Chattering teeth

[Anna banana]

My two female guinea pigs have been getting along fine. But just recently one of them has been chattering her teeth. Of course I backed off but whenever I step into the room she starts chattering. What should I do? Is this normal? I just got them in February. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[fanniephina]

Chattering of teeth is a warning and generally not a great sign at first but it's not something to worry about if you are aware. You can try to sit by their cage and just talk softly to them to get their trust. I would take a step back if you've had them a few months and just be patient with the one. Spend more time maybe even reading from a book to let them understand you are not there to do anything but friendly interaction.

Be certain it's to you and not the other guinea pig as well. They have their moods with each other. You can use some methods of piggy whispering as well. Even if you have gained some trust before, something may have triggered them to be a bit nervous. Hope it helps out but really should be fine in time.

 

[Wiebke]

My two female guinea pigs have been getting along fine. But just recently one of them has been chattering her teeth. Of course I backed off but whenever I step into the room she starts chattering. What should I do? Is this normal? I just got them in February. Am I doing something wrong?

Hi! Low teeth chattering is a sign of displeasure. I guess that your girls are now coming into the teenage months and are pushing boundaries.

You may want to try some of our piggy whispering tips to make friends with her in ways that she instinctively understands and also gently invite her into YOUR herd to make the dominance clear. That should take care of the teth chattering as your sow is most likely trying to dominate you at the moment perceiving a power vacuum.

Guinea pig society is totally based on a hierarchy which extends to humans in a pet situation. Take the lead as the 'super-sow', and she will fall in line. Always start and end with telling her that you love her and that you want her to be part of your group before and after you enforce dominance. This is how socially adept dominant sows and neutered boars deal with this kind of situation; mimicking natural behaviour is actually very effective as a number of our members have found out.

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips