noises & socialization

Question
I just got a new guinea pig a week ago. She is the second pig i've had.
My first one was very noisy and squeeked a lot in his cage, but quiet
when out of it. This little girl is sort of chattering her teeth when I
try to take her out, making bubbling chitter chats when I hold her, and
is still running from me when I try to pick her up after exercise time.
What do these sounds mean? What are normal, happy, sounds?


Answer
Hi Megan,

    There are two types of noises that you could be describing.  One of them is the chattering that guinea pigs make with their teeth when they feel threatened and are ready to defend themselves; the other is a chirping that indicates that your guinea pig is very content.  This sort of chirping is different from the chattering because it isn't made with the teeth.

    I think you may be used to the idea of handling a guinea pig because you have experience, but your guinea pig is not yet used to you.  One technique to sort of "break her in" is to spend more time outside of her cage observing rather than actually handling her at first, and this way she will get a little used to your being there.  A couple days after you begin doing this, try opening the cage door and offering to handfeed her some vegetables.  This will get her to trust you.  A couple days after this is a good time to gently handle her.  Eventually, she should feel comfortable enough around you that she will not try to run away - most of the time.  Remember, this takes patience, and guinea pigs really are skiddish creatures by nature.

       Thank you for your question, I hope I have been of some help to you.  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  Good luck with your guinea pig (=

                                              - Nicole