Biting Cage Bars

[MichelleM]

Dibbler's got this annoying new habit. I'll be at the cage and Dibbler will start chewing on the cage bars. Sometimes he does it when I'm hand feeding them veggies or fruit. Sometimes he just does it while I'm standing there.

Why might he be doing this? There are TONS of toys in the cage specifically for him to chew on. He's got edible hidey logs, a log toy made of the same material, cardboard tubes, a small tissue box, and a rolly wooden ball that's meant to be chewed on and destroyed. They also have 24/7 hay and get pellets 1-2 times a day, and I spend at least a couple hours just giving them attention each day.

Is it boredom? Or is he just trying to get more attention?

EDIT to add: He doesn't seem to do it when I'm away from the cage or not in the room. He does it specifically after I've approached the cage or while I'm standing there.

 

[Jesse's pigs]

I would say it's cos he thinks you're going to give something to him- that's edible haha. My piggy Mo does it now because he's learned I'm more likely to give him food to stop him chewing then if he just does cute little wheeks- don't judge me he's cute! As soon as he's had food he'll stop. It's also a sure way to wake me up lol

 

[Guineapigfeet]

My Chewie will bite the bars sometimes when she's inpatiently waiting for food. I gently put a hand on each side and lift her down (which she doesn't like) and she stops after a couple of reminders and won't do it again for a while.

 

[gizzy]

I think they do it to get Attention ! When I go into my pig room mine all start chewing the bars!
I just been down to my pig room and they all stated ! Even two on the pig room floor started chewing at the wooden
Stand of one of the cages ! It stops as soon as I give them there veggies