Guinea Pig Noises 101

Taking care of guinea pigs is perfect for children and adults alike. They are quite easy to maintain, and as long as you have ample of space and a good selection of feeds, you will rarely encounter problems with your loved critter.

Guinea pigs, like most animals produce sounds as a way of communicating with each other and with their owners. Guinea pig noises can have more than one meaning and different types may sound quite similar. Therefore paying attention to your cavy’s body language is also crucial in determining what your cavy is trying to tell you.

Here are some of the common guinea pig noises and what they mean:

  • Wheeking. Guinea pigs make these noises when they want you to feed them. Notice that they usually make these high-pitched squeaks or whistle during the time you routinely feed them. They are also associated with opening food bins or lids, your refrigerators or opening the shelf door where you keep your feeds. Wheeking can also mean that your cavy is excited or that it wants your attention.
  • Purring. These noises are similar to the purring of a cat. It usually signifies pleasure and is often heard when you are petting your guinea pig or giving its favorite vegetable treat.
  • Rumbling. Are noises similar to purring but is usually made by male guinea pigs when introduced or is ‘courting’ a female cavy. Female cavies also produce these noises during periods where they are fertile.
  • Shrieking. These are sudden high-pitched wheeks that signifies that your cavy was surprised, is frightened or has suffered pain. It may mean that your cavy doesn’t want to be bothered or that it is threatened by another pig and wants it to ‘back off”.
  • Chutting or Muttering. These guinea pigs noises you will usually hear when your guinea pigs are running about. It’s like they are mumbling to themselves and signifies they are happy.
  • Whining. These noises are made when your cavy wants to be left alone or when it is being chased by another pig. Whining noises are like moaning, complaining calls that start fairly quiet but would increase in volume if your cavy is continued to be bothered.

Interpreting the meaning guinea pig noises isn’t very difficult when you are observant of your pet and its body language. Knowing what your cavy wants and when it doesn’t want to be bothered will help you keep a good natured relationship with your beloved pet.

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