GUINEA PIG SOUNDS AND BEHAVIOUR

After making final decisions about the main categories to be presented on the carrier, each member of the group was assigned with something to research. I was given guinea pig behaviour. Under this came 'sounds' and 'body language'.

This website was used to gather the main points from each category of my given subject:
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/guineapigs/a/gpbehavior.htm

Sounds/vocalisations 


1. WHEEKING
- aimed at humans, means 'feed me now please'
- if they hear anything that sounds like food coming they start a chorus of wheeking
- anticipation or excitement about being fed
- long, loud squeal or whistle
2. PURRING
- different meanings depending on pitch and body language
- deep purring sound = contented and comfortable
- high pitched purr = sound of annoyance
- short purr = fear and uncertainty
3. RUMBLING
- deeper than a purr
- made by a male romancing a female
- sometimes made by females in season
4. TEETH CHATTERING
- agitated or angry
- accompanied by showing teeth, means 'back off' or 'stay away'
5. HISSING
- similar to teeth chattering
6. COOING
- communicates reassurance
7. SHRIEKING
- piercing, high pitched squeak
- call of alarm, fear or pain
- check on your guinea pigs if they make this sound
8 WHINING
- moaning type of squeak
- communicates annoyance or dislike
9. CHIRPING
- not understood

Body Language


1. POPCORNING
- hopping straight up into the air
- especially happy, excited or playful
2. FREEZING
- startled or uncertain about something in it's environment
3. SNIFFING
- check out what is going on around them and get to know others
4. TOUCHING NOSES
- friendly greeting between guinea pigs
5. STRUTTING
- moving side to side on stiff legs is a sign of aggression
6. SCENT MARKING
- rub chins, cheeks and hind ends on items they wish to mark as theirs
7. MOUNTING
- can be sexual (male and female) or to show dominance (female and female)
8. FIDGETING
- while being held, either needs the toilet or is fed up of being held
9. TOSSING HEAD IN THE AIR
- annoyed with being petted
10. LICKING
- sign of affection