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Guinea pigs are fascinating animals, and they make great pets. They do not require a companion as they do not do well kept by themselves, you must also provide them with a large cage, species-appropriate diet, and enrichment.
When properly socialized, they like to be near people, so you can take them out of the cage and bring them with you while you watch television or surf the internet. They also make a wide variety of interesting sounds, and in this article, we are going to take a look at why they make the strange chirping sound you sometimes hear.
Join us while we discuss the different theories people have about why your guinea pig might make a chirping sound.
What Is the Chirping Sound?
Those who have not spent time around Guinea pigs might be under the false impression that they are quiet creatures. However, those of us who have had a few as pets know they can make a wide range of unique sounds and vocalizations that they will use to let us know how they are feeling. One of the strangest of all is the chirp.
The chirp is an unexpectedly loud, short repeating tone produced by a guinea pig. If you have never heard it before, you will likely think that it is a bird outside your window until you make a closer inspection.
When Does the Chirping Occur?
Your guinea pig can begin chirping at any time during the day or night, it depends on your Guinea Pig’s emotional state in response to their experience and environment.
The 4 Main Reasons Guinea Pigs Chirp
Scientists who have devoted themselves to studying these species have reported that chirping seems to be associated with social stressors, unknown environmental stimuli, or even heat.
1. A Stressful Situation
Some owners noticed that their guinea pig might make this sound if they have been through a stressful or dangerous series of events, like after being chased by and narrowly escaping a cat. This idea suggests that the chirping sound results from post-traumatic stress and is a way to cope with a tense situation.
2. Warning Sound
Some owners who have experienced their guinea pig making this sound noticed that it occurs when predators are nearby and suggest that the sound is a way of alerting others of impending danger. The chirping seems to occur more often in large open environments where the guinea pig might see a danger, like a cat, far off in the distance and is afraid it will come closer.
3. To Express Fear or Discomfort
A guinea pig might also chirp to express discomfort or fear. As expressed above, chirping seems to be related to a general feeling of unease for these prey creatures.
4. Nervousness
Many owners who have heard the chirping sound coming from their guinea pigs remark that it’s usually coming from pets that are naturally a little more nervous than the others. In our opinion, the nervous theory holds the most weight and has the best evidence behind it for why the guinea pig makes the chirping sound.
- A nervous or scared animal may well attempt to stand perfectly still to prevent detection by predators, giving it a trance-like appearance.
- A nervous or scared animal will be even more scared and anxious when it detects a predator nearby.
- A nervous and scared animal will be more anxious after a close encounter with a predator like a cat.
- A nervous and scared animal will feel vulnerable after a longtime companion is no longer with them.
- A nervous and scared animal may feel comforted when you are near but return to the chirping sound when you walk away.
The 3 Other Sounds Your Guinea Pig Make
1. Purring
Purring is a common sound that your guinea pig will make and is something you will regularly hear. Lower-pitched purrs mean the guinea pig is more comfortable, while higher-pitched purrs tell you it’s feeling anxious.
2. Hissing
Hissing is another sound that anyone who has a cat will quickly recognize. This sound is a little different, however, and some people describe it as a tooth chattering. Either way, it’s an unmistakably aggressive sound that means your guinea pig is not too happy about something and wants you to get rid of it.
3. Squealing or Wheeking
The squealing sound might sound tricky, but it’s usually not. If your pig is squealing, there is a good chance it is hurt. However, it can also start to squeal if it is experiencing extreme happiness. You may notice your guinea pig start to squeal if you give it its favorite food, or after a long-time friend returns to the cage.
In these cases, it is easy to see your pet is happy. However, if you are not sure, it’s best to take them to the vet to ensure they do not have internal pain.
Conclusion
We believe that a chirping guinea pig is one that is feeling stressed, nervous, or fearful. These pets are prey animals so are usually very susceptible to environmental stimuli and stressors. They also require a little more distance from household pets, and they prefer to live in the company of another socialized guinea pig so they don’t feel alone or in danger.
We hope you have enjoyed reading and found the answers you needed. If you have found it helpful and informative, please share this guide to four possible reasons your guinea pig chirps on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
