Guinea pigs are fairly gentle creatures and biting is not a serious issue to consider when getting a guinea pig. But you should still monitor their behavior closely. Why Do Guinea Pigs Cry? Guinea pigs communicate together verbally sometimes. Here are a few: At the same time, there can be peaceful actions mistaken for aggressive ones. It looks like nothing was found at this location. What Are Their Health Benefits? Introducing guinea pigs for the first time can properly be done by allowing short time intervals together and using a divider if necessary. When guinea pigs are overcrowded, they become stressed, and this can lead to them attacking and eating each other. He is starting to show his age but, Why do guinea pigs bite each others bums? Overall, you shouldnt worry about that, since its entirely natural. Knowing why guinea pigs bite each other can help you take the necessary steps to prevent it. 3. Guinea pigs that aren't feeling well may be more likely to bite. But ultimately, the best way to prevent your guinea pigs from eating each other altogether is to provide them with a large enough cage, plenty of toys and hiding spots, and a healthy diet. [Greeting Your Pet], How to Get Rid of Guinea Pig Mites Naturally. They create several sounds to communicate and express feelings. Lets start by petting the guinea pigs head or under the chin. Is it temporary because she's been ill? If you have more than one guinea pig, its important to make sure they have enough space. See a doctor right away if you have any suspicions that the wound is infected. If you have a guinea pig that dies, its important to remove the body from the cage as soon as possible. Wouldnt it be nice if we could greet our guinea pigs with those words each morning? Biting each others bums can be a sign of dominance, stress, or playing, so it is important to be able to distinguish the difference and if there is a need to intervene. You can solve this by including a wide variety of toys so that they never run out of physically stimulating objects. Guinea pigs will follow each other around their cage, play with new toys, explore new food options, and just keep each other company. Normal behavior Typically, biting or sniffing each other's bums is entirely normal. If your guinea pigs are aggressive towards each other, they may need to be temporarily separated. They most likely will find their favorite hiding spots until they feel it is quiet and safe enough to come out again. This behavior is alarming for owners as it poses a risk of injury to both cavies. Comprehend The Exact Reason, Silkie Guinea Pig: History & Facts | RodentsFact, Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? Well, youre in the right place, because I have to! Probably the main reason guinea pigs pee on people has to do with whether or not they can hold it, but perhaps some of the same reasons guinea pigs spray each other also might hold true with peeing on people. Placing two dominant guinea pigs in one cage will always end up in fights. One reason is that the new or young guinea pigs follow the footsteps or behaviors of older guinea pigs. You might have observed that guinea pigs suck other guinea pig ears and they go along with each other. Guinea pigs are extremely social creatures. It is their way of exclaiming that you need to let them go. If they are especially hungry or are fighting over a favorite food item, they may nip at you or another guinea pig. To avoid or stop a guinea pigs bite, it is very helpful to understand why they bite and how to prevent it. There is a big difference. If this behavior goes on for more than two weeks, it would be best to separate them. #2. why do guinea pigs bite each others bums. Handle your guinea pigs with gentle care. If you suspect your cavy is injured or ill, its important to take them to a vet as soon as possible. You should only be worried when they boars and in case there is serious fighting between guinea pigs. Escalated fights will involve the competing guinea pigs mounting each other and lunging or bitting. Ideally, this is a place neither pig has experienced before, where they wont be distracted by familiarity and wont venture into unfamiliar territory. The ideal cage size for two guinea pigs ranges from 7.5 square feet to 10.5 square feet the larger the guinea pig cages, the better. Follow her blog to learn fascinating facts and gain a new appreciation for the furry creatures that share our world. Why Do Guinea Pigs Bite Each Other's Bums? [Top 3 Signs], link to Do Guinea Pigs Need Pee Pads? That is probably why guinea pigs who detect an unfamiliar scent will become defensive or aggressive toward a new playmate. You might be hurting the guinea pig or there might be a deeper physiological issue. Guinea pigs do not need pee pads. Close proximity too quickly does not allow for natural relationship building to take place. You shouldnt worry at all about guinea pigs. Do not worry; we will cover the most common reasons for biting, both playful and fighting. If their behavior escalates or becomes too aggressive, however, its time to separate them. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. But if youre introducing one to an existing herd, take some time to introduce them. Hello, my name is Bryan. However, there are several reasons why a guinea pig might bite another guinea pig. It may occur if your guinea pig is being held too high in the air, another guinea pig keeps stealing its food, or you attempt to pick it up while it's sleeping. When the cage is too small for your cavies, they may fight for the small available space. The occasional nip or two on the ears will be the most intense that it gets. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. Guinea pigs, of course, can bite. A companion allows them to express themselves more naturally than they would with a human. Do not worry; we will cover the most common reasons for biting, both playful and fighting. Most of the time, if the guinea pigs were purchased and raised together at the same time, there is less of a chance for the two to get into a biting match. Guinea pigs may bite gently when playing around in their cages. ), @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. Well, kissing is a sign of affection and your love for somebody. Guinea pigs can also bite each other because they feel they are competing over resources, such as food or space. Provide plenty of hiding spots and ample food sources. How are you today? Some indicators that your guinea pigs are fighting include; Guinea pig fights dont last that long usually, but they could do some significant damage to each other during the few minutes theyre fighting. As you can see, there are a few reasons why guinea pigs might bite each other or eat their own feces. Guinea pigs are personable, don't take up a huge amount of space, and are usually very gentle. If they fight, throw a towel over them as an interruption. Females guinea pigs have also shown to be less social when they are in heat and may be less tolerant of other guinea pigs and handling. Blood can be drawn at this point and as the owner, it is up to you to separate the battling pigs. If a guinea pig mother is eating her own baby, it is because she is sick or she is very stressed. Good luck! About Trust; Advisory Board; Anti Ragging Committee; Governing Body; CMD'S Message; THE INSTITUTE. They usually merely give each other warning nips. For such little animals, guinea pigs can have a nasty bite. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. This will help to reduce aggression and fighting. In this case, its important to make sure you give each guinea pig some time outside of their cage for exercise and socialization. No matter their species, animals will keep out those who do not fit in with their group and would negatively affect the groups functioning. Unless you want to breed your cavies, its best to keep them separated or opt for neutering/spaying. But why do guinea pigs eat each other? Also, it should be large enough for the pigs to retreat to if they get frightened during introductions. Make sure that your guinea pig doesn't appear to be in pain if it's trying to bite. Guinea pigs may cause a deadly illness if they bite near to an artery in rare situations. When ill, your guinea pig may hurt. Generally, guinea pigs fight to establish dominance in the group or to compete for a female. They have got along so well with each other thats why they are showing such behaviors. Be careful when determining if the guinea pig can be reintroduced to either previous cage mates or new ones. This information may help you and your kid have a better connection with their pet and avoid any unfortunate accidents.Table of ContentsWhy Do Guinea Pigs Bite Each Other's Bums?Feeling HungryFeeling StressedTearing Its Teeth ApartFeeling SickFeeling PainHormonesHow to Stop Guinea Pigs From Biting Each Others BumsFrequently Asked Questions1. However, it is important to keep an eye on them and intervene if you notice any signs of aggression. pic.twitter.com/7IHMCk51Z1. When guinea pigs are on their own, they will usually establish a hierarchy in which one guinea pig is the dominant one. This will help them become more trusting and less aggressive towards one another. They don't bite often and they don't bite without a reason, but it is important to know that these fluffy creatures can bite. Using a cage divider or a separate cage ensures the guinea pigs cannot reach each other and cause further injury. If your guinea pig feels scared, is startled, or is being bullied by other guinea pigs, it may react by biting you or another guinea pig. Generally, guinea pigs are fighting for dominance or territory. Naturally, when multiple guinea pigs are brought together, there can be small skirmishes to assert dominance over each other. Do Guinea Pigs Bite: Stress While this behavior is perfectly normal in most cases, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Finally, male guinea pigs can become aggressive and bite each other when its time for mating. They fight to keep the herd together. Wash the wound for at least five minutes under running water from a faucet. Three guinea pigs can also fit in a 10.5 square feet cage, but its best to get a larger one, at least 13 square feet. (Surprising Facts), How Fast Can aLeopardRun (Average Speed), Do Armadillos Lay Eggs? In most cases, its nothing to worry about, but if it becomes excessive, most likely theyre trying to communicate something to you. As mentioned earlier, guinea pig dominance behavior can last a couple of weeks. As the younger piggy grows older, he/she may challenge the older one. Guinea pigs do not simply bite each others ears out of hostility. How to tell if guinea pigs are playing or fighting? Its best to pair a dominant piggy with submissive guinea pigs. A cavys personality may vary according to age, breed, or gender. #guineapigfacts #guineapigpoop #guineapig #guineadadTo find out more, click the link https://t.co/sO6nzweMo6 pic.twitter.com/pRYIxcDEDs. In fact, in the wild, guinea pigs live in social groups consisting of a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. Hi! This knowledge is helpful not only to prevent unwanted injuries but also to help improve the relationship you or your child has with your pet. Several behavioral facts that you can see if guinea pigs are about to fight are: Lunging and shoving each other with their noses. