Guinea pigs are chatty little pets, and once you
have a solid grasp of the language of guinea pigs, then you will know when and
where to touch them, when they are hungry, feeling afraid, or just enjoying
themselves.
WHEEKING may be interpreted as a type of begging,
and is heard mostly around feeding time.
This sound is associated with the excitement and anticipation of food
coming soon, whether it’s the sound of chopping fresh vegetables, the rustling
of some Timothy Hay or some other noise that they associate with food or an
edible treat. If food is not the answer,
this noise may also mean that they would like their cage cleaned.
PURRING is a sound similar to a cat, and it is
associated with contentment and happiness.
HIGH PITCH PURR is no longer a sound associated
with pleasure, as this high pitch tone (along with a tensed body posture) is a
sure bet that your guinea pig is annoyed about something.
RUMBLING or a low pitched purr may signify
dominance within a group of guinea pigs, but more often than not, this is a
sound that communicates fear (especially when their tiny bodies shudder). This is one of the sounds that have an
entirely different meaning when the male is “dancing” or using the “rumble
strut”, because this sound in combination with these types of movements are
used to romance the female guinea pig.
SHRIEKING signifies pain or immediate danger, and
it is advised that you see what is troubling your piggy immediately. This is
also noted to be a warning to other guinea pigs in the general area that there
may be danger lurking nearby.
WHINING is a sound of displeasure and
complaint. For example, if one guinea
pig wants to play and the other is sleeping, the resting guinea pig may whine
in annoyance.
TEETH CHATTERING is a very clear communication that
your guinea pig is angry and agitated about something. If this noise is accompanied with stomping of
their feet and their body rocking back and forth, separate them immediately,
before a physical fight breaks out, as one little piggy may get hurt. Toss a cloth over the pigs to disorient them
and then separate.
Guinea pigs also communicate via body language and
other behavioural characteristics, for example:
- A guinea pig may remain in a still/frozen position if they are uncertain about a situation.
- Using their nose to sniff out and become familiar with an area is something that guinea pigs do often. In addition, they touch noses to display affection, and to greet another guinea pig.
- Guinea pigs will “mark” something by rubbing their cheeks and chins on an item that they choose to be their own.
- Your guinea pig may lick you out of affection or perhaps just because they enjoy the taste of your skin.
- If your pig tosses their head up, they are trying to communicate their annoyance of being petted, and are politely asking you to stop.
Guinea pigs try to communicate very well with each
other and their human friends; with a little patience and attention it is easy
to have a wonderful relationship with your pet piggy.
