Do you know whether do guinea pigs bite or not? You should know about this if you are considering to add a or a few guinea pigs to your family. Almost all animal with a mouth can bite. And as a beginner, you should know whether do guinea pigs bite or not.
Guinea pigs are naturally calm and friendly in nature, and they don’t tend to bite unless they need your attention. However, you should know more about the behavior of guinea pigs before bringing them to your home.
Do Guinea Pigs Bite?
The straight answer is yes, your guinea pigs can bite. Actually, all animal with a mouth can bite, and guinea pigs are not an exception. Guinea pigs are extremely social animals, and they typically make many different noises or vocalizations for communicating with each other and feel a range of emotions, just like humans. And that is why they may bite occasionally as a response to their emotions or environments.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Bite?
Guinea pigs actually bite for numerous reasons. They typically bite as a response to their emotions or environments. Here we are trying to list the most common and possible reasons of why do guinea pigs bite.
1. If They Are Scared
If anyhow your guinea pig feel scared, or is startled, or is being bullied by other guinea pigs, then it may react by biting you or another guinea pigs. However, this reaction is natural and it is an attempt to protect itself or stop whatever is scaring it from happening. The guinea pig also bite if it is being held too high in the air, or another guinea pig keep stealing its food, or you attempt to pick it up while it is sleeping.
2. If Feel Hungry
Like all other animals, the guinea pigs also love to eat and they have some favorite foods. And they may nip at you or another guinea pigs, if they are hungry or are fighting over a favorite food item. Although, this behavior is expected from any hungry guinea pig.
3. If Feel Stressed
Actually, a guinea pig may feel stressed for a variety of reasons. Too small cages, not having enough place to sleep, chronic competition for a mate or food, and an uncomfortable cage floor are some common reasons which can result in your guinea pig being stressed. A stressed guinea pig can be more reactive and likely to bite you.
4. Accidental
Your guinea pig may bite your fingers accidentally, if it smells food on you or you are holding a chew toy. Your guinea pig may have gotten confused and thought your fingers were actually its chew stick or snack. Such behavior probably did not mean to bite you, and realized your fingers was not food as soon as it made contact with them.
5. If They Feel Sick
Your guinea pigs that are sick or not feeling well may be more likely to bite. Such guinea pigs may not want to be bothered and if you are trying to handle them or force them to eat, then biting may be their way of trying to tell you that they want to be left alone. If your guinea pig has never bitten before and suddenly nipped at you, then this is a good indication that it may be sick. You should take necessary steps as soon as possible.
6. If They Feel Pain
If anyhow your guinea pig is sick and it is in pain, biting is more likely. Most common causes that can cause your guinea pig pain could be your child are squeezing your guinea pig too tightly, its leg is stuck in the cage, it has been injured, or is experiencing pain from something else.
7. Hormones
Puberty occurs in males around two to three months of age. And if two males are housed together, they may bite each other or be more likely to bite you because of their high testosterone levels. So, it is a best practice to keep the intact male guinea pig separate from others to avoid wounds from fighting. Along with the males, the female guinea pigs have also shown to be less social when they are in heat, and they may be less tolerant of other guinea pigs.
How To Stop Guinea Pigs From Biting?
There are some simple things you can do to discourage your guinea pigs from biting. You have to ensure your guinea pig’s enclosure is not too small. Provide them plenty of hiding spots and ample food source. Provide the guinea pigs with plenty of chew toys. And never wake your guinea pig up if it is sleeping, and always try to approach the pet with kindness. A soft and gentle tone in your voice and slow hand movements toward the animal are appreciated.
Try to think of the piggies like a child and create a safe, secure play space for them, and approach activities with calmness. Also pay attention to your guinea pig’s communication and respond accordingly. These are the common ways to stop your guinea pigs from biting.
Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing it with your friends if you find it helpful. Good luck and may God bless you!
