https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/guinea-pig/guinea-pig-behavior
*Guinea pigs thrive on companionship and good care. The Guinea Pig Education Hub covers housing, daily routines, proper diets, and how to decode their unique squeaks and behavior. Start here for a guide to happy, healthy cavies.
Guinea pigs are fascinating little creatures with unique behaviors that reflect their instincts and personalities.
For instance, when a guinea pig runs away from you, it is not personal – it is simply their natural prey instinct to flee from perceived threats. With time and patience, however, you can gain their trust by introducing your hand slowly and offering gentle pets before attempting to pick them up.
Guinea pigs also have their own signature moves, like “popcorning,” which is a joyful dance where they jump and bounce around, often when they are happy or excited.
They may also freeze when they sense danger, staying as still as possible to avoid attracting attention.
Additionally, guinea pigs rarely close their eyes, even while sleeping, which is a trait that makes them seem alert, even when they’re actually napping.
Guinea pigs communicate in various ways, with different sounds and body language to express emotions like excitement, contentment, fear, and anger.
For example, they may squeal with excitement when they spot their favorite food, purr when relaxed, or scream when frightened.
They may even raise their heads in a display of dominance or territorial behavior.
Licking is another way guinea pigs show affection, grooming both themselves and their human companions.
While these little creatures are typically calm, they can also exhibit aggressive behaviors like hissing or chattering their teeth if they feel threatened.
Understanding these behaviors, along with providing enrichment activities and a safe, comfortable environment, helps ensure your guinea pig stays happy and healthy.
Chewy editorial team consulted a guinea pig expert to highlight 10 common behaviors and what they mean - helping pet parents better understand and connect better with their furry friends.
