How to Understand Guinea Pig Language

Guinea pigs are social creatures that like to talk and communicate whenever they have the chance. Many people are amazed at how loud and animated their guinea pigs are. Here is a general guide to help you understand a guinea pig's language.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Purring. Guinea pigs generally purr when they are content and happy. Their purr sounds similar to a cat’s purr. If you pet them or give them a treat they may grace you with purring.

2. Deep purring. Almost like a content purr, when guinea pigs are mating, they have a deep purr that shakes their body.

3. Chirping. Guinea pigs generally chirp when they want attention or food. If you normally feed your guinea pig in the morning, your guinea pig will probably start greeting you by chirping in the morning. Some guinea pigs even chirp when they hear the refrigerator door open or their bag of food rustling. Guinea pigs can chirp surprisingly loud. If your little guy is feeling lonely he will usually start singing to you for attention.

4. Extended chirping. If a guinea pig is scared or upset they will let out loud, extended chirps. It almost sounds like a little scream. Occasionally if they are afraid of falling or are being mishandled they will let their owner know.

5. Grunting. Grunting is usually an unhealthy sound. Guinea pigs only generally grunt or make guttural sounds when they are sick or not feeling well.

6. Teeth chattering. Guinea pigs may chatter their teeth towards other guinea pigs or if you are handling them improperly. It’s usually a gentle way of telling you to stop what you are doing.

7. Content mumbling. This sound isn’t like the others. When a guinea pig is playing or running around they will make little sounds. It’s a playful noise.