Chattering teeth
Chattering teeth is a sure sign of aggression and annoyance. Generally speaking the quicker and louder the chattering, the angrier the guinea pig. You will usually hear this sound when two guinea pigs dislike one another's company, usually the case with males, and this means it's time to separate them.
Chirping
This is an extremely rare sound that very few of us have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Also known as "the guinea pig song", the sound is very similar to the chirp of a bird. The chirping pig will sit quietly and gently make a huffing motion, while other guinea pigs in the vacinity usually stop completely and listen intently. The reason behind chirping is currently unknown, although theories range from fear to a spiritual connection.
 |
| Holly chirps on a rare occasion |
 |
Pain
When in pain, guinea pigs will sometimes voice their discomfort with a high pitched and aggitated squeak. The sound clip is of a guinea pig in great pain while attempting to pass bladder stones, and any squeaking on this magnitude means an urgent trip to see the vet. Another type of squeaking in pain can come in the form of a short but loud high pitched squeal, something you may hear if your guinea pig is given in injection by the vet for example.
Popcorning
When an excited guinea pig jumps vertically into the air or gallops around with happiness, this is called popcorning. When leaping into the air, they can do it once or even several times in a row. This is a great way to tell if your guinea pig is happy.
Rumblestrutting
The entire body vibrates while the guinea pig makes a rumbling sound and steps up and down with both rear legs alternately. Male to female, this is a mating routine performed by the male. Between same genders, rumblestrutting is a show of dominance and is usually followed by the mounting of the subordinate pig. This behaviour is very normal and every guinea pig I have owned has rumblestrutted frequently.
Squeaking
Guinea pigs make a repetitive but gentle squeaking sound when happy on the lap of their owner. The squeaking is often accompanied by purring, a soft vibrating of the body similar to that of a happy cat but without the purring sound. Guinea pigs love to be stroked with an open hand from head to bottom.
|
| Willow is happy being cuddled |
|
Upper respiratory infection
An upper respiratory infection is characterised by a distinct crackle in the chest and can be treated with antibiotics from your vet. The crackle can be quite loud and is sometimes accompanied by discharge from the nose. The crackle of an upper respiratory infection can be confused with the gurgle of congestive heart failure which is fatal, however the gurgle is very obvious and wet sounding and almost definately accompanied by liquid coming from the nose and/or mouth. If in doubt always check with your vet.
Whistling
A whistling guinea pig is high pitched and loud, and usually aimed at you at dinner time! Guinea pigs often learn what time of day their meals usually arrive and anticipate it with lots of whistling before you've even made it to the fridge!
|
| 28 guinea pigs get excited at dinner time |
|
|
