Your little ones are making all kinds of mysterious guinea pig sounds, but you are at a loss. Could this just mean they are constantly happy or are your piglets trying to tell you something else altogether?
What on earth could all of these guinea pig noises mean?
We’re covering all the different sounds so you can easily identify what your piggy is trying to tell you and that there are actually lots of different sounds.
- Guinea Pig Squeaking
- Guinea Pig Purring
- Guinea Pig Wheeking
- Guinea Pig Chirping
- Guinea Pig Cooing
- Guinea Pig Shrieking
- Guinea Pig Hissing
- Guinea Pig Whining
Since guinea pigs are social animals, they love to be quite vocal sometimes.
Getting a second guinea pig is awesome and seeing them interact with each other can be a real pleasure.
However, sometimes the sounds might keep us awake, especially when your guinea pig decides to shriek or wheek like crazy in the middle of the night.
Since guinea pigs are diurnal, we can easily get frustrated with them being active at times when we would prefer them not to be.
They might just try to tell you something though so let’s try to find out what that is.
Happy Guinea Pig Sounds – Know The Difference
You’re hearing all kinds of unique Guinea Pig sounds, almost a different one every time you visit the little one. What in the world is he trying to tell you, and how do you find out?
You absolutely love those happy Guinea Pig sounds (at least you hope they are happy). The more unique sounds your piglet makes, the more diverse he seems.
But what if he is upset, in pain, or enduring some other dire discomfort? What if your baby is scared or depressed?
How would you know the difference between happy and not-so-happy Guinea Pig sounds?
Body language.
The sounds your piglet makes will often be accompanied by visual cues, which are usually much easier to read.
For example, a startled, uncertain Guinea will often freeze, touching noses can be a friendly gesture, and strutting from side to side might indicate aggression.
- Fluffing/raising fur = aggression
- Strutting side to side = aggression
- Raising haunches = aggression
- Touching noses = greeting
- Popcorning = excitement
- Mountain = sexual or dominance
- Urinating/scent marking= ‘This is mine’
Now, these are just for vague categorizations, this list is not limited to the aforementioned meanings and depending on the context, the exact meaning can also be quite the opposite.
Consider the context.
Ask yourself what is going on while your piglet is making the sounds she is. This is almost universal for most animals, not simply guinea pig sounds.
Is she making excitable movements, or did something out of the ordinary just happen recently? What kind of body language do you see?
By observing your guinea’s behavior over time, understanding these sounds will slowly become instinctual.
Guinea Pig Squeaking
Those guinea pig squeaking sounds are the most adorable things you’ve ever heard, but what could they mean? Is your little one happy, excited, nervous and scared, or just playful?
Let’s find out.
Why do guinea pigs squeak?
Guinea Pigs will often squeak or squeal when frightened, anxious, or nervous. Repeated squeaking could be due to a loud noise or sudden change in your Guinea’s environment.
They will also squeak when happy or excited, so you’ve really got to pay attention to the intricate differences between squeaks. What is happening to elicit these squeaks?
Feed Me
Your little piglet might simply be hungry. Guinea pigs often squeak to let you know get your attention, letting you know they want something.
Are you preparing food in front of your wee one, or is it about her feeding time?
I’m Nervous
Your little one might be nervous, frightened, or anxious. They might make these noises when not happy about something.
If something happened you don’t think your piglet would appreciate, this very well could be the reason.
Pay Attention to Me
Frequent guinea pig squeaking might be a behavior meant to signify attention-seeking desires. Your little piggy might simply want your companionship.
Do you have a set playtime? Perhaps your pet is simply trying to let you know what the time is.
I Feel Claustrophobic
Excess squeaking could symbolize a feeling of confusion or a sense of confinement. Imagine another disagreeable male, or the foreign feeling of a visit to the veterinarian.
Guinea pigs don’t tend to appreciate being bathed too much; you might hear these sounds more often during bath time. Failing to dry your guinea completely after bathing can lead to chills, along with the unhappy noises that accompany them.
I’m Happy Mom
Young guineas will often squeak when seeking the attention of their mothers. Your piglet might even consideryoua motherly figure, or another cavy.
Are you about to let your piglet out of his cage, or is it playtime? He or she could just be happy about the food she is about to get, or content after eating.
Is guinea pig squeaking good?
Squeaking can be a good sign. If your guinea pig squeaking happens when he is happy or excited, he’ll probably accompany this with a set of visual cues.
You might notice your little one actively hopping up and down, indicating excitement. Some people call this popcorning (consider the resemblance).
Both older and younger pigs might popcorn, though the older usually lack the same vigor.
Why does my guinea pig squeak when I pick her up?
You already know Guinea Pig squeaking happens usually when the little guys are excited, but it can also mean your buddy is nervous or anxious. Considering those two, those guinea squeaks could mean one of two things.
