Biting When I Pet Chest

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ValleyPeegz

New Born Pup
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Both of my sows will suddenly bite hard if touch their chest or paw while giving them chin rubs. Why is this? They don't have mites, they aren't injured. How do I stop this behavior?
 
I don’t think you can - that’s probably them telling you they do not want to be touched there! The best thing to do is respect their petting preference or offer food reward/distraction to get them used to having their feet touched as being a good thing
 
They are telling you they don't like it, always best to respect their wishes.
 
But why are they so defensive of this particular area? Is it some kind of defense instinct?
 
I agree with the above. Some piggies are more relaxed about some areas of their body and others won't have it. Most my pigs don't even like chin rubs and will nip me to tell me off :)) In fact Iggy will nip my mum most the time if she touches him anywhere other than his back and head!

Most my pigs don't like their tummies touched either and will give me a nip. Except Bella, she lets me do what ever to her bless her. Not that I would!

Best to leave them be :)
 
My Chewie will let me stroke her tummy when she’s standing up at the bars waiting for food, but she’s definatley only tolerating it in exchange for cabbage! I wouldn’t even try touching either of my others on the tummy but I do stroke their feet gently as this is useful for nail clipping but if they say no I won’t try again that day
 
They are trying to tell you they don't like that- I'm not sure if there's a way to get them to stop. Because they are prey animals, they have the instincts of prey animals, and the neck and underside are very vulnerable places. Nothing in the wild tries to get at your throat or underside because they want to pat you! And I've noticed over the years that most animals hate having their feet touched or held. My pigs will let me stroke the underside of their feet lightly if they are laying on my lap stretched out with their feet out the back, but woe is me if I try to touch their front feet ever! They probably think I'm coming for their nails to clip them, which they all hate!
 
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