[Gpdd] BEHAVIOR biting guinea pigs and children

[Bellarobi at aol.com]

Hi,
I just wanted to comment on guinea pigs that bite.
As far as I know, guinea pig's natural instinct tells them to run and hide 
rather than defending themselves by biting. I have only had 2 piggies that nip 
when nervous, not to defend themselves. Both happened to be longhaired. It also 
seemed at times that they wanted to see if you are eatable. Because I do have 
children, I will stay away from biters. I don't think that guinea pigs can be 
trained not to bite, they either do or they don't. As much as I am committed 
to all my animals, I am more committed to my children. As difficult as it is, 
I have brought animals back to the store once I found out they bite. The 
sooner that's done the better it is. What has helped is, before I buy a pet, I 
spend a lot of time observing the animals at the store. I want to be able to touch 
and hold the piggies that I am interested in several times. I can tell by 
that which ones are easy going and which ones are nervous.  If a store tells you 
that that is against their policy, walk out. I had most luck with Pets Mart. 
They don't care how much time it takes me to pick one out. There is absolutely 
no pressure. The other thing I have learned is not to let my children pick out 
the pets, get their input? Maybe.
Last August we decided to buy a hamster. My 8 year old daughter was all 
excited to pick it out. With her being there, I wanted to grant her wish by buying 
the hamster she wanted but I was too distracted to do my usual " buying 
tests". We were not even home when blood started flying. He bit my daughter pretty 
deep in her finger. Once we were home, he bit me 3 times. Needless to say, he 
went back to the store the next day. There is usually a 14 day guarantee on all 
animals---they don't like it but the have to take them back. After that 
ordeal I went by myself and found a very cute non-biter. He is much  fun for 
everybody.
What I want to say is, please don't feel bad to return an animal when you 
find out that it is a biter, especially when you have small children. Of course, 
it is a given that children handle the animals with care and respect. If it 
would be just me I could handle it, but children can get a lifelong fear or 
dislike of pets when bitten. That is why I draw the line with biters.

just my opinion and experience,
best wishes,
Marion