Here we can see, “Guinea Pig Body Language and Sounds”
Guinea noises can imply a variety of things—how it’s these tiny animals interact. Guinea pigs can communicate a lot by mimicking capybara sounds and postures. Even if you don’t understand all of their noises, some things they do have a clear meaning and can help you comprehend your guinea pigs. To figure out what they’re saying, read their body language and listen to their sounds (chitters, squeaks, and purrs).
Guinea Pig Sounds
Guinea pigs generate a wide range of sounds or vocalizations, some of which will be familiar to most owners. Squeaks, chortles, and gentle grunts are frequently heard from contented guinea pigs going about their business. Along with the squeaks and chortles, your guinea pig may make other characteristic noises. Learn how to spot them!
Wheeking
Guinea pigs use this distinct (and common) vocalization to express anticipation or joy, especially after being fed. Wheeking sounds like a long scream or whistle, and it can also be used as a call to attention. For example, when their owners open the fridge or get out the food container, many guinea pigs will make a loud noise in anticipation of getting some nice treats.
Purring
Purrs have diverse connotations based on the pitch of the sound and the body language that goes along with them. Guinea pigs who are happy and content will emit a deep purring sound and adopt a relaxed, tranquil posture. If the purr is higher pitched, particularly at the conclusion, it is more likely to be a sound of annoyance. A guinea pig producing these sounds will appear anxious and possibly vibrate. A short purr, sometimes known as a “durr,” can signal fear or uncertainty, especially if the guinea pig remains still.
Rumbling
The rumble of a guinea pig is louder than a purring noise. It’s made when a man romances a woman, and females make it in season. The rumbling is sometimes known as “motorboating” or “rumble strutting” because a sort of “mating dance often accompanies it.”
Teeth Chattering
This is an aggressive vocalization made by a guinea pig who is agitated or angry. The guinea pig’s teeth chattering is frequently accompanied by the guinea pig displaying its teeth, which resembles a yawn and signals “back off” or “keep away.”
Hissing
This, like teeth chattering, is an indication of an agitated guinea pig. It sounds exactly like a cat’s hissing noise.
Cooing
In guinea pigs, cooing conveys confidence. It’s a sound made by mother guinea pigs to their offspring, although it’s not unique.
Shrieking
A guinea pig’s shriek, a piercing, high-pitched squeak, is a fairly obvious call of alarm, fear, or pain. So it’s a good idea to check on your guinea pigs if you hear this sound to make sure they’re all right and no one is wounded.
Whining
A whiny or groaning squeak might express irritation or disapproval of something you or another guinea pig does.
Chirping
This sound is quite similar to a bird chirping and is probably the least understood (or heard) sound made by guinea pigs. A trancelike state can also be seen in a chirping guinea pig. The meaning of this “song” has sparked a lot of debate, with no clear answers.
Guinea Pig Body Language
Guinea pigs may also communicate with their bodies. It’s a good idea to learn what’s usual for your guinea pigs so you can identify changes in their movements and posture that could indicate something is wrong with them. Recognize the following terms used by your pet:
Popcorning
Popcorning is easily identified by leaping straight up in the air, sometimes repeatedly, just like popcorn does when it pops. It’s most common in young guinea pigs who are particularly pleased, thrilled or have a good time. Older pigs also throw popcorn, albeit they don’t jump as high as younger pigs.
Freezing
When a guinea pig is shocked or unsure about something in its surroundings, it will remain motionless.
Sniffing
Sniffing is a means for people to observe and learn about what is happening around them. Guinea pigs enjoy sniffing each other’s noses, chins, ears, and back ends.
Touching Noses
This is how guinea pigs greet each other.
Aggressive Behavior
Raising their heads and standing up on their hind ends with stiff legs, shuffling side to side on stiff legs, fluffing out their fur, and exposing their teeth are examples of these behaviors (yawning). These behaviors are frequently accompanied by hissing and chattering teeth. Be on the lookout for fighting if your guinea pigs do this to each other.
Strutting
Aggression is typically accompanied by teeth chattering when moving side to side on stiff legs. While rumbling is a common mating dance, strutting around another guinea pig, the phrase “rumble strutting” comes from this.
Marking by Scent
Guinea pigs brush their chins, cheeks, and hind ends on objects they want to claim. Then, they may urinate on objects or other guinea pigs to demonstrate their authority.
Mounting
This can be sexual behavior (males to females) or conduct intended to demonstrate dominance within the guinea pig herd’s social structure, particularly among females.
Fidgeting While Being Held
This is frequently a clue that your guinea pig has to go to the toilet or is simply weary of being carried. Consider putting your guinea pig back in its cage for a while in either case.
Head threw in the air
When a guinea pig becomes irritated by being petted, it will fling its head back to ask you to stop.
Licking
Most owners regard this as a sign of guinea pig affection, yet it’s also conceivable that they enjoy the taste of salt on your skin.
Trying to Avoid Being Picked Up
Guinea pigs are generally shy, especially initially. Running away from you is a natural protection strategy, not a rejection. If given enough time and tolerance, almost all guinea pigs will accept being picked up for cuddling and playtime outside of the cage.
User Questions
What does guinea pig chirping mean?
It’s a sure sign that your guinea pig is having a good time, and you’ll frequently hear it while feeding them. If it detects that playtime is approaching, it may begin to whistle.
What is the sound of a sad guinea pig?
When your guinea pig is angry with another piggie, they may make teeth chattering, hissing, growling, and whining sounds.
Is it true that guinea pigs miss their owners?
They will, without a doubt, miss you and their usual routine. When our first family piggy returned home from a vacation in the 1970s, he did a huge happy dance. Likewise, my piggies are always noticeably relaxed when I return from a family visit to another nation.
Do guinea pigs know when you kiss them?
Guinea pigs usually enjoy being kissed if they’ve developed a bond with the kissing person. It also relies on the individual guinea pig’s personality. Some people enjoy exchanging kisses (or licks) as a show of affection.
What causes guinea pigs to lick you?
If your guinea pig begins to lick you, it may indicate that they like you. It’s often thought to be a loving gesture. However, they could be grooming you the same way they groom each other.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
