nibbly pigs

[Cassiedog]

A couple of my piggies give a few nibbles every now and then, sometimes it's like they are just testing it and other times they hurt!.....any tips on how best to stop this. I've tried saying 'NO' and tapping them on the nose, my mum was suggesting a squirt of water like you do with dogs/cats.

I think they do it most of the time to ask to be put back down but i don't like them doing it, especially as my 7yo daughter handles them!

 

[Lilly]

Gently tug on the fur at the back of their necks every time they bite enough to hurt. Apparently mums discipline their pups by nipping them there. Or, a gentler method, is to blow softly into their faces.

 

[Wiebke]

Just keep discouraging them, firmly but without shouting. They will usually get the message.

Nibbling is often a signal that they need to pee and want to go back.

 

[Cassiedog]

Thanks.

It's one of them in particular...i've been trying to spend some more time handling her and she is getting better but she bit me the other day and it HURT!

will try the above techniques.

 

[Lilly]

Yes, only one of mine is a biter and he seriously hurts which is why I researched and discovered the 2 methods I mentioned.

I did the blowing in his face bit which cured him of general biting. But there is still one circumstance under which he will always bite (and I do mean bite, not nibble) and because I know the trigger now I am able to avoid the situation that gives rise to the biting.

Are you able to determine what triggered your piggy's nip?

 

[Abi_nurse]

My OH has a pig that will bite hard often, she never seem to be able to disiplined no matter what you do. Shes just a naughty pig. lol.

.x

 

[Wilbur&Otis]

Interesting thread - will be trying the blowing technique! What is the circumstance you mentioned that your piggie always bites Lilly?

My Wilbur nibbles my finger when he wants to go back in the cage - most times he just holds my finger in his mouth but occasionally he pinches a bit and it hurts - I want to discourage this.

Otis bit me last night - didn't break the skin but he hates being picked up and he nipped my finger whilst I carried him back to the cage. Ouch! I think he's a bit quick to use his teeth at the moment - I've seen both of them nip at each other the last couple of weeks. Boys! Why can't my piggies be the licking type - much more sociable!

 

[Hc1]

One of my pigs nibbles my fingers when I have been doing something like chopping veg/herbs. I assume he can smell and thinks its food. It never hurts though. I don't actually do anything, other than pull my hand away smartish!

 

[Lilly]

Interesting thread - will be trying the blowing technique! What is the circumstance you mentioned that your piggie always bites Lilly?

If you get your finger anywhere right in front of his face he bites. As he also loves chin rubs, but will bite if I just stick my finger under his chin, I have to warn him. I need to ask "chin rub Hazelnut?" a few times until he lifts his head and then it is safe for me to get my finger near him and give him chin rubs.