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Behaviour Problems
Guinea pigs do not go out of their way to be naughty - usually any problems are signs of fear and easily solved.
Bar Chewing is a common habit, and it is one of the most troublesome. Bar chewing is noisy, harmful to the guinea pig's teeth and it can also damage the cage. Bar chewing is often a sign of boredom or loneliness. Guinea pigs are much happier and more active in g
 roups and most guinea pigs will get along with a cagemate of their own gender. Make sure that the guinea pig/s have enough hay to chew on to satisfy their need for gnawing, and possibly provide something for chewing - some people use untreated wooden hidey-houses which the guinea pigs can bite. In some cases, it may be necessary to cover the cage bars with something to prevent chewing as it is dangerous to the guinea pig's teeth and may result in maloclussion. Pictured: Mushroom chewing the cage bars
Biting people can range from minor nips to bites that cause cuts. Punishing a guinea pig as he bites will not help. It is important to understand that guinea pigs often lick each other, and this lay feel like they are about to bite as the teeth brush your skin. Licking or nibbling a person is a sign of affection; if the guinea pig appears otherwise content it is likely just showing friendliness rather than about to bite.
Some adolescent guinea pigs bite people, but this is usually minor and temporary. If your guinea pig bites hard or continually, consult a vet as there may be an underlying medical cause. Agitated nipping when touched is a sign of pain and often indicates the prescence of mites, a painful skin parasite.
Some guinea pigs scratch the person picking up or carrying them. The guinea pig will reach up her hind legs and scrabble at the human's hands. Often this is because the guinea pig wants to have her hind legs supported and is trying to get a foothold. Guinea pigs dislike having their legs dangling. A good solution is, when picking up the guinea pig, to bring her quickly to your chest so that all limbs are supported, or to hold out one hand for her to rest her back feet on.
As with biting, scratching at people can also be a sign of pain, and if it is persistent or occurs when the guinea pig is touched (not just when they are carried), the owner should seek veterinary advice.
Fighting is a problem for some guinea pigs. It is normal for newly introduced guinea pigs to chase, chatter and nip each other to establish dominance, and most cagemates have squabbles occassionally. If fighting is persistent, it may be that the cage is too small or the guinea pigs just do not get along.
If there is no bloodshed, make sure there is two of everything (hayracks, food bowls, water bottles) on opposite sides of the cage to prevent squabbles over food. If either guinea pig is bleeding or being continually chased and nipped, it is a good idea to separate the guinea pigs and try reintroducing in a few days. In some cases, guinea pigs have to be separated permanently. Partitioned cages can work out, so they can still socialise without fighting. Some guinea pigs that cannot be housed together will still get along during floor time.
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