NAVIGATION
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CONTACT admin@guineapigsaustralia.com.au
GUINEA PIG SOUNDS Ever wondered what all those squeaks, wheeks and purring noises mean? Guinea pigs exhibit a vast variety of behaviour and sounds which allows them to communicate their wants, needs and feelings to each other and you as a cavy carer. Guinea pigs are very vocal animals and should be encouraged with a large environment and another guinea pig to talk to, which will allow them to express themselves at all times. Sounds Guinea pigs exhibit a myriad of sounds which are defined below:
Name Meaning Example Wheek Hunger - I would like food: Usually a guinea pig will wheek when they hear a plastic bag rustle or a door open as this usually signifies feeding time. Purring Enjoyment/Pleasure: A guinea pig usually makes this noise when they are being stroked or petted. Guinea pigs enjoy being rubbed behind the ears and some guinea pigs under the chin. Growl I do not like this/scared: Guinea Pigs usually growl when they hear a noise they do not like or feel threatened. Gently pet your guinea pig should they feel scared, or place them in a safe, familiar environment such as back in their cage. Rumble Dominance/Mating: A guinea pig may rumble around another guinea pig in a mating dance. Cavies can also rumble after a cage clean to show their dominance over an area, or to show another guinea pig they are “boss” Chatter Anger/Annoyance: A guinea pig will teeth chatter when they are expressing annoyance or anger. A guinea pig can teeth chatter if they don’t like a noise, being petted in a certain way or if they are expressing dominant behaviour. Cavies will chatter at each other to help decide who will be the dominant guinea pig in a herd. This may also accompany yawning (showing their teeth) Shrieking Danger/Pain/Fear: A guinea pig may shriek for a number or reasons. The first could be danger. If they feel threatened they will shriek to warn other guinea pigs in their herd to be on alert. A guinea pig may also shriek if they are in pain. A cage mate may nip another cavy causing pain which will cause a cavy to shriek, or a guinea pig may get an injection at the vets causing pain. Baby guinea pigs will usually shriek if they are afraid or are unable to see other guinea pigs. Some babies do not like to be separated from their herd and will shriek as they may feel afraid/insecure. Chut Happiness/exploring: A guinea pig may chut whilst exploring a new area. It may seem like they are happily chatting to themselves. Whining Complaining: A guinea pig may be annoyed if they are being petted incorrectly, they are uncomfortable or have been disturbed. A guinea pig will let you know if they are annoyed by moaning and whining. Chirping Unknown: To date there is no definitive explanation for why a guinea pig may chirp. Some cavy owners believe their guinea pigs are “singing”. Chirping is very rare and many cavy owners may never witness their guinea pig making this sound. Many other guinea pigs will stand still and listen intently to the guinea pig chirping. There has recently been noted that a guinea pig may chirp as a signal of a predator or danger to the herd. The sound resembles that of a bird to disguise it and not alert the predator to the guinea pigs presence.
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