Archive article, written 2009–2016. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian. About our articles
| Encyclopedia on pet behaviour |
| Guinea pigs can learn
complex paths to food, and can accurately remember a learned path for
months. Their strongest problem solving strategy is motion. While guinea
pigs can jump small obstacles, they cannot climb, and are not
particularly agile. They startle extremely easily, and will either
freeze in place for long periods or run for cover with rapid, darting
motions when they sense danger. Larger groups of startled guinea pigs
will "stampede", running in haphazard directions as a means of confusing
predators. When excited, guinea pigs may repeatedly perform little hops
in the air (known as "pop corning"), a movement analogous to the
ferret's war dance. They are also exceedingly good swimmers. Guinea pigs communicate and interact with each other, through behaviour and sound. They can also show their feelings towards us humans. Often movement accompanies the sound they are making. As well as looking gorgeous and extremely cute, a guinea pigs behaviour matches their cute looks... most of the time. I say most of the time because there can be times when a guinea pig can be stroppy, mainly directed at another guinea pig and occasionally to us humans. Every animal and human naturally have different moods and the guinea pig is no exception Dominance is also established through biting (especially of the ears), They try to do and make piloerection, aggressive noises, head thrusts, and leaping attacks. Non-sexual simulated mounting for dominance is also common among same-sex groups. Guinea pigs have poor sight, but well-developed senses of hearing, smell, and touch. Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species. Some sounds are: Wheek - A loud noise, the name of which is onomatopoeic, also known as a Whistle. An expression of general excitement, it may occur in response to the presence of its owner or to feeding. It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are running. If a guinea pig is lost, it may wheek for assistance. |
| Bubbling or Purring -
This sound is made when the guinea pig is enjoying itself, such as when
being petted or held. They may also make this sound when grooming,
crawling around to investigate a new place, or when given food. Rumbling - This sound is normally related to dominance within a group, though it can also come as a response to comfort or contentment. In these cases the rumble often sounds higher and the body vibrates shortly. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, swaying and circling the female in a behavior called "rumblestrutting". A low rumble while walking away reluctantly shows passive resistance. Chutting and Whining - These are sounds made in pursuit situations, by the pursuer and pursuee, respectively. Chattering - This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth, and is generally a sign of warning. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound. A more relaxed type of gnashing often means the guinea pig wants a treat that is somewhere nearby but out of reach. Squealing or Shrieking - A high-pitched sound of discontent, in response to pain or danger. Chirping - This less-common sound, likened to bird song, seems to be related to stress, or when a baby guinea pig wants to be fed. Very rarely, the chirping will last for several minutes. Stretching - A guinea pig will stretch out while also yawning. They can do this just after a sleep or they may also do it when they are feeling happy and relaxed. You may notice this behaviour while you are holding them and having a cuddle. They will tap their front feet on you, dancing with their front feet, while having a good stretch and a very wide yawn. |