Guinea pigs have some of the cutest actions and vocalizations. These critters can tell you if they are happy, sad, angry, or excited. All guinea pig owners have heard those famous little squeaks. But what does the squeaking mean? Squeaking is a form of communication that guinea pigs have—just like cats meowing, dogs barking, and humans yammering.
Like most mammals, guinea pigs communicate through body language, pitch, and frequency. Their noises mean different things depending on what else is going on. Here, we cover the reasons that your little piggy might be squeaking, along with more information about guinea pig noises and quirks.
The 9 Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Squeak
Guinea pigs can be quite theatrical creatures. If you’re unfamiliar with these rodents, know that they can make all sorts of exciting vocalizations. Squeaks cover a broad range of guinea pig noises, so let’s talk about each one, along with other fun actions.
1. Eek! Something Scary Is Happening
Guinea pigs are prey animals, so it can be easy to spook them. If you enter a room too fast or they hear an unfamiliar noise, they might let out a little squeak in response. This kind of squeak sounds like a “drr” sound.
They can be quite jumpy too. So, if they’re freaked out, they might be scurrying around their cage and then freezing to assess the scene. They usually act a little nervous until they know that everything is fine.
2. Hurray! I Love Floor Time
You may have caught your piggy off-guard, but they’re happy to see your face. They might “chut” while playing hide and seek with you during floor time. They also often make this sound while exploring. It shows that they’re feeling excited, adventurous, and joyous.
When your piggy is up to play, offer them interesting toys, mazes, and tunnels.
3. Hey! Can You Please Feed Me?
Have you fed your little pig lately? Don’t worry, they will remind you! Guinea pigs aren’t quiet about their food bowls being empty, making all kinds of commotion. Once their tummies start rumbling, the shrieks start happening until they get a full food dish.
Some piggies will have more generous appetites than others. So, you might have a cavy always wailing for food even if they shouldn’t be hungry. Don’t always give in to their pleas if you know that they have had enough, but also make sure you’re portioning correctly.
At meal times, your guinea pig should always have a pellet-filled food bowl with plenty of fruits and veggies.
4. Wheek! Attention Please
Maybe they just want some good old-fashioned love? A few neck rubs or some floor time can do the trick. Your guinea pig doesn’t want to be cooped up in their cage all the time, after all. If you hear a “wheek” sound, it’s a cry for attention.
Your guinea pig needs to have time out of their enclosure every day. They should have play sessions that last at least an hour. Minimally, you should get your guinea pig out every other day, a minimum of three times a week.
5. Ouch! I’m Not Feeling Too Hot
It can be hard to detect health issues in guinea pigs. Since they are prey animals, they usually don’t show any signs of weakness until it’s advanced. You might hear them let out a high-pitched squeal.
Other than health issues, this sound might indicate that your piggy is trying to get your attention.
6. Ooh! I See You
Most guinea pig owners can agree that these little piggies can be quite nosy sometimes. They might watch you go from room to room, and they want to know what you’re doing. They could make what is called a chirrup sound, which means they’re feeling rather left out.
If you see your piggy staring at you from their cage, go over and give them a few scratches. They’ll feel better right away.
7. Grr! That’s a Warning
If your piggy is angry, they won’t sugarcoat it for you. Maybe they have an issue with a cage mate or don’t like the chaos around them. When they aren’t pleased, they might give everyone around a warning to back off.
This sound is known as chuttering. If you notice this noise, your guinea pig needs some space. So, whether this is toward you or a cage mate, it’s time to leave them alone.
8. Yikes! I’m Frozen
If your guinea pig lets out a chirping noise and then freezes, they sense potential danger. Or, they might not know what’s going on, and they aren’t sure if the coast is clear. But sometimes, they can make this chirping noise with no real meaning behind it.
There are mixed opinions on what freezing means, but it often presents itself as a trancelike state.
9. Aw! I Like You
Nothing is better than seeing a happy guinea pig. Your piggy might let out a low purring sound, similar to a cat. It may or may not be accompanied by other, quieter squeals. This is a way of showing affection and love to their furry or human friends.
You can hear this noise while they’re both outside and inside the cage. It’s a surefire way to know that they are happy campers.
Related Read:
Other Ways Guinea Pigs Communicate
There are other types of vocalizations and body language that can tell a lot about what kind of mood your piggy is in
Conclusion
Any guinea pig owner knows that these rodents are anything but quiet. Some might be less vocal than others, but they all have their triggers. Whether your guinea pig is more territorial or faster to show affection might influence how often they make noise.
Regardless, most guinea pig sounds are incredibly cute, warming the hearts of owners everywhere.
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Featured Image Credit By: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay
