My Guinea pig nibbles on my skin?

[Zaosyn]

I have a Guinea pig who is about 1 year old now I've had him since he was about 5 months. I was wondering why he started to nibble/lick my skin when I rub him? It's like my dog, when I rub him he usually scratches and puts a smile on his face. I'm not hurting either of them but just curious as to why this happens. If I keep rubbing will he nibble harder? I really can't explain if he's licking my skin or nibbling on it as it doesn't hurt but I can feel he's trying to pinch it. Do Guinea pigs have rough tongues like cats?

[Cavylvr]

That is a good question. I have noticed that my 6week old likes to "taste" me sometimes. I figured it was just curiosity about her surroundings as her 1 1/2 yr old mom doesn't do that. It'll be interesting what others say about it.

[my4gps]

If you're rubbing the hair in the wrong direction, tail to head instead of head to tail, that is painful for them and they may nibble. Also, mites will cause them to nip when you handle or pet them because mites are painful.
Other than that, I'm not sure. Maybe he just likes the taste of you :-).

[Mutty]

I have read somewhere that some GPs like our skin if they need salt. Has anyone else hear of this or is it a myth?

My Beanie liks my hand sometimes, but I think it is when he is trying to tell me to put him back in his cage as he has had enough cudling.

[Cavylvr]

Speaking of needing salt. I have been meaning to ask... do piggies need a salt wheel? I think I remember having one for my piggy when I was a kid (it was a while ago). I know rabbits need them, but I am not sure about piggies.
Thanks

[BUSHPIGS]

Yes Cavylvr I would be interested in hearing peoples opinions on this too. My piggies have acces to a horse block (no urea) but I have never seen them near it. Maybe they get enough salt from the vegies etc.
As they seem to have delicate kidney function I would not have thought that salt was a real must.
Feed back would be appreciated.

[daisymaisy2]

A salt wheel is not needed. I am attempting to find the information on guinea lynx.

[Foggycreek]

No, they get all the salt they need from their diet.

I'd get rid of the horse block, Bushpigs. Most of the ones you can buy around here anyway contain more than just salt.

[BUSHPIGS]

Don't worry Foggycreek the horse block has been put up on a tyre and out in the paddock for the horse.
I find piggies don't eat what they don't need/want if there needs are met.

[Jennicat]

That is entirely untrue, Bushpig. Guinea pigs can and will eat foods that can cause them to bloat, give them diarrhea, choke them, are too fatty for them, will block them, and so on.