Why Do Guinea Pigs Jump

What Does It Mean When Guinea Pigs Jump?

Guinea pigs are enthralling creatures. They have large personalities and make excellent pets. They have highly distinct behaviors that can be difficult to discern and frightening to observe if they are not understood. This includes jumping, which is pretty cute and all, but unprovoked jumping can frighten new guinea pig owners. So why do they jump?

Jumping or “popcorning” is a phenomenon performed by guinea pigs when they are excited or frightened.

In this article, we’ll take a deep look at this phenomenon and why it occurs.

So without wasting any time, let’s get right into some basic questions first!

Can Guinea Pigs Jump?

Guinea pigs are fascinating animals. Though it may seem unusual to think of them as jumpers, THEY CAN - and pretty high to boot! 

We need to look at the evolution of this behavior to figure out the physicality behind their jumping and why this jumping behavior is occurring.

Why Do They Jump?

Popcorning is one of the many fascinating behaviors that guinea pigs engage in. It is a physical exercise that makes them happy. 

They leap into the air out of nowhere, twisting and extending their legs like a wonky pogo stick rider. Popcorning is the product of a really happy guinea pig, so if you notice it, don't be alarmed; it's actually a very good sign. 

If your pets have been fed new hay or one of their favorite foods, they are most likely to popcorn. Other than taking exceptional care of your guinea pig, there is really no real way to encourage it to popcorn. Many owners are really fortunate and frequently witness this behavior.

What is Popcorning?

Without warning, a popcorning guinea pig will leap into the air. They can look like a bucking bronco, twisting and kicking their legs in the air, or they might look like they're trying to ride a pogo stick and failing miserably. 

Some guinea pigs will run around and popcorn themselves against the wall!

The most common exhibitioners of these excessive bursts of delight and glee are young guinea pigs, but the adult population isn't immune to popcorning either. While many guinea pigs control their enthusiasm after adolescence (sound familiar?), other older piggies popcorn for their whole lives.

The Reasons for Popcorning

There are two main reasons why your guinea pig might hop around like a popcorn kernel:

Fear

Guinea pigs are sometimes startled by a loud noise around your home. They begin squealing and moving about erratically in this situation. They want to warn other guinea pigs that there is danger; therefore, they rush around with tiny leaps looking for a cover or any kind of shelter.

If you know this is happening, keep a watch on your pet in these situations because they can sometimes lose control and become unaware of what is going on around them. When they hit themselves on the cage, wall, or anything else, there's a chance they'll get hurt. 

In such instances, see your veterinarian right away.

Excitement

Some people grow concerned when their guinea pigs start popcorning, mistaking it for a spasm or seizure. 

This could not be further from the truth, as it is actually an indication that your pigs are very happy and thrilled. You'll frequently see them leaping around when you offer them fresh hay or a tasty treat, or even when they see their owner.

People frequently want to know how to prepare their guinea pigs to popcorn to show their friends or record it on film. Unfortunately, you won't be able to make them do it. 

The greatest method to encourage them to leap is to treat them well, feed them properly, and spend plenty of time playing with them - all of which a loving owner should be doing anyway!

How Far Can They Jump?

Guinea pigs have a leap height of 10 to 20 cm. They may jump from hammocks and other hiding places in their cage without harm. Some can even get out of cages and playpens that are only 20 cm high. 

A guinea pig may jump out of its cage and onto the roof of a sleeping den. This is something they will get better at as time goes on. Jumping from a great height might be extremely dangerous to your pig. Jumping on a daily basis can potentially hurt your guinea pig by weakening its bones, which can lead to arthritis. 

The more they leap, the more their joints and bones are damaged.

Can They Jump Out of Cages?

Yes, guinea pigs have been known to jump out of their cages. A responsible pet owner is always concerned about their animals' well-being. So, how can they assist their pet in avoiding injury if it can jump out of the cage? 

A guinea pig may jump up to 20cm, as mentioned before (highest). Choose any cage with four walls, each measuring 20cm in height. You don't necessarily need to have a roof on your cage, and your pet will be safe and healthy.

However, keep in mind that while these guinea pigs may not be strong jumpers, they are excellent climbers. To climb out of the cage, they can utilize various toys, stairs, or a ladder. 

Even in their protective cage, they can become scared and try to flee. To avoid any unexpected injuries, ensure that your cage is escape-proof and that the gate is not open.

Bottom Line

We hope you now understand what it means when guinea pigs jump. It could be related to joy, enthusiasm, or even apprehension, or health problems. 

They prefer to leap and move around on different steps, platforms, and ladders, as well as perch a little higher. Guinea pigs may jump and climb out of their cages using various toys, and if you don't provide adequate support, they can jump out of your hands or arms, which can be dangerous for them. 

Remember the highest jump recorded is approximately 20cm, with a horizontal jump gap of approximately 48cm, so use this information and take good care of your piggy!