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The sounds that a guinea pig makes are quite distinct and fun to learn. Here are seven of the most common. Note that some sounds are accompanied by specific body language as well.
1. Low rattling sound – This deep, constant sound signals to the guinea pigs of the opposite sex that he or she is “in the mood”. Also, if you have two or more female guinea pigs, you may hear this noise when the dominant cavy greets the others.
2. Rumbling sound – This sound is a signal that your guinea pig doesn't like something. If you are petting him, then that means it doesn't feel comfortable with how you are touching him. If he is alone in his cage, it might mean that there's a loud sound he doesn't like.
3. Squeals/Whistles – Normally, this sound is never used with other guinea pigs. The animal has developed it for one purpose: to ask humans for food.
4. Clacking teeth – If you have several guinea pigs in a cage together, you'll definitely want to listen for this sound, which is a warning and a signal of aggression.
5. Shrieks – Guinea pigs make this sound when they feel afraid, lonely, or in pain. If your pet makes it then you need to figure out why and resolve the situation, so your guinea pig can return to being happy.
6. Grunts/Squeaks/Chirps – You'll (hopefully) become all too familiar with these noises, since the guinea pig uses them to let you know he's happy and comfortable. It's also the basic sound used between guinea pigs as they communicate with one another.
7. Purrs – These soft sounds may remind you of a cat as it rubs on your leg, and both the cat's and the guinea pig's sound means pretty much the same thing: they like whatever you are doing a lot!
As a unique, fairly intelligent creature, your guinea pig will like particular things. Some like to be scratched behind the ears, others rubbed gently on the head. When you discover the special way that your guinea pig likes to be petted, then you may here a contented purr. Many owners think that there is a “formula” for getting a guinea pig to purr, but really it’s all about experimenting until you find what works for your pet.
Guinea pigs can be very expressive with their body language. When a guinea pig is a really good mood they will jump up and down several times. People call this “popcorning.” It’s just guinea pig joy!
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