guinea pig nipping

[ladysown]

Had a customer call me today.

One of her guinea pigs is nipping the children AFTER it's been held for a good hour being petted and such like.

I've never had a problem with a guinea pig nipping other than one I had that nipped after it had pupped. I got rid of her and her entire line since she was a flighty one anyways.

My recommendation to her was the hold the guinea pig less and then reward her for being good. BUT not to let her get away with it (as in when they put her away when nipping as that trains her to nip). But they need to figure out what her tolerances are and then work forward from there.

what do you all suggest?

 

[Secuono]

She was probably sick of being held or needed to potty/drink. Just put her back before the hour, leave her alone for 20-30min and continue with w/e.

 

[akane]

Some nip when they need to go pee because they know not to pee on people. Set her on a towel away from people so she can do her business. 2 hrs is also a long time for a guinea pig to stand being out of it's cage without exploring and hiding somewhere that they can't be pet. I'd be inclined to actually try putting her back so long as the nipping didn't start happening sooner after that. Then she can pee and rest for say 10-15mins before being taken out again if they want.

 

[ladysown]

thanks... folks. keep more ideas coming.

I'm at a loss.. I've never had nippy guinea pigs so I can't figure what's going on here.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I'm guessing she was hungry, thirsty, had to potty, or simply had enough petting. I assume pigs like to chew on things- perhaps they could have a chew toy handy?

 

[ladysown]

so basically you all are thinking what I am... too much handling and not enough respecting.

so tell me....just how do you tell people that VERY politely?

I've done the... handle them less, reward for good behaviour, realize that just like people animals have their own tolerances, remember they are still young and have some growing to do, and just like as we mature we change and sometimes squabble with our siblings...animals will do the same.

But mom has called me no less than 6 times today and emailed twice. I don't know how to make it more clear.

She wanted to trade them in and I told her I'll take them back but I am reluctant to trade them because I don't know WHY these two are having issues when nipping piggies has never been an issue for me. I've had clothes tugging pigs, and let me carry a pencil pigs (yes, was a retriever pig), but never nippy pigs.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

so tell me....just how do you tell people that VERY politely?

"would YOU like to be held for hours on end not being able to do anything you wanted to do or get to eat or drink or potty when you wanted/needed to?"

I don't hold mine for longer then maybe ten minutes at a time. mine aren't thee friendliest and some like to be held and some barely tolerate being picked up and checked over.