My guinea pig is a year and a few months old, but I've owned him for about 8 months. He is very affectionate and loving, but whenever I take him out of his cage, he acts ... different. I know he is probably nervous, but for the first few minutes he is fine. However, he will softly squeak (which I'm guessing means he is nervous). If I cover him with a blanket, he stops. If I softly clap or give him food, he stops.
Anyway, so I wanted to know if all guinea pigs generally softly squeak when they are out of their cage and also, what it means. Thanks!
2007-02-21 10:51:48 · 5 answers · asked by Skye R 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Let me start by saying that I work at a pet store and I also currently own two guinea pigs myself (the most at one time was four because one of them gave birth to two babies) so I know what I'm talking about. First of all if a pig purrs at you or their buddy it means that they like whatever you are doing, it also is a mating call for males to make. Squeaks and squeals can mean a whole bunch of things, guinea pigs squeal when they want food, when they are happy and when they don't want to be picked up and are running around the cage. In your case this probably means that he is uncomfortable. You see since guinea pigs are nocturnal they really don't like the light. When you put the blanket over him he stops because he likes the darkness. As for stopping when you give him food it is as simple as g-pigs can't squeak and eat at the same time. Now to explain when he stops when you softly clap, that is because the g-pig is scared. Naturally, since guinea pigs have short legs and they aren't fast (meaning they can't outrun the predator that is try to eat them), the guinea pig's instincts tell it to stay as still and quiet as possible to avoid detection. So he stops squeaking because he heard a loud (to them it's loud; they have sensitive little ears) clap they instantly react by stop squeaking and staying still.
Hope this answered all of your questions.
--d-hef
2007-02-21 11:19:50 · answer #1 · answered by d-hef 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I had three guinea pigs as a child and they all died, all from different reasons! Just remember they are very very sensitive and get illnesses very easily and dermatological problems too! Yes one of my guinea pigs died from dermatological problems. And once they have a disease they cannot be cured, that`s it! Oh and it is very natural for them to squeak don`t worry! They do get nervous when they squeak and they also do so whenever they hear noises. But all of those small rodents in general have a sensitive heart so try not to stress them too much. Keep your voice down when you take it in your hands and out of the cage and treat it gently. And don`t forget to control the food you are giving because they eat continuously and never know where to stop!
2007-02-21 11:04:18 · answer #2 · answered by Annietska 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
guinea pig squeaks mean different things... soft squeaks could mean a sign of like or affection if he starts squealing... it means hes scared or nervous... the are very vocal animals... it sound like he just likes you..... just be calm and pet him.. and he should calm down.. i wouldnt do the clapping because sharp sounds or sudden movements can scare them easily
2007-02-21 10:59:56 · answer #3 · answered by xoxoangel013 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guniea pig is the same way. When I first take her out she is very calm. Then she starts to talk alot, and gets antsy. I think this is just them saying they want to go back to their cage or they do not want to be held anymore. But I am not 100% sure.
2007-02-21 11:06:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all but most.Because their lonely.
2007-02-21 10:59:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