5 min read
Why Does My Guinea Pig Nudge or Head-Toss My Hand?
Guinea pigs nudge with their noses to say move, give attention or stop. Learn the meanings of nose nudges and head tosses.
Nose nudges
- Asking for attention or food.
- Telling you to stop petting a particular spot.
- Exploring something new.
Head tosses
A quick upward head flick usually means 'stop that' or 'leave me alone'. It is common when a pig is touched on the face or rear.
With other pigs
Nose nudges between cage mates can be a gentle request to move, or part of dominance. Nose-raising contests decide who ranks higher.
How to respond
Respecting a 'stop' signal builds trust. Pause, then try petting a different spot such as behind the ears or along the back.