Behaviour, Grooming and Handling
Kaiser and Theo
Behaviour
Guinea pigs are very social animals and are very vocal. They have a large range of vocalisations which they use to communicate with each other and with us. Guinea pigs usually prefer to talk aout and argument rather than to fight. There are many vocalisations you will hear as your guinea pig settles in!
Three Basic Sounds
1. PURR: with 3 variations:
* Purr of contentment which is a spontaneous sound heard when they are quietand cosy
* Amorous Purr which is vibrant and sensuous accompanied by body swayingand hip twitching
* Purr of aggression which is louder than the other two purrs and is accompanied by pacing on the spot
2. SQUEAK: many different kinds for all emotions
* Conversational squeak which sounds like a buzz of excitement
* Squeak of joy which is loud and often heard at feeding time and accompanied by a dance of excitement
* Annoyance squeak which is loud and like a stutter
* Alarm or anger which is a wild screech
* Interrogation which is heard when unsure of a new situation
3. THROAT MOAN: like a child whining because it doesn't get its own way! Commonly heard when the pig wants to be
alone and another pig is trying to 'cuddle' it!
Guinea pigs are very social animals and are very vocal. They have a large range of vocalisations which they use to communicate with each other and with us. Guinea pigs usually prefer to talk aout and argument rather than to fight. There are many vocalisations you will hear as your guinea pig settles in!
Three Basic Sounds
1. PURR: with 3 variations:
* Purr of contentment which is a spontaneous sound heard when they are quietand cosy
* Amorous Purr which is vibrant and sensuous accompanied by body swayingand hip twitching
* Purr of aggression which is louder than the other two purrs and is accompanied by pacing on the spot
2. SQUEAK: many different kinds for all emotions
* Conversational squeak which sounds like a buzz of excitement
* Squeak of joy which is loud and often heard at feeding time and accompanied by a dance of excitement
* Annoyance squeak which is loud and like a stutter
* Alarm or anger which is a wild screech
* Interrogation which is heard when unsure of a new situation
3. THROAT MOAN: like a child whining because it doesn't get its own way! Commonly heard when the pig wants to be
alone and another pig is trying to 'cuddle' it!
Grooming
Scruffy-Pig
Most pet guinea pigs require little if any grooming however if you have a longer haired variety it will require grooming, and the amount will vary with the age and coat type of the individual. Long haired guinea pigs will require brushing and maybe trimming of their coat. Particular attention should be paid to the rear-end of the animal to prevent a build up of faeces. Grooming should not be a traumatic experience for any guinea pig and should be seen as a bonding activity as well as a necessary part of owning a longer haired pig.
Do not attempt to groom your guinea pig until you are able to handle it, it is lap-friendly and settled into your lap or on a table.
Do not attempt to groom your guinea pig until you are able to handle it, it is lap-friendly and settled into your lap or on a table.
Handling
Remember, the more you handle your pig the friendlier they will be and the quicker you will pick up on signs of distress and illness.
NEVER allow young children to handle guinea pigs completely alone and always ensure they are not walking around or standing up when they are holding guinea pigs, as they can drop them and cause serious injury. Guinea pigs are not fans of heights and so may struggle free through fear and its a long fall for a small furry!
Picking up a guinea pig
- Reach into the house. This will usually cause the occupants to run and hide somewhere within the house!
- Slip the palm of your hand under their broad bottom and your other hand over the back of the guinea pig
- Make sure you have the weight of the guinea pig before you lift it out and then gently lift it out
NEVER allow young children to handle guinea pigs completely alone and always ensure they are not walking around or standing up when they are holding guinea pigs, as they can drop them and cause serious injury. Guinea pigs are not fans of heights and so may struggle free through fear and its a long fall for a small furry!
Picking up a guinea pig
- Reach into the house. This will usually cause the occupants to run and hide somewhere within the house!
- Slip the palm of your hand under their broad bottom and your other hand over the back of the guinea pig
- Make sure you have the weight of the guinea pig before you lift it out and then gently lift it out