- He or she is excited about this attention, happy to be out of that enclosure.
- He or she doesn’t want to be held right now, and it might be a good idea to set them down.
If your pig is very uncomfortable, this will probably be accompanied by squirming.
Guinea Pig Purring
Imagine hearing a cat’s purring when there is no cat in sight. This strange sound is coming from your guinea pig.
Does it mean he, also like a cat, is happy and content, or does it signify something else entirely?
What does it mean when my guinea pig purrs?
Guinea Pig purring can have various different meanings, determined by the pitch and accompanied by body language (noticing a trend?).
A deep purring followed by a relaxed posture is often a good thing and can symbolize contentment. In contrast, a shorter purr can symbolize feelings of anxiety.
On the other hand, a higher-pitched purr can mean something similar to annoyance or agitation. Those making that guinea pig sound might seem tense, or sort of ‘vibrate’.
Is my guinea pig growling or purring?
Think of guinea pig growling like rumbling, sounding deeper than a purr. Piglets tend to make these sounds during the mating season.
Like most others, this will be followed by visual body language cues. Your little one might do a sort of ‘dance’ if indeed attraction is the purpose.
You could see some unwanted behaviors between competing males, and mature male piglets could fight with each other.
It’s unusual that two males that have been raised together will fight for dominance.
Similarly, if breeding is not an issue, there probably won’t be any problem between females.
Just as with dogs, these social creatures need to be trained and if you’ve gotten two of these furry fellows right away, that’s great for them to stay on top of their social skills.
Even though some may argue that one companion isn’t all that much, it’s better than none at all.
Possession
Mounting can either be sexual or show a type of hierarchical dominance, especially with females. Guinea pigs sometimes rub against or urinate on objects/ other pigs to show dominance or possession.
Guinea Pig Wheeking
Imagine several loud, continuous squeaks in rapid succession. This is the exact, stereotypical guinea pig noise you might expect.
Guinea pig wheeking is in fact the most popular sound the little ones make.
What does guinea pig Wheeking mean?
A long, loud whistling squeal might indicate the desire for attention, but most can agree on one thing. Your guinea is probably hungry.
Wheeking is a very common guinea pig sound, well known to any piglet owner. Your little one is probably excited, perhaps anticipating feeding time.
Why is my guinea pig Wheeking so much?
Well, Guinea Pig wheeking usually only takes place when the little one is hungry, anticipating feeding time, or exited and wanting to play. Your piglet might simply also be trying to get your attention.
- Is your pet being fed an adequate diet?
- Is the enclosure large enough?
- Does your little one get enough opportunities for play or exercise?
Some consider wheeking sounds to be a form of begging. Whenit comes down to the basics, this is probably all about the feeding time.
Guinea Pig Chirping
Much like the chirping you might hear from a bird, guinea pig chirping is a rare sound thought to signify fear or anxiety.
Some sources claim pigs who’ve recently lost companions do this, so it could signify a type of depression.
Can you pay close enough attention to determine the exact meaning behind Guinea Pig chirping?
Guinea Pig Cooing
When your Guinea Pig is cooing, he’s probably trying to offer a type of reassurance. Whatever you’re doing is a good thing that is appreciated.
Mother piglets will often vocalize this unique sound with their young, but others can demonstrate it too.
Guinea Pig Shrieking, Hissing, Whining & Sneezing
Instead of the regular Guinea Pig squeaks you’re used to, one of your littles begins emitting a much higher-pitched version. She doesn’t sound happy at all.
A guinea pig’s shrieking can be a pretty big sign of distress, acting as a siren of anxiety. Either your little one is afraid of something, or in some other type of distress.
You’re going to want to check on your little fellows, ensuring their safety and well being. If your guinea pig shrieks when being handled, he’s probably not happy about it.
Your guinea pig is hissing a lot?
Both teeth-chattering and guinea pig hissing are signals your little one is upset. This is going to sound a lot like the hissing noises cats make.
Consider hissing a guinea pig warning sound. Whether it be other piglets or you yourself, staying clear is your best course of action.
Is this hissing accompanied by any type of body language? Could it be raised back-fur or raised haunches? Is your Guinea baring her teeth?
Dealing with a whining piggy?
No one ever likes to hear this sound, unless you consider the extreme cuteness of these little guinea noises.
You might interchange a whining with a moaning type of squeak. Your piglet is probably ‘irritated’ or upset about something happening in her environment.
Consider the context along with (as always) body language. What is different now that wasn’t before?
What could have happened that seemed to draw out the desire for these whines? Work from there.
Can guinea pigs sneeze? Actually, yes.
Your piglet utters a disturbing, high pitched sound just like a human sneeze (only much smaller). Is this a good thing, or bad?
