Guinea pig body language

Guinea pigs are small rodents that live in herds. It has been proven that they can communicate with each other both through sounds and body language. Guinea pig owners can also learn to understand them.

It is easy to recognize when a guinea pig is afraid. Due to their small size and lack of proper skills, they cannot defend themselves. However, they have learned to react differently to threats. Scared the guinea pig is still, straining her eyes. Her little heart beats very fast. When the stress is really strong, she tries to pretend to be dead, hoping to avoid contact with the attacker. If the threat lasts longer, we can observe loss of appetite, weight loss and lethargy.

It is just as easy to recognize when a piggy is happy. In that moment joy Guinea pigs jump in all directions, showing how happy they are. 

Relaxed guinea pig it lies on its side and stretches out its hind legs. If it lets us touch its delicate belly, squinting at the same time, we can assume that it trusts us completely. If the piggy stretched out like this does not even flinch when we pass by it, it means that we do not arouse even the slightest fear in it.

Guinea pigs can also be curious. When something interests them at first, they will sniff it thoroughly, sticking their noses up. If they do not sense danger, they may gently bite the object of interest. If it does not turn out to be tasty, they will most likely go in a different direction, waiting for new places to play.

There are a few more behaviors that tell us a lot about our guinea pigs. For example, a guinea pig walking backwards is usually looking for a suitable place to relieve itself. Guinea pigs are also very clean, they regularly clean their fur. If they scratch themselves, it means that something itches. In such a situation, it is good to observe the guinea pig. It may be a blade of hay, but it can also be a sign of illness. Yawning, just like in humans, is a sign of tiredness or boredom.

Guinea pigs, like most animals, do not attack without reason. However, if a guinea pig bites you, do not be angry at it. It usually means that it does not feel like playing at that moment. On the other hand, a guinea pig that is gnawing on the bars of its cage may be hungry, although it is often a way to get our attention. In this simple way, it tells us that it wants you to play with it.  

Knowing the basic behaviors of a guinea pig, you can take good care of it. Take care of it and it will surely reward you with many joyful jumps and a belly exposed for caressing. This is how guinea pigs show love – or at least the desire to pet 😉