If you have ever had a guinea pig in your care, you will have most likely come across the enjoyable or sometimes frustrating habit of squeaking. They are small animals, but make lots of noise and different sounds, and therefore, it is crucial for the owners to understand what their squeaks mean.
The meaning of squeaking may vary, whether it is happiness, pangs of hunger or fear of something intimidating. In this article, we will explain in detail how and why guinea pigs squeal and help you comprehend what message your pet is attempting to convey.
Hunger or thirst
One of the reasons a guinea pig would squeak very often, is because there is a possibility of hunger, thirst or an empty stomach. The guinea pigs usually squeak in excitement when the sound of food bags is made or even when the owner is in sight for oranges normally anticipate feeding, which usually explains why many guinea pigs squeak. This behaviour in particular is very noticeable if you have been feeding them on a schedule.
How to identify hunger squeaks and their significance?
These squeaks are often of a very high and repetitious character. Your guinea pig may also come to the front of the cage, rise on their back feet, or bite the bars to attract your attention. “i am hungry!” They tell you through their gestures.
There’s nothing wrong in heeding the hunger arrest signals of your guinea pig but their diet should not be abused. Guinea pigs have an impressive ability to convince their humans to offer them more goodies than they deserve by constantly asking for food, but too much food is likely to lead to obesity and other health complications.
Excitement
A physical depiction of excitement in guinea pigs can be seen in the form of squeaking owing to their fun and gregarious nature. You can have a gastric squeal from a guinea pig when it gets a whiff of you or sees someone bringing its favored food.
That is not only limited to food only. There are times guinea pigs squeak for different reasons such as playing around, discovering new items such as toys, or simply being held.
Signs of an excited guinea pig
Excited squeaks are typically high-pitched and abrupt and quick in terms of duration and frequently accompanied with movement such as pop corning. It is possible to observe this when a new toy is presented to a guinea pig or while the guinea pig is out of the cage.
Attention-seeking
It is not unusual for guinea pigs to squeal just because they want you to pay attention to them. As cherishing animals, guinea pigs love being active with the owners and may get bored and want attention when kept idle for a long time. Every now and then if your guinea pig happens to spot the owner’s movement, they start making noise, perhaps to ask for some show time.
How to respond
Days should go by when one does not play with their guinea pig or does not spend time and cuddle with it. The bond between you and your guinea pig is improved and it helps them being comfortable and at ease. If you realise that your guinea pig is always squeaking and wanting to be attended to, this might be loneliness and it would be worth while getting closer to them or taking them for a tour in an enclosed space.
Fear or discomfort
The other reason why your guinea pig makes a funny noise is that it may be troubled by internal factors like fear, stress, anxiety & pain. She must be feeling scared, stressed, in pain and when she squeaks; it is more of a demand in a more urgent or more distressed way. Loud sounds and sudden movements often make guinea pigs nervous because they are prey animals.
How guinea pigs communicate fear
When a mouse squeaks because of fear, the squeaks are usually fast and more distressed. These sounds are often in conjunction with hiding or freezing or shaking. If it does happen that your guinea pig squeaks, make an effort to know why that was the case or what it was that frightened your guinea pig.
Guinea pigs also make sounds when in pain. For example, when a guinea pig has some infections or. Digestive and urinary tract issues – it may squeak due to the mild pain.
Various categories of guinea pig squeaks
Once you know the particular guinea pig squeak your pet is trying to make, it is also possible to decipher what it is saying.
Wheeling (hunger or expectation)
Wheeling is an old pig sound which usually means that the animal wants food. It is a high pitched, repetitive squeak they make when begging for treats or when they are excited to be fed.
Purring (contentment or annoyance)
The sound can also come as a low rumble. When guinea pigs purr, it tells you two things; if it does so from a comfortable position, then it’s happy but if accompanied by stiff body movements, mild annoyance and irritation may be present in this species.
