Behavior |
If you are going to try to bond or introduce guinea pigs to each other, please read this page and watch the embedded video at the bottom. This will help you understand the language of guinea pigs. Once done, then you are prepared to visit our page on Bonding and Introductions.
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Dominance
A big rule I have learned by handling many guinea pigs is that every guinea pig has their own dominance level. And in a group of 2 or more, there must always be one (and only one) dominant leader, aka the Alpha.
They will compete for this position, and, depending on each of their individual dominance levels, will either seriously challenge the other one or back down, aka submit to the alpha.
This is why it can be difficult to bond two or more guinea pigs. Sometimes it works, and sometimes two have the same dominance level and clash easily.
A big rule I have learned by handling many guinea pigs is that every guinea pig has their own dominance level. And in a group of 2 or more, there must always be one (and only one) dominant leader, aka the Alpha.
They will compete for this position, and, depending on each of their individual dominance levels, will either seriously challenge the other one or back down, aka submit to the alpha.
This is why it can be difficult to bond two or more guinea pigs. Sometimes it works, and sometimes two have the same dominance level and clash easily.
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Mounting
This is when one guinea pig gets up on top of another guinea pig and "humps" them. This is normal in both genders, however, it is more common for males to express this behavior. While this is the way males mate with females, it is also an expression of dominance. This is why males will mount other males. It's a large part of how they "show who's boss." Typically, males in puberty can do this obsessively to their cage mates which can become annoying. To help, you can add a small stuffed animal to the cage. The male in puberty will sometimes mount that instead. Females, if they ever mount, will usually do it because they are in heat. They are, in a sense, advertising their fertility which happens every 14-17 days. |
An example of mounting.
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Popcorning
The most common behavior used to describe a happy guinea pig is when they "Popcorn".
This freaks out most new guinea pig owners. When you have no idea what popcorning is, it really looks like they are running around having a seizure. It is a series of jerks and twitches combined with running and hopping. It's quite adorable to watch once you know it's a sign of happiness.
The most common behavior used to describe a happy guinea pig is when they "Popcorn".
This freaks out most new guinea pig owners. When you have no idea what popcorning is, it really looks like they are running around having a seizure. It is a series of jerks and twitches combined with running and hopping. It's quite adorable to watch once you know it's a sign of happiness.
Zooming
Another adorable thing guinea pigs do is "Zoom".
Once a guinea pig is comfortable in their new environment, they like to run very fast known as zooming. Some may refer to it as "darting" around the cage. They can do it in circles around their cage, or across the room during floor time. Sometimes it is combined with popcorning. This is also a sign of a happy guinea pig.
Another adorable thing guinea pigs do is "Zoom".
Once a guinea pig is comfortable in their new environment, they like to run very fast known as zooming. Some may refer to it as "darting" around the cage. They can do it in circles around their cage, or across the room during floor time. Sometimes it is combined with popcorning. This is also a sign of a happy guinea pig.
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Nibbling/Biting
Guinea pigs can see behind them, next to them, and even above them, but they cannot see directly in front of them. This is why they may nibble your finger to test if it is food. However, they should not bite you! If your guinea pig is biting, tugging on your shirt with their teeth, and/or thrashing about in your arms when you touch them, they may be trying to tell you there is something wrong. Check to see if you are holding them correctly, or if they have to pee (some refuse to pee on humans). Most of the time when they act strange like this I find they have mites, mange mites, or lice. A dab of Ivermectin on the ears is great for curing and preventing mites. |
This cuddly guy was biting and tugging on our shirts when we held him. Once we discovered he had lice, we got rid of them, and he was a whole new guinea pig.
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The many sounds that guinea pigs make are described and explained very well by Abby in her YouTube video:
