Bar biting

[Siikibam]

I’m at a bit of a loss as to what to do with one of my boars. He’ll bar bite at feeding time - which is fair enough - so I try and give him something quickly while I get the rest.

But recently he has been bar biting even when it’s not time for dinner. For example he was doing it when I got in from work, and just now when my husband was in the sitting room. He only stopped when my husband clapped.

There is always hay so I don’t think it’s hunger either. They also have boxes that they can chew on. So I’m not sure what to do next.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sophie B]

I feel the exact same, Smokey does this all the time
I think maybe it's boredom, so I give more boxes and toys, still biting the bars. Maybe it's hunger, so I give more hay, still chewing the bars. I don't like to reward it either, so always wait at least ten minutes after it's stopped (which sometimes it doesn't for a good 10-15 minutes) to do anything
I was concerned about him damaging his teeth but apparently that isn't a risk, I was told something about putting vinegar on the bars, but haven't had any to try it
He does it quite harshly too (and he's a big softie, not aggressive at all) he pulls the bars back then releases them, as well as just bititng them
I've ended up just having to pick him up and put him at the other end of the cage, every time which can be annoying
Sorry for rambling on, it's really bothered me and I'm just not sure how I can fix it

 

[Siikibam]

I feel you! I’ve just woken up and he’s at it again. Breakfast isn’t for at least another hour either.

 

[Wiebke]

I’m at a bit of a loss as to what to do with one of my boars. He’ll bar bite at feeding time - which is fair enough - so I try and give him something quickly while I get the rest.

But recently he has been bar biting even when it’s not time for dinner. For example he was doing it when I got in from work, and just now when my husband was in the sitting room. He only stopped when my husband clapped.

There is always hay so I don’t think it’s hunger either. They also have boxes that they can chew on. So I’m not sure what to do next.

Thanks in advance.

Hi!

Your boy has figured out that he is getting your attention quickly by bar biting, so he is doing it more. Piggies are very good at manipulating humans!
Please use the tips in this guide here; they are quite effective and present the problem in a frame that makes sense to your guinea pigs: Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?

 

[Siikibam]

Hi!

Your boy has figured out that he is getting your attention quickly by bar biting, so he is doing it more. Piggies are very good at manipulating humans!
Please use the tips in this guide here; they are quite effective and present the problem in a frame that makes sense to your guinea pigs: Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?

I thought that for all of five seconds then just thought there’s no way he’d do that. So wrong! I’ll have a read tonight. Thank you!

 

[Siikibam]

PS what should I do when he does it at feeding time?

My husband just told me he ignored him and eventually he stopped!