Due to their lovely faces, sweet personalities and playful nature, it comes as no surprise that guinea pigs are among the most popular pets around the world. But what makes these little rodents so cute and endearing?
If you are a first time pet if you love having guinea pigs, this article will make you understand their character and how they behave socially so that you know how to support them in being friendly.
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Guinea pigs friendly animals
Guinea pigs, or cavia porcellus, are originally from south America’s grassy plains and mountains. Such social structures are essential for survival, which is why, in the wild, guinea pigs can be found in herds. This gregarious nature is evident in their domesticated counterparts as well- they prefer and flourish in spaces filled with interaction and companionship.
Naturally social animals, guinea pigs share strong relationships with their fellow guinea pigs as well as their human caregivers. This is one of the most basic needs of a guinea pig that makes them so sociable; their need for socialization.
Reasons why guinea pigs are affectionate animals
There are a few reasons which can explain guinea pigs’ friendly nature
Calm nature
Guinea pigs are calm pets, unlike some of the other small critters. They infrequently bite or become violent and aggressive, which means they are suitable even for children and first pet owners. This kind of temperament guarantees they have an approach to situations with inquisitiveness rather than pugnacity or panic.
Non ambition
Being herbivores and prey animals, guinea pigs are naturally not aggressive. Gradually, this has also helped them in developing a personality that focuses more on being observant and gaining trust than being confrontational.
Inquisitiveness
Guinea pigs are naturally inquisitive animals. Whenever they are placed in a new setting, they take time to investigate, and usually go to their owners soon after. Such inquisitiveness, in conjunction with their intelligence, enables them to make connections, understand the interactions of people who provide good experiences and learn names or sounds that are familiar to them.
Need for social relationships
Since they are social animals, guinea pigs are emotionally fragile and tend to rely on their peers. They will return trust and love if they feel safe and well looked after and build close relationships with other guinea pigs and people.
Ways in which guinea pigs show friendliness
Although guinea pigs are small in size, their displays of friendliness cannot go unnoticed. Here are some heart-warming ways which they exhibit sociable and affectionate behavior:
Vocalizations
Wheeling: a type of squeaky noise made by a pigs mouth but this is shriller which means it has a higher pitch than usual; it shows that they are excited.
Purring: this is more of a soft low noise which most guinea pigs make when being touched in a way which pleases them.
Chuting: a noise which is made in a softer range where a guinea pig seems comfortable and exploring.
Following you around
When guinea pigs like their owners, they like to walk behind them as a form of a follow me or give me a treat kind of attitude. This is how animals would follow each other in a herd.
Cuddling and licking
In another instance, a guinea pig that is comfortable can bury within the arms of a person or lick their hands which is a sign of love. This is similar to how female guinea pigs lick the males as a form of showing care
Pop corning
This kind of action where a young or hyper guinea pig jumps in the air, with additional spins involved. It shows that the pig is enjoying itself.
Seeking attention
This kind of characteristic is easily modifiable as friendly guinea pigs would not shy away from touching one’s hand as a way to get the owner’s attention.
Building a strong bond with your guinea pig
It is also important to master your guinea pigs friendliness and to do this will require time and patience. In this case:
Start with gentle handling
Guinea pigs are easy to handle when trained early on in life. A good practice would be letting your guinea pig sniff your hand first, before they’re picked up.
Spend quality time together
Playing with or sitting next to your guinea pig for a period of time daily helps them remember that it is safe and good to be around you.
Use positive reinforcement
If you give guinea pigs a small treat, like some vegetables or fruits, when interacting with them, they learn to trust you. Use treats that are safe for guinea pigs such as cucumber, bell peppers, or a small piece of carrot.
Provide a comfortable environment
When they are placed in their cage, make sure it is spacious, and neat and has hiding spots plus toys. When there are no stressors present this leads the guinea pig to be happy and more willing to form a bond.
Speak softly
Sound is something that guinea pigs are very sensitive to. It is a good idea to let them know your intentions by speaking in a somewhat gentle and calm tone.
About guinea pig friendliness
Guinea pigs do have a reputation of being friendly, but in reality, it is not the case that every guinea pig is equally friendly, right from the beginning. These are some of the myths that people have and the reality behind it:
All guinea pigs warm up instantly
Gerbil may take time to warm up to their owners due to individual personalities as well as their previous encounters.
Guinea pigs need companions
Their interaction with humans means that guinea pigs need at least one guinea pig friend to feel happy. When guinea pigs are left all by themselves, it leads to loneliness which causes stress and other health issues.
Territories and having strong bonds takes more than treats
Even though treats help, the real bond can only be built through routine care, appropriate interactions, and developing the trust to know that such boundaries will not be crossed.
What are the reasons why you should keep Guinea pigs as pets
Tending to guinea pigs is such a stress free endeavor that they are an excellent refuge in any household ,even children. or adults who do not want too much hassle. Here’s why:
Good for children
Guinea pigs easily adjust to being handled so children as young as 5 can be taught how to care and be responsible for them.
Long lifespans too
For a guinea pig that is kept well, it can serve one for 5 or even more years making only a few active interactions to ensure companionship.
Some tips to make them more friendly
Here are additional tips to foster an affectionate bond with the pet and in the process, bring out the best in your guinea pig’s character:
Early interactions: begin with the young guinea pigs in terms of manipulation and exposure to new settings.
Brandishing the ban: they should have the chance to go back to their blowholes when they get stressed out.
Give them a shoulder: incorporate tunnels, chewable objects, and soft pads for them to be occupied.
Let them do the talking: understand when the pet is anxious, exploring something or feeling satisfied.
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Conclusion
Familial attributes of guinea pigs arise from sociability, a soft nature and the ability to trust. After watching some advances in their behavior and spending time to make an attachment, you can expect a fulfilling relationship from these adorable animals.
For those curious about getting one for the first time or have grown used to own them already, keep in mind that their warmth originates from how much love and care they get in return. Relish the process of earning their trust and it will be evident why there is mention that guinea pigs are the most loving pets.
