, she may remain distant because she associates the pain with being picked and stroked.
- Greed for treats: Guinea pigs sometimes bite their guardians because their hands smell like food. If you just peeled a cucumber or carrot, it could happen that your guinea pig bites you to test how well you taste. But it's really not his fault, is it? Guinea pigs are myopic and are fooled by their sense of smell.
To achieve a correct relationship with your pet, don't miss this other article on our site about Guinea pig care.
Do guinea pigs bite wires or furniture?
Guinea pigs belong to the rodent family, so naturally They like to gnaw, chew and bite things Always keep an eye on your guinea pig when he is free at home, because he could be electrocuted by biting a cable. But not only do they bite cables, they also like to gnaw on the wood of furniture. They don't do it because they want to make you angry, but because gnawing is an instinctive behavior The wires, perhaps, remind them of tree branches.
If you notice your guinea pig chewing on furniture, it is advisable that you offer him an alternative to gnaw, for example, a suitable toy for chew on. Perhaps you need to sharpen your teeth, as they grow infinitely.
Why do guinea pigs bite the cage?
Although gnawing is a normal and instinctive behavior, biting the cage can mean other things. If your guinea pig suddenly bites the bars of the cage it may indicate boredom and wanting to get out or lonelyGuinea pigs are very active animals and need to run and play. For this, it is important that we give them a lot of space and freedom but also attention and affection. Guinea pigs often start biting the cage if they are
stressed or feel any pain Find out if your guinea pig is nervous, and if this is the case, make sure the cage is in a quiet place and there are no noises that cause stress. Keep in mind that sometimes biting the cage is a sign that the guinea pig is sick or in pain. In this case, consult a veterinarian if it does not improve.
Different types of bites in guinea pigs
We know that guinea pigs only bite in special cases and never because they are aggressive. As long as we treat them well, they won't bite us. Let's take a look at the different types of guinea pig bites:
- Pinch: Pinching is a natural defense behavior of guinea pigs with each other, but they also do it with humans. It hurts us but in reality the guinea pig did not really want to bite aggressively. Guinea pigs use this nip to clean themselves and also to scold their mates in a friendly way. The behavior comes from the mother teaching her babies to stop suckling
- Bite: Then there's the bite. Now I really want to make a hole. When guinea pigs fight each other, strands of hair or a piece of skin are pulled off. Bite down and then release to clear up the situation. This usually happens when a guinea pig is uncomfortable, has been frightened, or is being treated disrespectfully. If a guinea pig bites it is usually a sign that they have been caused pain, for example by brushing it or holding it roughly. After biting, it often runs away and waits, but never becomes aggressive.
- Get Hooked: In very rare cases it can also happen that a guinea pig bites and gets hooked. This is a clear sign of antisocial behavior. If it is directed against the tutor, it means that he is in a state of deep fear.
- Unintentionally biting: Of course, sometimes you may accidentally bite. Maybe he just wanted to grab the cucumber treat you were offering him but missed the target.
How to prevent my guinea pig from biting?
Guinea pigs are peaceful animals and once they have got used to their new home, they will also recognize their guardian. So that your guinea pig does not bite you, it is very important to treat it with respect and not stress or scare it. To do this, slowly approach her and talk quietly to her while trying to touch her. The first few days of acclimatization are crucial in establishing trust. Start sitting in front of the cage chatting with it in a kind and calm voice. Then offer her fresh vegetables Let her come up on her own. This way she will get used to your hand. The most important thing is that you do not stress the guinea pig by chasing it in the cage, because then it will be very likely to bite you when trying to catch it.
When the animal has accepted your hand in the cage, you can start gently stroking the head and the tip of the nose. Some guinea pigs like to be scratched behind the ears or under the chin. On the other hand, if you have to pick up your guinea pig, do it carefully and safely, spooning your hand under its belly and holding its paws front.
How do I react when my guinea pig bites me?
The moment the guinea pig bites you, you have to decide very quickly how you are going to react, because it will influence the guinea pig's learning. Under no circumstances should you release the animal! It will learn that it can run away as soon as it bites you, so it will come back to pinch you next time. Also, you could hurt yourself when falling.
Even if you were scared and the bite caused damage and even blood, try to calm down and stay still. Talk to your guinea pig and pet it. After a few minutes, put her back in the crate or her house.
And if you're trying to gain the trust of your guinea pig, you're probably wondering: How do I know if my guinea pig loves me?