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If your guinea pig bites you or its cage, it may be attempting to wear down its teeth. Below are some of the reasons your guinea pigs could be fighting. When they cant smell each other, see each other, or hear each other, it will be easier to calm them down. There are some simple things you can do to discourage your guinea pig from biting. Finally, guinea pigs might bite each other's bums if they are feeling threatened or scared. Guinea pigs can cause serious injury with their nails or teeth. #guineapig #pets #cavie #AnimalRights #veterinary #dermatology pic.twitter.com/X2CwEP2DPW. The fresh air, fresh grass, sunbathing, and moving around outdoors will help them feel more relaxed. It may carry on for long if one of the piggies refuses to back down. It could be a sign of affection from your guinea pig, curiosity, or they may smell something intriguing on your skin that catches their attention. Chewing on their cage helps to relieve the discomfort that comes with teething. It can be a bit of a shock if your guinea pig bites you, don't let it discourage you. Barry loves finding answers to your animal-related questions, the more research involved the better! Pain can cause biting. But if you cant do that, then youll just need to keep a close eye on them and be ready to intervene if they start fighting. To Determine Dominant and Submissive Pigs, What Are The Signs of a Happy Guinea Pig? This is also a form of bonding and getting acclimated to new surroundings. In fact, a guinea pig making this noise will be tense and may seem to even vibrate. Doing these steps will help keep your guinea pig from biting each other bum. You may also notice that the fur on the back of their necks is raised. Note: If you think your guinea pig is teething, be sure to provide him with plenty of toys and things to chew on, and if it becomes excessive, consult your vet. One of the main reasons guinea pigs eat each other is because they are overcrowded. They may bite each others hair or ears as they play. Principal's Message; About BAMS Course; Future After BAMS Course What you have to do is to give them plenty of toys, hiding places and other activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. 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. If your cavies are bored, it means that they dont have enough toys to play with. If you placed two males and one female in one cage, this would most likely end up in a fight as the male cavies fight over the female. The guinea pigs suck each other ears sometimes & they walk behind the other guinea pigs. This keeps them within reach of smelling and seeing each other, but not allowing them to potentially cause any injury. This behavior isn't unexpected from any hungry animal, but there are ways to help decrease the likelihood of it occurring. Once they are socialized and bonded, they do not tend to bite each other, unless something else is wrong. An animal lover at heart, he shares his home with a dog and four rescue cats and has a passion for writing about animals big and small. Guinea pigs are one of the most popular small pets due to their sweet, gentle nature. We may ignore the body language signals of guinea pigs, and they will react with anger. Why would your guinea pig bite each other bum? This can occur between the young and old, male and female, and piggies with varying degrees of temperament. Its best to keep an eye on your cavies if they are living together and intervene as soon as possible if they start to fight. WHY DO GUINEA PIGS BITE EACH OTHER? They may be acting out due to discomfort or lacking nutrients in their diet. In some cases, guinea pigs may just not be compatible with each other and can start to fight or bite. Second, provide plenty of enrichment activities for each guinea pig in its own space, so they are both getting attention and stimulation. 0. Whether you're a curious reader or a dedicated rodent enthusiast, I guarantee my blog will be a valuable and reliable source of information for you. Don't make things that could stress them out Step #3. Should you intervene if guinea pigs are biting each others bum? 4 Reasons Why Is My Guinea Pig Jumping And Twitching | Learn How To Cure Them, Can An Eye Infection Kill A Hamster? Understand a guinea pig's reasons for biting. It may be helpful to understand a guinea pigs history with previous cage mates or if it is used to living alone, to prevent any issues. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. How To Get A Puppy To Nap During The Day? If you want them to run around, you can build vertical structures and build tunnels where they can chase each other. By reading a z leveled books best pizza sauce at whole foods reading a z leveled books best pizza sauce at whole foods Another reason could be that they are trying to get attention from the other guinea pigs. Keeping them in different areas is important so they cannot see each other. ), Nose lifting (pigs raise noses in the air to see who is highest and therefore more dominant. That is the short answer. Adult guinea pigs tend to assert dominance and younger ones tend to be more submissive. Guinea pigs love to eat and even have some favorite foods. If you notice any of these behaviors, its important to separate them immediately. Is this normal behaviour? This behavior is especially common when two unfamiliar cavies are first introduced, as they must both define their social hierarchy. There are a few different reasons why guinea pigs might lick you. Guinea pig bites may result in significant blood loss. Bonding can take a few hours to a few weeks. Feeling Hungry Guinea pigs have preferred meals. Manage Settings Read our, What to Know Before Getting a Pet Guinea Pig, The 8 Essential Guinea Pig Supplies of 2023, Reasons Why Dogs Get Aggressive and How to Stop It, The 7 Best Halloween Costumes for Guinea Pigs of 2023, They make many different noises or vocalizations to communicate with each other. That being said, the likelihood that they start fighting with the purpose of eating each other is pretty low. If this applies to you, continue to read about if this new cage mate behavior is normal. Once youre sure they can stand each other, its time for them to move in together.