The Guinea Pig Language
Knowing what the different guinea pig noises may mean can help you understand your little friend more! We hope this guide is helpful to both you and your guinea pigs!
Wheeking- This is a high pitched, common, happy sound and is mostly aimed at us humans! It usually means, 'Feed me!', and you'll hear it when you rustle the vegey bag! But is also a sign of happiness and contentment. Your piggy will make this noise if it is confident and trusting of you!
Purring- The purr of a guinea pig is similar to a cats, and really just says 'thats the spot!' I mostly hear this happy sound when giving the boys a scratch!
Rumbling- The rumble is similar to a purr, only the pig may drag their back end along the floor aswell. It is most common when a boar is somewhere a sow has recently been and gets a bit hormonal! As none of our boars are neutered we hear this one alot!
Teeth Chattering- This is another sound most common with the boys. A teeth chatter can mean 'back off!', and is mostly heard when two boars are having a bit of a fight! It is a warning for the other pig to keep away. I have also heard it when one of my boys is having a groom. He's not a fan of the brush!
Yawning- This is a silent gesture in the guinea pig language, and if it does not mean 'I'm tired.' then it may be a sign of aggression. When two boars are introduced they may yawn to show off their teeth. Take it as a warning sign and watch out for fighting. I've only seen this once when bonding but it did result in a fight so make sure you are ready to intercept!
Chirping- I personally haven't really heard this sound but many people claim to have seen their piggies in a trance like state making a chirping sound like a bird. It can mean several things, such as if the guinea pig has been startled, but mostly it is done for no reason.
Shrieking- This is easily confused with the happy wheek but is higher and often just one or two calls. It is usually when the guinea pig is in pain, for example if it has just been nipped, and I'd take it as an alarm call. Some guinea pigs are more dramatic than others and they may make this noise for no real reason!
Chattering- Chattering sounds like the guinea pig is muttering to itself. It is the sound of the happy pig! You may hear it when your guinea is eating or exploring a new place. When I have my group of 13 girls out on the grass, they always make a chattering sound which is lovely to hear in a big group!
I hope this has helped! Click here to read our last post
on nail clipping which may make the task easier for you and you pig!
We post every Sunday so check our blog next week for a new addition! x
