Jasmine "tweaking" at cuddle time

[HeatherW]

More often than not, Jasmine has a tendency to "tweak" during cuddle time. I've tried lifting her chin up and using my voice (following the guides here: " Biting" And What You Can Do), but she still perseveres and I end up putting her back before I intended to.

I don't have my piggies on my lap that often and usually interact with in their cage (as from their point of view, they probably prefer it that way anyway!), and I understand not all pigs enjoy a cuddle, but Jasmine doesn't behave like this all the time. She seems to sit quietly with my mum and new people (possibly because she doesn't know them and therefore stays quiet rather than enjoying it) and I do keep an eye out for signs she needs the toilet.

Is there a better or alternative way to deal with tweaking? Perhaps a food distraction? Here's a photo of the little monster (white) with her daughter Pickle who's a dream to handle!

 

[HeatherW]

Just to add that, if I can keep her at bay for long enough (placing her on a towel so the tweaking doesn't bother me), she usually settles down and seems to enjoy it, even having a little wash at times.

I understand cuddles may not be her thing, and I avoid taking her out for cuddles if I think I'd be disturbing her, so I'm really after tips on how I can better deal with tweaking.

 

[Pigwhisperer]

Remember that tweaking is communication, not misbehaviour (see the section on guinea pig whispering.)

I'm always disappointed when Clover starts doing it after 5 or 10 mins of lap time but as it can mean she needs a wee (found that out the hard way!) I daren't ignore it for long.

In fact after about a year of this she recently started sitting happily for longer, and I like to think it's because I built up trust with her by responding to her communication, but I'm ready to admit that could be imagination!

 

[Merab]

Merab tweaks when she’s on my lap.
It usually means “I’ve finished the treats - I want more NOW.”

 

[Flutterby]

Digby does it when he's had enough, or wants a wee!

 

[HeatherW]

That's just it. When she first started doing it, I thought she needed the toilet so I'd put her back. However, it appeared that wasn't always the case, and I'm wondering if she's learned that nipping means she goes back in the cage.

I'm wondering if there are other effective ways of asking her not to pull on me like that as she often does it close to my neck and collar bone, and that can hurt quite a lot!

 

[Reenie]

Groucho does this too. He pulls at my clothes when I'm carrying him, but if there isn't cloth there (like with a scoop necked top), he just pulls at the skin instead - ouch!