On the off chance that your guinea pig has an insatiable appetite, make sure that you wash your hands to remove any food odors. You don’t want your guinea pig to confuse your fingers for their meal. You might consider wearing gloves until you are confident that your guinea pig won’t bite you.
Pain can cause biting. You might be hurting the guinea pig or there might be a deeper physiological issue. [3] X Research source Sometimes, guinea pigs will bite you when they mean to nibble on themselves. This can be an indicator of mites or fleas. [4] X Research source If discomfort or pain is a concern, contact your veterinarian for an exam right away. If your pig is nibbling/biting while you are holding it, it may need to get down to urinate. So, if that is the case, put it back in the cage and watch what it does next. If the pig urinates, you have your answer. [5] X Research source Non-neutered male guinea pigs may show dominance by biting more than females or neutered male guinea pigs. Consider neutering your guinea pig. However there is no guarantee that neutering will stop the biting completely. [6] X Research source Teresa Bradley Bays, DVM, Teresa Lightfoot, D. V. M. and Joerg Mayer, Dr. med. vet. ,M. Sc; Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles, and Small Mammals, St. Louis, MO: Saunders, 2006; pp 207-238. Dominance is not solely based on testosterone levels. [7] X Research source If your guinea pig is biting the bars of its cage, it could mean that the animal is lonely and wants attention. It might not be exhibiting menacing behavior, but calling out for attention. Approach carefully. [8] X Research source
Open the cage and let it investigate the opening. It is important to let your guinea pig explore. Once it knows its space and where the good hiding places are, it will feel more comfortable. As the pig gets more relaxed, place an exercise pen around the cage on the floor, and give the guinea pig time to explore. Do this when it is quiet — make sure there are no loud noises and no other pets around. Place fresh greens at the edge of the cage door and outside the cage to encourage exploration. Don’t push. Every guinea pig is different and this will take time.
Just sit and read or watch TV (quietly) next to the cage, while the pig gets used to your presence. Loud noises will frighten the guinea pig, so hang out together when the house is quiet and no dogs or cats are around.
When you pick up a pig, use one hand to pick it up around the chest and the other to support the hindquarters. The guinea pig needs to feel completely supported so it doesn’t worry about being dropped. Start by sitting on the floor. Pick it up and pet the it. Keep calm. If the pig gets agitated, put the pig back down before it feels the need to defend itself with their teeth. [12] X Research source Teresa Bradley Bays, DVM, Teresa Lightfoot, D. V. M. and Joerg Mayer, Dr. med. vet. ,M. Sc; Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles, and Small Mammals, St. Louis, MO: Saunders, 2006; pp 207-238.
Under your supervision, have children sit down on the floor with a towel, a “Critter Cuddler Blanket”, or “Cuddle Cup” to hold the guinea pig. This way, there is a barrier between the child and the guinea pig to protect them both. Have the child pet the guinea pig gently and allow the guinea pig to wander away, so it does not feel trapped.
If someone held you against your will and you were afraid, had to urinate, or were hungry, would you consider biting? You don’t have another way of communicating, so you probably would sink your teeth into their hand too.
