Guinea pigs behave in many different ways, and make a lot of different noises – especially for such small animals! They make these sounds in order to communicate with other animals and with you, their human. The sounds they make are among many little habits and traits that are adored by parents of guinea pigs. Here are some of the meanings behind the vocal expressions of guinea pigs to make them easier to understand.
Wheeking
Feel special because a wheeking noise is made just for you. Sounding exactly as it is pronounced, guinea pigs may “wheek” when they’re hungry or want food. They’re more likely to make this noise around meal times (especially if these are at exactly the same time every day!) or if they spot you walking towards them with food. This is their way of saying “I’m hungry” or “I’m excited for dinner”.
Purring
Guinea pigs also make noises similar to the “purr” of a cat – but this noise tends to sound a bit more like a grumble. Associated with happiness or contentedness in your pig, it’s often heard when you’re bonding with your pet, like when you’re grooming or patting them. Sometimes they might make this noise in short spurts when they are startled, or start to feel threatened, perhaps as a way of soothing themselves.
Growling
This little noise may be cute, but your pig will likely only make it when they feel in distress, perhaps feeling threatened by something that’s nearby. A drastic change in the space around them – like movement in the same room or loud noises from nearby. You may need to cuddle your pig and give them a pat to help them calm down a bit.
Chattering teeth
This noise is when your guinea pig makes a rapid succession of quick squeaks. It can be caused by anger in your pig, or when they are feeling unhappy or agitated about something that’s happening.
Shrieking
This sound should be like an alarm for an owner as it means your pet is in pain or in danger. If you have more than one guinea pig it may mean that there is uproar between your pets and you should dissolve the incident immediately.
Whining
The opposite to ‘wheeking’, your guinea pig will make this high-pitched moan when it is troubled or distraught. This is not too much of a concern and you should just check on your pet to make sure they’re ok.
Chutting
Another noise that sounds like it is spelled – a repeated “chut” sound, which is only made by some guinea pigs. It’s thought to be more of a personality thing for guinea pigs, as it’s not restricted by breed, just certain guinea pigs. Like the purr, chutting can happen when your guinea pig is relaxed, happy or content. It’s a rare noise for pigs to make, so be happy if your little one does make it!
There are various other noises the guinea pigs can make and many owners will record noises others have never heard. Regardless, it’s very important to listen to the noises that your pet makes, and ensure you respond to their needs to the best of your abilities.
If you’re thinking of getting a guinea pig, Petbarn has everything you need to make them feel at home with your family.
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You go to grab the bag of hay, and you know it’s coming – the guinea pig wheeks! At Kaytee, our guinea pigs LOVE hay and it’s clear that those are happy noises because they think they are getting their favorite food. But that’s not the only noise our pets make. Have you heard your guinea pig make a chut
We have compiled a list of common guinea pig noises to help you better understand your pet’s needs. While we can’t speak “guinea pig,” we can learn more about our pets to better take care of them in need and bond with them when they are content.
Use these tips below to better understand how your pet guinea pig is feeling or trying to communicate.
Chirrup:
This sound indicates disturbance or being mildly upset. You might hear it when they are bothered by something going on. It can also be sometimes used for attention. If your guinea pig is feeling neglected, you might hear a couple chirrup noises as they seek their owner’s attention.Chut:
The chut is a common noise made by guinea pigs to themselves and each other. It indicates contentment in their home or surrounding. Owners often hear chuts when a guinea pig is out of their habitat exploring.Chutter:
If you hear a chutter sound, you might want to be cautious. This could indicate mild unhappiness due to another guinea pig near them or something else. They typically don’t want to be bothered when they make this noise. These chutter noises are sometimes followed by a whine.
Drrr:
When your guinea pig is startled, they will likely make a drrr sound. This is their version of the expression “Ah” or “Wow” when they hear a loud noise or something disturbs them unexpectedly. When this noise is made, most guinea pigs will freeze in place since they are scared.
Scream:
Guinea pigs with scream when they have a fright or when they are in a fight with another animal. Pay close attention to your pet if you hear a scream.Squeal:
Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.Tweet:
Tweets are made by younger guinea pigs after nursing. This noise occurs after they have relieved themselves. You likely won’t hear this from an adult guinea pig.Wheek:
As mentioned before, a wheek indicates excitement for being let out, food or play. Owner’s will hear their guinea pigs wheek when they are about to be fed, if they hear their favorite treat bag, or when they are excited to play with something. On the contrary, a low wheek usually means that they owner is on their way over to the habitat and the make this sound until they are reunited with their owner or guinea pig buddy.Sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook for more pet information or tips!
Please note that all pets are unique. Some behaviors may indicate something other than what is typical. It is important to keep your guinea pig safe and healthy by watching for irregular activity and taking your pet to regular vet check-ups. Sources:Source: Animal Planet, Guinea Pigs by Julie Mancini
Have you ever looked at your pet and thought, “Just what is going on in that brain of yours?” Well, Young Post has been getting the pawriffic low-down from vets and other animal experts to help you interpret your furry friend’s behaviour and what it could be thinking.
This week, we’re finding out what guinea pigs are trying to tell us through their delightful and sometimes overbearing squeaks and wheeks.
Purring
This is also known as bubbling, and it is often heard when your piggy is being petted or groomed or as it chomps on its favourite fruit.
Low-pitched purring and a sprawled posture usually means it feels content. If the purr is higher pitched, especially towards the end of the purr, and if your guinea pig looks tense, it is most likely stressed or annoyed.
Wheeking
This long squeal is often loud and mixed with a whistle. Guinea pigs wheek when they are excited in anticipation of something they enjoy – such as food or yummy treats. Some guinea pigs will also wheek just to get your attention!
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Adult guinea pigs coo to show affection – so coo-ute!
Cooing
Cooing is similar to a soft murmur. Mother guinea pigs usually coo to their young when trying to reassure and calm them. In adult guinea pigs, males and females coo as a way of showing affection for each other.
Rumbling
Rumbling is similar to purring but sounds much deeper. The rumble is used by male guinea pigs to get the attention of female piggies, whilst females will rumble to signal to males that they are ready to mate.
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Teeth chattering
This signals aggression or agitation. If your guinea pig’s teeth chattering is accompanied by baring of teeth, it is your pet’s way of telling another guinea pig to stay back or back off.
This is a common sound when guinea pigs meet each other for the first time. But if the teeth chattering becomes really intense, separate them to prevent fighting. Then, slowly reintroduce the two for short periods of time until the chattering quiets and hierarchy (yes, that does happen in the world of guinea pigs) is established.
If your guinea pig chatters its teeth when it meets another pig, that means you need to separate them to prevent a fight
Hissing
This is a high-pitched squeak that sounds like a hissing cat. Similar to teeth chattering, this is a clear sign of aggression and annoyance.
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Chirping
This sounds similar to a bird’s chirping. But when guinea pigs do this, it might look as if they are in a trance-like state – eyes wide open as they stare blankly into space.
The exact reason behind the guinea pig’s chirp remains unknown, but this behaviour has been observed in some guinea pigs that have recently lost a friend. So if you hear chirping, it might not be a bad idea to give your piggy a little love.
Whining
This high-pitched moan means your guinea pig is annoyed about something that you or another guinea pig is doing. They also whine when they feel unwell or are in pain. So if the whining persists for a while, it is time to make a trip to the vet.
Answers provided by Dr Kris Koh, veterinary surgeon at Vet Affinity, Singapore