Guinea pigs are mysterious little creatures who can be challenging to understand. However, they display a multitude of signs that they’re happy, and understanding these can help you ensure that your guinea pig is content.
Zoomies are something that energetic guinea pigs will do, whereby they run around in circles within their enclosure. They are a sign of happiness and are prevalent in young guinea pigs. Zoomies can also provide good exercise for your pet.
While running and jumping is predominantly a positive sign of good health and wellbeing in your pet, there are some conditions under which this erratic movement can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Read on to discover why guinea pigs run around, how to tell whether or not your guinea pig is happy, and how to build the best relationship between you and your pet pal.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Run Around Like Crazy?
Predominant amongst younger guinea pigs, a burst of energy will sometimes see them zooming around their enclosure in circles. While this is most often a sign of happiness, it’s essential to watch for the signs that something may be wrong.
Along with zoomies, guinea pigs can also be seen ‘popcorning,’ jumping or leaping into the air as they run. This is a good sign that they are happy and excited.
Running around is also a sign that your guinea pig may be trying to get some exercise, especially if their enclosure is small. This is a good sign, as they need to keep active. They should expend energy regularly each day.
But, running and jumping around in irregular patterns may also indicate that your guinea pig is scared or nervous, especially when accompanied by piercing squeaks. Use the situation to identify the emotion of your pet. If they’re in new surroundings, they may display an excited curiosity, but if there’s a storm outside, it’s more likely they’re scared.
If your guinea pigs running is accompanied by itching, scratching, loss of weight, or a change in fur texture, it could indicate mites or a health issue. Any of these symptoms would be best consulted with your local vet.
Generally, an energetic guinea pig is a happy guinea pig. It’s more likely a sign of ill health or depression if your guinea pig is constantly sluggish.
What Do Guinea Pigs Do When They Are Excited?
Often, a guinea pig’s happiness is a sign of its general wellbeing along with a good diet. Aside from zooming around, there are other signs to look out for that show your guinea pig is happy and excited. Every guinea pig is different, so it’s good to learn which signs mean your pet is comfortable.
Curiosity
Guinea pigs are curious by nature. If they are content, anything new should arouse their interest, and they will often walk in circles around a new room or enclosure as they explore.
Chutting
Also referred to as clucking, chutting is similar to the sound a hen would make and indicates that your guinea pig is happy. They can make this sound when interacting with humans, other guinea pigs, exploring their surroundings, or feeling curious. In general, it’s a sign that they’re living their best life.
When your guinea pig is relaxed and content, you will often hear it purring. Additionally, a more subtle sound known as bubbling demonstrates an equal amount of enthusiasm.
Healthy Appetite
Guinea pigs are hungry little creatures, and a healthy appetite is a good sign that they are happy. Monitoring their weight is also helpful as a happy guinea pig should be eating enough food to maintain its size.
Rubbing Noses
If your guinea pig has company, you may see them rubbing noses with each other. This is a sign of happiness and companionship. Guinea pigs will also show affection through licking each other or their human owners.
Do Guinea Pigs Get Excited To See You?
Guinea pigs are social little creatures, not only with each other but with their human owners too. They can recognize their owners by human conversation, feeding, and inclusion in family activities.
When your guinea pig is excited to see you, they may run towards you and lick your fingers or hand while bonding with you. If a guinea pig trusts you, they will enjoy spending time on your lap too.
What Do Guinea Pigs Hate?
There are a multitude of things these furry little creatures love, but some things they downright loathe.
Top of the hate list is being alone. As guinea pigs are social creatures, they need companionship and attention. They love to talk and express themselves, which they can’t do without any company. Guinea pigs also hate loud noises such as shouting or storms, which can scare them.
As guinea pigs are natural prey creatures, they get scared by anything they perceive as a threat. For this reason, they won’t like you chasing them around and may be frightened the first few times you pick them up. It’s also best to avoid wide-open spaces that make them feel vulnerable; always include some enclosed area or crawl space.
If guinea pigs are unhappy, they may begin to display signs of aggression, such as standing on their hind legs or baring their teeth. Alternatively, they may become withdrawn, isolated, or lethargic if they are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
To ensure the wellbeing of your guinea pig, provide a healthy and nutritious diet for it, along with scheduling plenty of bonding and social time. Additionally, supply your guinea pig with activities to provide physical and mental stimulation such as toys, bridges, and tunnels.
If your guinea pig is performing zoomies around their enclosure, you likely have a happy little companion. Curious and playful, a guinea pig, will love to be stimulated and introduced to new things. As with people, every guinea pig has a unique personality, so it’s good to recognize the signs of wellbeing in your pet.
Sources:
6 Signs That Your Guinea Pig Is Happy • GuineaHub
What Happens When a Hamster Squeaks? | Animals.mom.com
Oxbow Animal Health | Guinea Pig Sounds and Their Meanings |
How Do I Know if My Guinea Pig is Happy? – Pocket Pet Central
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