2 replies to this topic

[Silktail]

Guinea pigs are next on my agenda for learning how to care for since I think I understand the basics of mouse care pretty well.

There was one guinea pig at work who had to go to the vet because he had a lump on his side. It just ended up being a cyst that the vet drained and gave some antibiotics for.

Most of the time the guinea pigs at work love the medicine from the vet because I think it's cherry flavored, and they actually fight you to take back the syringe. This guy was a bit more nervous and he actually would only take his medicine after holding and petting him for a minute or two.

Well, after he was finished with the medicine but we still had him in quarantine while the shaved spot grew back, I got into a habit of holding him every day and feeding him a vitamin c cookie (the oxbow natural science one) while cleaning his enclosure.

Now whenever he sees me, he makes a screaming/squealing noise, and if I hold him, he nibbles on me until I give him his little treat. Are these behaviors him saying he is nervous and doesn't want interaction and the treat is calming him, or are these behaviors him saying he likes the little ritual of being held and hand fed the treat? I don't know really anything at all about guinea pig communication.

[Robin~]

Most guineas aren’t too fond of being held so him sounding uncomfortable is pretty standard. If you’re able to bond with him while he has all four paws on the ground that may make him feel more comfortable.

If it’s a nibble/licking combination that’s grooming behavior which is a sign of trust. If it’s outright biting that may just be a sign he wants to be let down/left alone.

[Silktail]

Most guineas aren’t too fond of being held so him sounding uncomfortable is pretty standard. If you’re able to bond with him while he has all four paws on the ground that may make him feel more comfortable.

If it’s a nibble/licking combination that’s grooming behavior which is a sign of trust. If it’s outright biting that may just be a sign he wants to be let down/left alone.

No the bites don't hurt at all. It feels more like mouthing than anything. He did accidentally bite me yesterday when I was holding his treat. I could tell he just accidentally went too far up and got my finger.

Idk if guinea pigs like to be pet. He reaches out and sniffs my hand if I hold it down, and he also lets me scratch the top of his head without being jumpy. He just stands in the same place while I scratch him.