Why Does My Guinea Pig Squeak When I Pet Him? 7 Cool Facts (2023)

FAQs

Why does my guinea pig squeak when I pet him? ›

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.

Purring is usually associated with being content or happy. You will most likely hear it when you are gently petting your pig. However, sometimes when they hear a startling noise or suddenly feel threatened, they will vocalize this same noise but in short spurts.

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.

Whistling: Guinea pigs will often let out a high pitched squeal or whistle, and this noise means your furry friend is excited, perhaps about feeding time or playtime. Purring: Another guinea pig sound is the purr, which may make your guinea pig seem more like a cat. These purrs can have different meanings.

Many guinea pigs like to be petted behind the ears or gently stroked from the neck to the rear in the direction of the fur (do not pet against the grain). Place your guinea pig on your lap with a towel or lap pad. Provide some food whilst having lap time to positively reinforce the experience.

When petting your guinea pig, you may notice it start to vibrate. Much like when cats purr, these vibrations show that they are at ease and are in a good mood. This response is more commonly seen in younger guinea pigs, a characteristic that they grow out of as they get older.

Your guinea pigs might squeal when they see you, perhaps hoping you'll pet them or give them attention. A happy squeal is a happy thing for guinea pigs and 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.

Hissing, Shrieking, and Teeth Chattering

As with most animals, a hissing noise is a way to ward off unwelcome attention or a perceived threat. Shrieking can be the guinea pig version of a scream, so when you hear a sudden shriek it's a good reason to look for discomfort or danger.

Wheeking: This is a distinctive (and common) vocalization made by guinea pigs and it is most often used to communicate anticipation or excitement, particularly about being fed. It sounds like a long and loud squeal or whistle and sometimes wheeking may simply serve as a call for attention.

What do guinea pigs love the most? ›

Your pig will be perfectly happy with high quality pellets and hay and treats of fruits and vegetables. For a special snack, try mixing some rolled oats into your guinea pig's pellets or stuff a small cardboard tube with fresh hay.

Your guinea pig may be biting you or its cage because it is trying to wear its teeth down. Guinea pigs have teeth that continuously grow throughout their lifetimes, so they need to chew on things to keep them short.

They could be up at two in the morning running around with each other, or asleep at eight in the morning and up again an hour later. It's safe to say that guinea pigs enjoy the dark at least, but we'd even go as far as to say they prefer the dark!

How should I handle my guinea pig? To pick up your guinea pig, you should approach it with two hands. Use one hand to stop the guinea pig running forwards, and the other to stop them backing up. Place one hand under the guinea pig's chest and abdomen, and the other supports its hindquarters and weight.

Guinea pig, or cuy as it is known, is a delicacy. The meat is prized and tastes like a cross between duck and rabbit. When properly prepared, the meat of a guinea pig is rich, fatty, and flavorful, while the skin, when roasted over a hot fire, gives pork crackling a run for its money.

Fears of toys, people, and loud noises are the most common fears. There are many reasons why a guinea pig may develop fears of people. For example, a bad experience with a small child could result in a guinea pig that is fearful of all small children.

The feet and underside are usually areas to avoid, and the back might even be an area to avoid. Observe your guinea pig's body language and listen to vocalizations for clues about how he or she feels. Keep petting sessions brief in the beginning until you know how your guinea pigs react.

Guinea pigs can kiss. Yes, really! Alright, their kisses aren't like human smooches, they lack the same muscles we have after all, however, guinea pigs can give their very own delightful brand of kisses by licking and pecking you gently with their lips.

Generally, if you're indoors and you're feeling cold, then your pet will be cold too. The same symptoms can apply to small animals, too. If you have a guinea pig or rabbit, watch for them trembling or shaking as well as burrowing and hiding in their hay.

One good way to keep your guinea pig warm is to supply him with an electric heated pad. Don't use a heating pad designed for humans, as they are unsafe for pets. Instead, try a Small Animal Heated Pad, which is designed especially for use with small animals, including guinea pigs.

Why is my guinea pig scared of me? ›

Fear for their safety from unfamiliar humans. If a guinea pig has experienced some mishandling from humans they're not familiar with, or have been with other piggy parents in the past that maybe didn't know how to properly care for them, they might be scared of other humans they come in contact with!

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.

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!

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.

Guinea pig urine is normally thick, cloudy and white in color due to the presence of calcium carbonate and ammonium phosphate crystals.

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.

Question #1: Do guinea pigs need baths? No, guinea pigs don't need regular baths. They should only get a bum wash if they get messy. It's safe to wash them around three to four times a year.

Foods like carrots, kiwifruit, berries, and pineapple are also great as a source of Vitamin C and a tasty treat for your guinea pigs but only feed them a few times a week, not every day, as these foods have quite a high sugar content.

Bonding Technique #5: Chat with your guinea pigs

Talk to your guinea pigs whether they're in their cage or in your arms. Although they might be too nervous to make much of a sound when you first get them, they will start to recognise and love your voice.

Fortunately, guineas are very affectionate pets, and they have several ways of showing how much they care about you.

Can you hold a guinea pig too much? ›

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.

Guinea Pigs love toys that they can either chew, hide in, or both! Beyond that, like many mammals, toys they can play with or roll around will provide needed entertainment factor for your pet. Can guinea pigs have stuffed toys? Most guinea pigs do like stuffed toys!

Generally many guinea pigs dislike being touched anywhere that isn't their head, shoulders, or their upper back. Everywhere else is a no-go zone, especially when it comes to their butt. In order to try to keep your piggies comfortable, keep your petting in the areas that they're OK with.

It may be surprising to some animal lovers, and even some piggy parents, but guinea pigs do indeed know their name.

Guinea pigs are quite sociable and generally enjoy being held and petted, but it may take time to get to that point. Avoid handling them for a few days after you bring them home, so they have time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Providing your guinea pigs with various toys and boredom bustsers is a great way to keep boredom at bay. Balls, tunnels, chew toys and tunnels that double as chew toys make a great addition to any hutch and run and provide your piggies with the stimulation they need for their physical and mental well-being.

“Guinea pigs generally are not biters,” Smotherman told The Dodo. “There are always exceptions, though.” It's important to note that if you ever do get bit by a guinea pig, it's very unlikely to cause any harm — their bites are more like a nibble than anything else and won't break the skin.

Probably the main reason guinea pigs pee on people has to do with whether or not they can hold it, but perhaps some of the same reasons guinea pigs spray each other also might hold true with peeing on people. Additionally, if a guinea pig isn't a big fan of being held, he or she might resort to peeing to get released.

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 does my guinea pig freak out when I touch him? ›

The reason why guinea pigs don't like their bellies or backs being touched is because it feels unexpected to them. When they are being touched on their belly or bottom, it often reminds them of predator-like behavior. If you are a parent of guinea pigs that are very particular about where they are touched, don't worry.

This is clear evidence of how highly evolved they are social and emotional. So, although we wouldn't consider guinea pigs to cry 'emotional tears', like all mammals their eyes do produce physical tears. This is to keep their eye moist and clean.

Even though guinea pigs have been domesticated for a few centuries now, as a species they have been hard-wired over time to run and hide when they're uncomfortable or anxious. Any situation that feels unfamiliar to your pet can trigger the instinct to flee.

It's not uncommon for guinea pigs to be skittish around their owners. You should try your best to encourage your guinea pig to feel comfortable and trustworthy in your arms. Take time to gradually build your relationship with your guinea pig and to ensure that your guinea pig feels safe when being held.