My piggie seems super aggressive

[Qualthas]

Hey guys I need help! We are new owners of a piggie and recently she seems to have become really aggressive. She is very young, not sure about the exact age as we got her from a pet store but she is 14oz and about half the size of an adult piggie. The other day while handling her, we were actually walking back to her cage, she was very squirmy and actually bit down hard on my finger. I feel I was transporting her correctly supporting her entire body and such. She often eats out my hand when offering her treats and food. She comes out of her hiding spot to eat and as long as we move slowly she will allow us to pet her. Just recently we were watching tv and she was sitting on me. Eventually she shifted and laid down as I shifted she might’ve got spooked and was desperately trying to jump or fall off the bed to get back to her cage. I tried to keep her from falling off the bed but she was struggling and attempting to bite me. The only thing I caould do was grab a blanket and hold her with that to transfer her to her cage. She began biting on that hard. The only thing I can attribute the change in behavior was a recent respiratory infection. We had to administer oral medication and I’m sure she didn’t appreciate that. She is solo pig and we haven’t had her long and were thinking she might be lonely and want a cage mate. Any ideas if this behavior will change or get worse as time goes on. We only really handle her if she lets us and usually for a short while cause she starts to get squirmy. Usually we just sit next to her cage and talk and hand feed her. My kids really want to hold her as we’ve heard pigs are very fond of cuddling. Any advice would be helpful

 

[Betsy]

Guinea pigs are not cuddly toys. Some of them like to be held and others don't. It all depends on their personality.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Hi,
I can understand your wanting your lone pig give your children cuddle time and yes they can do that and sit lovely and give you kisses. However, a single pig isn’t good for their mental well being they live in herds in the wild, the pet shop shouldn’t really allow singles to be sold and I hate to read this stuff. Your pig needs a friend and needs to bond with another pig from a rescue centre so you know it’s healthy and will ensure they take to one another.
A pig will bite for a couple of reasons, they feel threatened, in pain, smell food on your hands and mistake you fingers as food.
It takes time for a pig to bond to humans and some takes years whilst others happen very quickly it depends on their personality.
Being calm around them in the first instance I found key. Soft noises and words.
When transporting use a carrier or tube to ensure they don’t jump from your hands because they can and will injure themselves. And give you a heart attack at the same time , we’ve all been there!
But please get your pig a friend. And remember they live longer than a hamster and require plenty time, and money to care for them, more than most folks realise.
And

 

[Qualthas]

Thanks for your advice. I’m gonna keep working with her. I’m lining a small wooden box with fleece and using that to handle and hold her so she feels more secure. And am gonna try to find a shelter or rescue to get her a friend. Like I posted I believe she is young so I assume she’d be naturally skittish and hope with a friend and time she will grow out of it

 

[VickiA]

Please have a good read of this guide about why piggies bite and how to work with them to stop biting. " Biting" And What You Can Do

 

[DMS260820]

My sow bites if touched under her chin or around the back legs, but thats normal and not hard she just rests her teeth on my finger if i catch her by mistake.

My boar burnie lets you stroke him anywhere and wont bite, but if picked up he will start biting himself lol. So i always carry him in a little guinea pig bed. He obviously must be stressed when being picked up

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum
Can’t add to the advice already given.
Please let us see pictures of your piggy