What Do Guinea Pigs Sounds Mean
What Do Different Guinea Pig Sounds Mean?
Because they are active and social pets, guinea pigs can be a great addition to your family. Understanding their behavior and the sound they make is key to building a closer bond with your furry friend. So, what do different guinea pig sounds mean?
They vocalize by clicking, chirping, grunting, etc. Each sound has its own meaning. Their communication can be very emotional and complex. It can also be confusing for us, so it's best to be aware of the sounds and stances, so you know what your piggy is trying to say.
Knowing the type of noise will help you understand your pet more and know how to deal with certain situations, and most importantly, it will help you be a better pet parent.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Make Noises?
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When your guinea pig makes noises, it is probably excited about something, feeling scared or lonely. It can also mean that they are hungry or want attention. Most of the time, they communicate with other guinea pigs.
Sometimes, when you buy a new guinea pig and bring them home, it doesn't know how to react before entering a new environment. As a result, they start to panic and emit very high-pitched sounds, which can cause anxiety and discomfort.
Below, we have listed various types of sounds that guinea pigs produce and what they mean.
Whistling - Sometimes, your piggy will make a noise that sounds like a whistle or scream. They make such noises when they are very excited, like when they are about to get something good to eat. They may also make a whistling sound when they miss you or feel scared.
Purring - When a guinea pig is happy, it makes a high pitch noise. When you pet them, they sometimes make a purring sound because they’re enjoying themselves, but it could also mean they are scared. Sometimes they make a short purring noise when they are alert of any danger around them.
Hissing - Your guinea pig makes this type of voice when they are nervous, and it usually feels like their teeth are chattering. They make this sound when they are mad at other guinea pigs or want to fight with them.
Chirping - Sometimes, guinea pigs make a noise that sounds like chirping, and they often do this when they are in a trance or when they are sleeping. Scientists don’t know why they do this, but they say it happens a lot with those who have lost a partner.
Chutter - For some pigs, these beeps are scary. If you hear these beeps, it could mean that your pig isn’t being cared for. This sound is their way of saying, “Don’t bother me.” The type of sound may also be an indication that they are in trouble. Some make this sound when they’re stressed out about something.
Drrr - Guinea pigs are generally very silent creatures. When they hear an unexpected noise, they suddenly get scared or startled and make such a sound. This makes most piggies freeze in place. They’ll start observing you quietly with their forward-facing eyes while being alert, scared, and ready to run from danger.
Cooing - Cooing is a comforting sound that guinea pigs make to their young ones and, in some cases, to each other in times of distress.
What Does it Mean When Guinea Pigs Squeak?
There could be a variety of reasons behind a guinea pig squeaking. They could be hungry or even going into labor! In simple words, it can be a little alarming, indicating they're in danger and need human assistance.
However, the most likely reason your piggy is squeaking is that it needs something.
For example, if one guinea pig is taller than another, it will sometimes push the smaller ones out of the way. This is when your piggy will squeak and will ask you to solve its issue.
Why Does My Guinea Pig Squeak When I Pet It?
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If you recently adopted a guinea pig, it may not recognize or trust you yet. That could be the reason why it is squeaking while you’re petting it. But if that's not the case, it might have issues with its stomach or is in labor.
Sometimes, your guinea pig may squeak while they play. Some researchers think it’s because they like to communicate with one another.
This might be true; however, other researchers think that guinea pigs make such a noise when they're in pain or uncomfortable.
What Sound Does A Guinea Pig Make When It’s Happy?
You'll likely hear purring when you pet your guinea pig with a gentle hand or when they are happy. Guinea pigs will rub their noses with each other as a sign of affection. They also enjoy hopping towards one another and then bouncing around.
They may also start popcorning. It is the ultimate expression of joy for them. When their owners come home, they generally feel so happy that they throw their little butts in the air and jump to show off.
This tendency to make noise when excited is particularly common in young guinea pigs who are still in the “playful” stage of their development.
What Sound Does A Guinea Pig Make When They Want Attention?
When guinea pigs want us to pay attention to them, they make a distinctive vocalization called wheeking. They make noises that sound like squeaking when they are happy, especially when they are about to be fed.
They love your attention. They will squeal, squeak, and sometimes wheek, hoping you’ll give something to them.
Conclusion
You might be surprised to know that there are many characteristics of guinea pigs that still remain a mystery. That’s why scientists continue to study their habits and the sounds they make.
Of course, their sound might seem strange to you, but once you learn about each noise your guinea pig makes, you won’t be so surprised by the different voices of your little one.