Normally it’s nothing to fret over and your little one is fine, but caution never hurts. Do you notice any other unusual symptoms that might indicate a sickness?
You may just want to get your little one to a vet. Consider the list of symptoms below, or any others you might notice:
- Runny eyes/nose
- Heavy breathing & coughing
- Crackling sound from chest
- Half closed eyes
Sneezing can result from allergens, so ask yourself if you’ve used anything different around your piggy lately. Have you sprayed anything new recently?
Conclusion: A Wealth of Guinea Pig Sounds
Guinea Pigs are so fascinating because of the wealth of sounds and visual cues they make; there is an entire language to these simple vocalizations. Can you pay close enough attention to learn the meanings behind them all?
I’ve covered Guinea Pig squeaking, purring, wheeking, & most other sounds you might hear. Now you just have to put the words on this page to use.
FAQs
What do the different noises of a guinea pig mean? ›
A deep, relaxed one means your guinea pig is content, while a higher pitched one is more likely a sound of annoyance. A shorter sounding, apprehensive purr may mean fear. Alternately, fear can be signaled by a high-pitched squeak or shriek.
Why is my guinea pig purring and squeaking? ›In no time, the growl may turn into a delighted purr. This is when your guinea pig releases a rapid streak of squeaks. And, it usually means that they are angry, unhappy or agitated at a certain situation.
What does wheeking mean guinea pig? ›Wheeking: this is the sound a guinea pig makes when it knows, thinks or wants that it is going to be fed. You can also hear a squealing sound when your pet wants attention or wants to get out of the cage.
What does it mean when a guinea pig squeaks? ›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.
What does a stressed guinea pig sound like? ›Teeth Chattering: This is an aggressive vocalization that is a sign of an agitated or angry guinea pig. Teeth chattering is often accompanied by the guinea pig showing its teeth, which looks like a yawn, and it means "back off" or "stay away." Hissing: Like teeth chattering, this is a sign of a guinea pig who's upset.
What does a unhappy guinea pig sound like? ›Teeth chattering, hissing, growling, and whining are all some unhappy guinea pig sounds that your guinea pig may make when they are in discomfort with another piggie. Teeth chattering is one of the more common unhappy guinea pig noises that you can distinguish between the others.
Why is my guinea pig vibrating and squeaking? ›Guinea pigs vibrate as a form of communication to show both positive and negative emotions. Your guinea pig could feel uneasy or annoyed, or their environment may be too cold. Male guinea pigs also vibrate to attract females.
Do guinea pigs squeak when happy? ›Guinea pigs can make a variety of noises, and knowing what they mean can take some working out. Here's our guide on understanding your piggies language! Wheeking or squealing: this sounds like a long, high pitched whistle, or squeal, and usually represents excitement.
Why is my guinea pig vibrating and purring? ›If you catch your guinea pig vibrating or trembling a bit, it might alarm you. Thankfully, vibrating in the cavy universe often signifies a good thing -- the simple joys of purring. Guinea pigs frequently convey their cheerful moods through giving off cozy and deep vibrating noises.
Do guinea pigs wheek when happy? ›Wheeking is a common sound that guinea pigs make. You may hear this sound when you're chopping veggies, or opening a bag of chips, anything to trigger them to think that you will be feeding them some yummy food! They make this sound when they are excited or anticipating something.
What does guinea pig Chuffing mean? ›
Chutting. AKA “I'm having fun!” Sometimes referred to as a “clucking” sound (like a mother hen would make), this is a sound of contentment. Guinea pigs may make this sound towards you when you're interacting with them, or toward their cage mates, when they're enjoying the moment.
How do you know if guinea pigs are happy? ›Signs of a happy guinea pig are:
Excited wheeking sounds. Popcorning (happy hops and twists in the air) Zoomies (running around with a 'big burst of energy') Good health and normal activity levels.
They Are Feeling Aggressive or Irritated
Irritation and aggression are quite common among guinea pigs. They can be temperamental and aren't shy about expressing their feelings. One of the ways to express them is squeaking.
Pigs and piglets will squeal/scream “at the top of their lungs” from pain or fear. When a pig screams from pain or fear, he will also try to get away from the trigger. His body language will be tense, his movements will be quick, jerky, sporadic (think of a chipmunk).
Do guinea pigs squeak to communicate? ›The high-pitched squeak
Guinea pigs will make this noise in response to a threat – or if you've done something they didn't like. Pay close attention when they make this sound so you can avoid repeating whatever it was that upset them.
- Lack of Appetite. You'll quickly learn that guinea pigs are ALWAYS hungry. ...
- Losing Weight. This is somewhat correlative to the lack of appetite, but it doesn't always go together. ...
- Inactive. A sad guinea pig is a lazy guinea pig. ...
- Doesn't Respond as Usual. ...
