Guinea pigs are known for their adorable vocalizations and actions. These cute critters can tell if they’re happy, sad, angry, excited, or both. Guinea pig owners are familiar with the famous squeaks. What does the squeaking sound mean? Squeaking, from guinea pigs, use to communicate, is similar to cats meowing, dogs barking and humans yammering.
Guinea pigs communicate with each other in the same way as mammals. They use body language, frequency, and pitch to communicate. Depending on the situation, different noises can mean different things. We’ve listed seven reasons your piggy might be making noises, as well as tons of fun information about noises.
Guinea Pig Language
Guinea pigs are quite theatrical. These rodents can be quite theatrical if you don’t know much about them. There are many guinea-pig sounds that can be heard through the squeaks. Let’s discuss each one, along with other entertaining actions.
1. Eek! It’s a Scary Thing
Guinea pigs can be prey animals so it is easy to scare them. They might squeak if you go too fast or hear an unfamiliar sound. This sound is similar to a “drr”.
They can also be very jumpy. If they are scared, they may be running around the cage, then freezing to see what’s happening. They will often act nervously until they realize everything is fine.
2. Hey! I Love Floor Time
Your piggy may be caught off guard, but they are happy to see your face. You might hear them “chut” as they play hide and seek on the floor. This sound is often made while they are exploring. This is a sign that they are feeling joyful, adventurous, and excited.
Offer your pet lots of toys, mazes, and tunnels when they are playing. You can let them burn off all the steam.
3. Mom! Mom!
Have you fed your little pig lately? Don’t worry. They’ll remind you. Guinea pigs don’t like their food bowls emptied. They will make a lot of noise and scream. When their stomachs start to rumble, they start making shrieks until they have a full meal.
Some piggies are more likely to have a large appetite than others. You might find a piggie in a cage that will for food all the time, even though they should not be hungry. If they are begging for food, don’t give up. But make sure to portion them correctly.
Your adult guineapig should have:
- 1/8 cup of commercial pellets for overall nutrition and health
- Timothy Hay supplements for tooth preservation and smooth digestion
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fresh water: 80 to 100 milliliters
Guinea pigs need a food bowl that is pellet-filled with lots of fruits and vegetables.
4. Wheek! Attention!
Perhaps they are just looking for some love. Perhaps a few head rubs and some time on the floor will suffice. After all, your guinea pig does not want to stay in its cage constantly. It’s possible to hear the guinea pig crying out for attention if you hear it making a “wheeking” sound.
Your guinea pig should be allowed to leave its enclosure at least once a day. Play sessions should last no less than an hour. You should take your guinea pig out at least once a week.
5. Ouch! Ouch!
Guinea pigs can be difficult to spot health problems. They are prey animals and don’t usually show signs of weakness until the disease is very advanced. They might let out a loud, high-pitched squeal.
It could also be a sign that your pet is trying to get your attention, in addition to health concerns.
6. Ooh! I See You
Guinea pig owners will agree that the piggies can sometimes be very nosey. They may be observant of you moving from one room to another and want to know where you are. A chirrup sound is what they might make to indicate that they feel a little left out.
You can give your piggy a few scratches if they are staring at the camera from across the road. You’ll notice a difference in their mood.
7. Grr! This is a Warning
Your piggy won’t be happy if they are upset. They might be having an issue with their cagemate or dislike the chaos. They might signal to everyone that they don’t like it.
This sound is called chuttering. This is a sign that your guinea pig needs space. It doesn’t matter if they are pointing at you or their cagemate, it is time for them to recuperate.
8. Yikes! I’m Frozen
Your guinea pig can sense danger if it makes a chirping sound and then freezes. They might not be able to tell what is going on and aren’t certain if they’re safe. Sometimes, however, they make a chirping sound with no meaning.
Although there are many different interpretations, it is often described as a trancelike state.
9. Aw! You are my favorite!
There is nothing better than seeing a happy Guinea Pig. A low purring sound might be heard from your piggy, which is similar to a cat’s. You might also hear other, quieter sounds. This is their way of showing love and affection to their human or furry friends.
This noise can be heard both inside and outside the cage. This is a surefire sign that they are happy campers.
Guinea Pigs Can Communicate in Other Ways
Other vocalizations and body language can reveal a lot about the mood of your piggy.
- Popcorning–popcorning can come in combination with vocalizations. This is a common behavior for Guinea Pigs when they are out playing. It is a sign of complete joy.
- Teeth Chattering – If you hear this sound, it’s a warning sign that they are ready for a fight. This is a sign that they are ready to fight. This can indicate territorial aggression or aggravation.
- This sound is usually made by cooing–mothers to show affection and comfort for their babies. It can also happen to cage mates.
- Scent Marking – They mark their scent by rubbing the backsides and cheeks of other animals or creatures with their noses. This is another way to establish territory.
- Licking is a behavior that dogs often do to enjoy the salty taste on your skin. Some owners may disagree with this behavior and claim it is a form of affection like a dog lick.
- Hissing is a sign of irritation. This is yet another way that guinea pigs tell anyone who is bothering them to get off their back–or else!
Conclusion
Guinea pig owners know that these rodents can be very quiet. While some may be quieter than others, all guinea pig owners know that they are vocal. It could influence the frequency they make noise, depending on whether your guinea pig is territorial or affectionate.
Is squeaking a sign of happiness in a guinea pig?
Guinea pigs frequently give out a high-pitched scream or whistle, which indicates that your furry companion is excited, maybe about eating or fun. Purring is another guinea pig sound that may make your guinea pig appear more like a cat.
How does an unhappy guinea pig sound?
Teeth chattering, hissing, snarling, and wailing are all examples of sad guinea pig sounds that your guinea pig may produce while in distress with another piggie. Teeth chattering is one of the more prevalent sad guinea pig noises that may be differentiated from the others.
Do guinea pigs provide consolation to their owners?
When they get so comfortable with you that they cheerfully follow you around, it’s a show of affection. Even if there’s no reward in store for them, they’ll stay with you at this point in the relationship because they like you and you make them feel comfortable.
What makes guinea pigs happy?
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How do you determine if a guinea pig is depressed?
You’ll immediately realize that guinea pigs are ALWAYS hungry. This is partially related to a lack of appetite, however, it does not necessarily go along. A melancholy guinea pig is a sluggish guinea pig…. Doesn’t Respond as Normally…. Has ceased to be Curious.
Do guinea pigs like a clean cage?
After you’ve cleaned them out and returned the guinea pigs to their enclosure, you’ll see how much they like a clean environment. Ours run around joyfully, making pleasant noises, and exploring every inch of the freshly cleaned cage.
Are guinea pigs lonely?
Guinea pigs are herd animals and should never be left alone. Even if you’re the finest owner in the world and touch them every day, they’ll be lonely without a fellow guinea pig to chat with, therefore keeping guinea pigs together is critical.
How do guinea pigs communicate with you?
Guinea pigs are gregarious, talkative creatures with a lot to say, making roughly 11 distinct noises to express their emotions. Indeed, guinea pigs utilize sounds as their primary mode of communication, and because they are herd animals, noises also serve as a method of preserving social position.
Is excessive squeaking natural in guinea pigs?
Some guinea pigs shriek when they are in distress or when they won’t care. It is possible that another guinea pig is stealing his preferred eating location. If you hear a squeal from your guinea pig, it might mean that they are in pain and need your assistance.