Crazy Pig

Question
Matt- We've recently added a guinea pig to our family.  I've never had one myself, but my husband had several growing up.  He's so cute and sweet, but I'm a little worried about his behavior.  He kicks out his bedding quite a lot, and he jumps around and is a little erratic in his cage.  My husband has also been getting nips, though not hard enough to break the skin.  I was thinking that he might be lonely.  What do you think?

Answer
Kicking out his bedding is not that strange.  Many guinea pigs do it.  He might not even be doing it on purpose.  Sometimes when they run, get startled, or just jump around, bedding flings out of the cage.  And if he is doing it on purpose, you could always try a new bedding.  I suggest Carefresh, it's a little heavier than wood bedding, and it's actually healthier for the guinea pigs as well.  

If your guinea pig is still young, his jumping around may be what people call "popcorn-ing".  Young guinea pigs do this a lot when they are excited or happy.  So his jumping around may be a good thing!

As for his nipping, a lot of guinea pigs do it.  Not many guinea pigs actually BITE, but there is definitely a difference between the two.  Your new guinea pig may be doing it just because he is curious, or because he smells food.  Make sure your husband, and everybody else that handles your piggie washes their hands before holding him.  This way, nobody's hands will smell like food, and your guinea pig will not want to bite them.  I have never personally worried about "nips", but if you would like them to stop, just simply say "no" in a firm voice and pull your hand away.  You can also point at your guinea pig firmly, but don't ever hit him, or flick him in the nose, or anything like that.  They are too fragile, and that will just make the afraid of you.  

Good luck with the new guinea pig! Hopefully I could be of some help, and if you have any more questions just let me know.