Shrieking (fear or pain)
A loud piercing scream indicates something is seriously wrong. It could result from pain, injury or extreme fear. Always check your pet guinea pig for any signs of distress or injuries whenever it shrieks.
Shutting (exploration)
They softly utter these words when exploring and moving around which show that the animal is satisfied with its current state. Such sounds usually indicate curiosity and feeling safe with their environment.
Teeth chattering (aggression or displeasure)
This warning sign comes together with teeth chattering. If one guinea pig chatters its teeth at another guinea pig or at you, maybe leaving them alone would be the best thing to do in such case.
How to recognise distress in your guinea pig’s squeaking
Not every squeak is the result of happiness or excitement. Sometimes, your guinea pig might be squeaking as a response to pain or even show signs of stress. Recognising these signs is extremely important in making their health a top priority.
Indicators of pain/discomfort
- Ca retaking: sharp, high & very ‘loud’ squeaks…or still quiet.
- Reluctance in playing or moving about.
- Hunched body or limping in movement.
- Disinterest in food or drastic changes in fluid intake.
- Health aspects which can cause squeaks in guinea pigs
Wounds: because of injuries sustained during falls or even hurting themselves, guinea pigs may emit squeaks indicating they are in pain.
Respiratory infection: respiratory problems are very common in guinea pigs and this leads to uncomfortable squeaking.
Digestive pains: problems like bloat or even diarrhoea stand a chance of making one squeak due to the kind of discomfort posed.
At what stage does one need the help of a vet
If your pet guinea pig’s squeaking is associated with illness, fever and lethargy, behavioural change, poor feeding and breathing with difficulty, or more painful crying squeaks then you ought to be concerned and take him to see a vet soon.
What is expected after the squeak response has been made
When your enjoyment against stagnation commences, it is prudent to differentiate that which your piggy desires and be able to meet their demands.
Addressing hunger or thirst
Make sure you provide them food at regular intervals and give them fresh water always. If they squeak out of their scheduled meal times, you can give them healthy snacks like hay, fresh veggies or pellets but do not overdo it.
Providing attention and social interaction
Ensure that you play with the guinea pigs as they are social animals. Ensure that at least one activity with your pig is fun and involves play every single day. If a guinea pig squeaks out, take them to you since they want to know that you love them.
Creating a comforting environment
If the guinea pig is squeaking due to fear or discomfort, they do not have to be far away from a loud area or in the view of sudden movements. For cases where their squeaks are out of annoyance, give them something worth chewing on.
Is excessive squeaking a concern?
It is no secret that guinea pigs are blessed with loud voices. However, there comes a time when their squeaking becomes so excessive, and that is when something wrong is being signalled.
When to worry about too much squeaking
There are times when the guinea pig will squeak, and there is no visible trigger such as worrying about food, and this is associated with feelings of anguish, which should not be the case.
In case your guinea pig starts making regular squeaking sounds along with other behavioural changes such as not moving or eating, it is worth looking out for it and getting veterinary guidance if necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What does it mean when my guinea pig squeaks constantly?
Hunger, anxiety, or loneliness can all contribute to a persistent desire to squeak. If squeaking is accompanied by other discomfort behaviours such as hunching and hiding, then it’s most likely pain.
Is squeaking always a sign of something wrong with my guinea pig?
No, not necessarily. Guinea pigs squeak for numerous reasons including excitement and hunger and other routine activities like playing. It is the surrounding situations and types of squeaks that should be evaluated if there is any reason to worry.
Are sleeping guinea pigs able to squeak at all?
Sleeping guinea pigs does not squeal, however, they might emit light sounds if they are snuggled enough.
How do i make a guinea pig that squeaks quiet?
Confirm that you have provided adequate food, water, and a calm and protected space for them. Bring when places and gently pet or softly speak to them to comfort them.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs squeaks are very important for them as a means of communication, guards at it many say it is rather important, if not to say. Each is ready to squeak out and get attention whether it be food or fun or loose motions. In order to avoid stressing your guinea pig out, it is imperative to understand the situation that has led to them squeaking.
