sqeaking

Question
is it good when  a guinea pig squeaks and coos' if so what does it mean and is there a difference.  if there is how do you tell the difference.

Answer
Hi Josh,
Below  there will be a VERY long list of squeaks and meanings.

COO...  A gentle cooing sound is made from Mum to babies. It is an indication all is well. A similar sound is made by a happy content pig, maybe when you are cuddling or grooming him or when he is tucking into his favourite food.

PURR....This is usually made by an amorous pig and is accompanied by twitching of the hips and swaying of the body.

LOUD PURR...Similar but louder than the above. This is an indication of aggression. The guinea pig often marches on the spot while making this noise.

TEETH CHATTER..... This is a noise usually directed at another pig but can occasionally be directed at humans too. The pig is upset and annoyed and it is a warning signal to keep away.. Be careful as this is one of the rare instances you may get bitten. The teeth chatter is more often than not accompanied by a side swaying  " war dance ".

MOAN....This sounds almost like a whinging child when he wants something he is not allowed. The noise seems to come from the back of the throat. It is often directed to  pig B who wants to get close and snuggle up, whilst pig A just wants his own space and be left alone for a while.

LOW PITCHED..... This is like a buzz in the background when pair or groups of pigs seem to be chattering amongst themselves.   

HIGH PITCHED SQUEAK.....This is when a pig is most annoyed.

CONTINUOUS HIGH SQUEAKS....This  most of you will have heard and happens  when your pig is excited and has smelled something good. Maybe when you bring your pig something nice to eat. Sometimes when he smells a pig of the opposite sex. This is the  sound most associated with guinea pigs.

VERY HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL...This is a warning  sign of danger or a cry of pain from your pig.

BRR....This sound is made by a puzzled pig responding to a new ( but not threatening ) sound or smell it has not encountered before. An indoor pig will encounter more sounds than an outdoor one. Maybe when you bring your pig indoors and it hears the washing machine or radio for the first time it may make this noise. An indoor pig may make the noise in response to a visitor or a new mobile phone etc.

THE GUINEA PIG SONG.... Many people will never hear this. I myself have only encountered one singing pig. He ( Scrappy ) is actually back in rescue looking for a new home. He sang when he was a few months old and has never done it since although he is almost 2.5 years old now.

   No one really knows the exact reason for the pig to sing, some put it down to stress, others say it  traces back to their ancestors who maybe used it as a warning signal to other pigs in the group. To be honest I haven't got a clue, although the pig in question was not at all stressed when I heard him sing.

  The sound is almost like a little chirrup of a small bird. The pig in question stands quite still and gradually becomes louder and louder. He lifts his head high in the air and stands up tall on his front legs. All the pigs who hear it freeze on the spot listening intently. As soon as it is over the singer and audience just go about their normal business as though nothing at all had happened .

I hope this helps.

If you have more questions please do not hesitate to ask.

**Amparo**