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Guinea Pigs/Stomping
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Question
Hi Nicole,
I'm am extremely new guinea pig owner. We have two males; Ozzy is 4 months and Root Beer is 3 months. They have bonded nicely and our family just adores them. We handle the boys several times throughout the day. We have feeding/cleaning, cuddle and floor time. This week, Ozzy has been giving me trouble with picking him up. He is difficult to catch and will stomp my hand with his back foot as I try to reach under him to lift him. Once I've gotten him, he cuddles close and all is well. He's never even attempted to bite. I'm wondering why he is stomping my hand away. He is clearly the dominant guy and Root Beer has accepted that, so there isn't an fighting. Is he possibly letting me know who is boss as well? I've observed him for any possible injuries and don't see any signs. What's up with this guy? Thank you for taking the time to consider my question.
Hello Jessica!
Luckily you found this site, that is home to a life-long guinea pig owner, me!
This question is simple to answer, he is used to you now. Guinea pigs are naturally skittish and not very trusting as in the wild almost everything eats them, including us. At first they probably were too stunned to move and fought you off less. Now that they know you, they are trying to fend for there lives. They realized that you know they aren't dead so this time they are choosing the flight response. My advice, get used to it. All GPs do it. The stomping is actually him trying to get his foot under his body to push away from you. This does not mean he does not love you though!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your quick response. We've had the little guys since late August, so it does make sense that they are pretty used to us and their routine. If stomping is what they do...I can totally accept it. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something that I needed to correct. I find them facinating and I really enjoy caring for them. Thank you for your time. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Nicole Bury
Expertise
I can answer every question anyone has! I am always willing to hit the books for other owners! I and my husband between me have 6 guinea pigs and one expecting, that we intend to keep 2 of. I can help with idle questions, everyday problems to serious health problems but I always suggest seeing a vet!
Experience
I have had 14 guinea pigs in my life with more to come. I have volunteered at the local shelter just to work with the small animals on a weekly basis and I have been to countless vets to soak up there advice, as well as looking in my 50 something books on guinea pigs. I know almost everything I can wrap my head around about guinea pigs!
Sometimes my husband, who is an exotic bird vet/guinea pig fanatic helps me with the questions to!
Organizations
None. Unfortunately ;)
Education/Credentials
I have taken community courses for pet care, including small animals, but I have not been to school formal education (I am not a vet).
Currently I am in the process of becoming a published author and I have my degree in creative writing. Someday I will have my masters. I teach local classes for advanced creative writing and literature for teens.
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