- Stopped Being Curious.
A Sign of Dominance
Present guinea pigs will start making rumbling noises as soon as a new member is added to the enclosure. These rumbling noises signify Dominance over the new cavy. Male cavies will then project this high-pitched sound while contending over who will be the crowd chief.
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.
Why does my guinea pig vibrate and shake his bum? ›It's a behavior that both sexes use to show dominance. Some pigs feel the need to constantly remind other pigs that they're the boss!
Do guinea pigs like when you talk to them? ›Speaking to your guinea pig frequently will allow them to become more familiar with your voice and your presence. You can talk to them whenever you feed them a treat, clean their cage, wash their bottle, etc. Remember that when you do speak with them, it's in a friendly and calm tone so as to not scare them away.
How much attention do guinea pigs need? ›
How much time do you have? Guinea pigs need time out of their cage every day. Whether this time is spent stretching their legs and exploring new environments or cuddling in your lap, daily interaction and attention are essential for a guinea pig's well-being.
Why is my guinea pig chirping? ›It is believed to be a general sign of low-level stress or discomfort. A baby guinea pig may emit this when they are hungry, for example. Some owners never hear their guinea pig chirp, or only hear it a few times during their life.
Why do guinea pigs shudder? ›Shaking can be caused by illness, parasites, stress, cold temperatures in the home, or simple behavioral reasons such as happy popcorning or dominance toward other guinea pigs.
What do guinea pigs do when they love you? ›Guinea pig licks, also referred to as guinea pig kisses, are just one of the ways your guinea pigs can show you they like you. When a guinea pig licks you, it is a good sign that your piggy is feeling comfortable and safe with you!
How do guinea pigs say hello? ›A nose bump is a friendly hello, between piggies or a guinea pig and a human. This is the piggy version of the air kiss or the handshake.
How do you know your guinea pig is getting comfortable with you? ›Your Guinea Pig Follows You Around
It's a sign of affection when they become so comfortable with you that they happily follow you around. Even if there's no treat waiting for them, at this stage in the relationship they'll stay with you simply because they like you and you make them feel safe.
In addition to cleaning your guinea pig's habitat & accessories completely once a week, spot cleaning should be done daily. Spot cleaning can be done by removing soiled litter and bedding with a small food or litter scoop.
What does it mean when your skinny pig is making a loud screeching noise? ›Wheeking or squealing: this sounds like a long, high pitched whistle, or squeal, and usually represents excitement. Your piggy is likely to make the noise when she sees you preparing food for her, or if she knows it's playtime.
Why is my pig frothing? ›As it turns out, it's perfectly normal for mini pigs to foam at the mouth. Oscar foaming at the mouth. Mini pigs foam at the mouth in anticipation of food. The main times Oscar foams are 9 am and 5 pm when he's decided it's time for him to be fed.
What does a pig cough sound like? ›It has the distinctive sound of a smoker's cough --- dry, ending sometimes with a gagging on mucus in the throat --- that erupts all through the barn soon after the pigs become active. Then when the pigs settle once more, the coughing continues although at a reduced frequency.
What sounds do guinea pigs make when happy? ›
Purring: this can mean your Guinea pig is happy or angry, so you'll need to look at the context of the situation carefully. A contented Guinea pig will make a low purring sound, whereas an annoyed piggy may make a more high pitched purr, with this increasing in pitch towards the end. She may also vibrate a bit as well.
How do guinea pigs express love? ›you a lick. This is a method guinea pig showing affection and trust. To them, licking is like a small guinea pig kiss! When they lick themselves or their fellow guinea pig companions, they are grooming their fur and providing comfort.
Why is my guinea pig chirping like a bird? ›True to the name for the sound, chirping sounds more like a vocalization a bird would make than a rodent. Not everyone agrees on the meaning of chirping, but generally it's considered an alert signal—something has caused your guinea pig to be deeply concerned.
How do guinea pigs talk to you? ›Guinea pigs are sociable, chatty creatures who generally have plenty to say, using around 11 different noises to communicate how they're feeling. In fact, guinea pigs use sounds as a primary means of communication and, since they are herd animals, sounds are also their means of maintaining social rank.
Should you hold your guinea pig alot? ›Most guinea pigs love spending quality time with their owners, so handling them is enjoyable for all concerned. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, being hand-fed and petted become important parts of their lives. This means it's actually up to you how much you hold them - you can do so as often as you like.
How often should you change the bedding in a guinea pig cage? ›No matter what type of bedding you choose for your guinea pig, the most important thing is to keep it clean. Hay and straw should be changed every week, and recycled paper products should be changed every two weeks. Newspaper should be changed every week.
How do you say hello in guinea pig? ›A nose bump is a friendly hello, between piggies or a guinea pig and a human. This is the piggy version of the air kiss or the handshake.