Post by Karen R Quinn on Aug 12, 2009 0:52:19 GMT -7
Guinea pigs are active during the day, but are actually crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). Guinea pigs are very gentle, sweet creatures, and even untamed guinea pigs will not bite unless you are causing them pain or they have been abused in the past.
Guinea pigs have a poor sense of sight, but well-developed senses of hearing and smell. Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species.
How to interpret the sounds your guinea pig makes:
Wheek - A loud noise that is essentially 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. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, while swaying from side to side and circling the female.
Chutting and Whining - These are sounds made in pursuit situations, by the pursuer and pursued, respectively.
Chattering - This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth together, and is generally a sign of warning. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound.
Squealing or Shrieking - A high-pitched sound of discontent, in response to pain or danger.
Chirping - This less-common sound seems to be related to stress.
Guinea pigs have a poor sense of sight, but well-developed senses of hearing and smell. Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species.
How to interpret the sounds your guinea pig makes:
Wheek - A loud noise that is essentially 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. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, while swaying from side to side and circling the female.
Chutting and Whining - These are sounds made in pursuit situations, by the pursuer and pursued, respectively.
Chattering - This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth together, and is generally a sign of warning. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound.
Squealing or Shrieking - A high-pitched sound of discontent, in response to pain or danger.
Chirping - This less-common sound seems to be related to stress.