Guinea Pig Sounds Ever wondered what all those squeaks, wheeks and purring noises mean? Guinea pigs exhibit a vast variety of behaviour and sounds which allows them to communicate their wants, needs and feelings to each other and you as a cavy carer.  Guinea pigs are very vocal animals and should be encouraged with a large environment and another guinea pig to talk to, which will allow them to express themselves at all times. Sounds Guinea pigs exhibit a myriad of sounds which are defined below: Copyright 2011 © Guinea Pigs Australia. All rights reserved Name         Sound              Description            Meaning           Example Wheek   Hunger - I would like food: Usually a guinea pig will wheek when they hear a plastic bag rustle or a  door open as this usually signifies feeding time. “Wheeek” A long, loud squeeking sound. A guinea pig may move its ears up and down whilst wheeking Video by Jamienov81 Purring “Purrrrrr” A deep rumble in the back of the throat. A guinea pigs pur will be prolong and not a short “brr” like a growl. Enjoyment/Pleasure: A guinea pig usually makes this noise when they are being stroked or petted. Guinea pigs enjoy being rubbed behind the ears and some guinea pigs under the chin. Video by Soph7133 Growl “Drr” A short, abrupt growl. Similar to a purr but shorter. It sometimes sounds like a “drrr” sound. I do not like this/scared:  Guinea Pigs usually growl when they hear a noise they do not like or feel threatened. Gently pet your guinea pig should they feel scared, or place them in a safe, familar environment such as back in their cage.             Click to hear me Growl Sound Courtesy of Beanmakers.com Rumble “Brrr” A low deep rumbling sound. Usually a guinea pig will sway its hips back and forth or may rumble whilst patrolling the cage or expressing dominance over another guinea pig. Dominance/Mating: A guinea pig may rumble around another guinea pig in a mating dance. Cavies can also rumble after a cage clean to show their dominance over an area, or to show another guinea pig they are “boss” Video by Pigs003 Chatter “ChCh” A guinea pig will move it’s teeth rapidly with the jaw moving side to side. Anger/Annoyance: A guinea pig will teeth chatter when they are expressing annoyance or anger. A guinea pig can teeth chatter if they don’t like a noise, being petted in a certain way or if they are expressing dominant behaviour. Cavies will chatter at each other to help decide who will be the dominant guinea pig in a herd. This may also accompany yawning (showing their teeth) Video by 0LoLis0 Shrieking “EEEEE” A very loud, high pitched shriek. Danger/Pain/Fear: A guinea pig may shriek for a number or reasons. The first could be danger. If they feel threatened they will shriek to warn other guinea pigs in their herd to be on alert. A guinea pig may also shriek if they are in pain. A cage mate may nip another cavy causing pain which will cause a cavy to shriek, or a guinea pig may get an injection at the vets causing pain. Baby guinea pigs will usually shriek if they are afraid or are unable to see other guinea pigs. Some babies do not like to be separated from their herd and will shriek as they may feel afraid/insecure.  Video by MrSonance Chut “Chh” Chutting may sound like a mumble or a series of low, consistent wheeks, chuts and grunts.  Happiness/exploring: A guinea pig may chut whilst exploring a new area. It may seem like they are happily chatting to themselves. Video by bosengel Whinging “weeeek” A long, wheek which starts off softer and may become louder.  Complaining: A guinea pig may be annoyed if they are being petted incorrectly, they are uncomfortable or have been disturbed. A guinea pig will let you know if they are annoyed by moaning and whining. Video by cetd27 Chirping “tweet” A sound which closely resembles a birds twitter. A quick succession of chirps. Unknown: To date there is no definitive explanation for why a guinea pig may chirp. Some cavy owners believe their guinea pigs are “singing” or calling the mothership! Chirping is very rare and many cavy owners may never witness their guinea pig making this wonderful sound. Many other guinea pigs will stand still and listen intently to the guinea pig chirping. Video by  linuteko