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GUINEA PIG BEHAVIOUR In addition to the sounds guinea pigs make, they also express themselves with different types of behaviour. Analysing a cavies behaviour allows you to understand your guinea pig and enable you to provide your cavy with an environment in which they can express themselves fully. Behaviour Guinea pigs exhibit many different types of behaviours which are defined below:
Name Meaning Example Popcorn Happiness/Extreme Joy: Named “popcorning” or “popcorn” as a guinea pig will jump around much like corn kennels whilst being heated up. Popcorning occurs when a cavy is extremely happy. They just can’t contain their joy! Begging Hunger/Begging for food: Cavies will beg for food. They may wheek and stand on their hind legs hoping for a tasty treat. Sleeping Relaxing: As they are prey animals they will often sleep with their eyes open. Sometimes when a guinea pigs feels very safe and secure they will close their eyes when sleeping. Cavies are most active early in the morning and evening. Comfortable: A guinea will often stretch when getting into a more comfortable position. Often during lap time or whilst your guinea pig is being petted they may stretch and yawn. Yawning Relaxing/Intimidate: A guinea pig will yawn for two reasons: 1) They are yawning as they feel relaxed or are preparing for sleep 2) A guinea pig may also show their teeth at another cavy by yawning. This is a form of dominant non aggressive behaviour. Licking Affection/Grooming: Guinea pigs may tend to lick people as they may like the taste of salt on our skin however only some guinea pigs will do this. This begs to offer the question of how guinea pigs can show affection for their owners. Many owners believe that their guinea pigs are showing affection by licking or giving “piggy kisses”.
Stretch
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