Protective guinea pig

[Jess1898]

I have 2 female guinea pigs. When I pick one of them up she tends to squeal (never used to but does the majority of the time now, I don’t know why though but she seems healthy) but she is fine once she is held. When picking this piggy up, my other female piggy sometimes gives me a nip as if to say leave her alone (the nip doesn’t hurt at all).

Is there any reason why she may be like this when I’m picking up the other piggy?

 

[sport_billy]

Which one is making the noise when you are picking them up? The one being picked up or the one in the cage still?

 

[dannif_piggies]

Most piggies don't like the act of being picked up do to their prey instincts. This is probably what the squealing is. And I would've thought that your other pig may just be reacting to the squeak of the one your picking up.

 

[Jess1898]

Which one is making the noise when you are picking them up? The one being picked up or the one in the cage still?

The one being picked up, but she never used to squeal, sometimes she squeals more than others

 

[Piggies&buns]

It might be worth having her checked for any pain, but other than that my initial thought is as dannif_piggies says - piggies generally don’t like being picked up as it makes them think they are going to be eaten so it is likely a protest to it.

 

[Jess1898]

It might be worth having her checked for any pain, but other than that my initial thought is as dannif_piggies says - piggies generally don’t like being picked up as it makes them think they are going to be eaten so it is likely a protest to it.

I might take her for a check up along with the other one. She is absolutely fine when she is picked up, she’s falling asleep on my knee right now. She doesn’t seem in pain when she’s running round at floor time either. And I think her piggy friend gets protective of her when she squeals so tries to warn me away.

 

[sport_billy]

It may be a response of i don't like that. Why not try these techniques How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig

 

[Wiebke]

I have 2 female guinea pigs. When I pick one of them up she tends to squeal (never used to but does the majority of the time now, I don’t know why though but she seems healthy) but she is fine once she is held. When picking this piggy up, my other female piggy sometimes gives me a nip as if to say leave her alone (the nip doesn’t hurt at all).

Is there any reason why she may be like this when I’m picking up the other piggy?

Hi!

Picking up guinea pigs is cutting very close to their prey animal instincts. If possible, train them to come into a conveyance of some sort so work around this problem.
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Always feed, treat, handle, groom and pick up the top piggy first as befits her status.