Guinea pigs communicate and interact with each other, through behaviour and sound. They can also show their feelings towards us humans. Often movement accompanies the sound they are making. As well as looking gorgeous and extremely cute, a guinea pigs behaviour matches their cute looks... most of the time. I say most of the time because there can be times when a guinea pig can be stroppy, mainly directed at another guinea pig and occasionally to us humans. Every animal/human naturally have different moods and the guinea pig is no exception.
Aggression
An angry guinea pig will start teeth chattering, its a sound heard when they are are clacking their teeth together. Although its rare, if its directed at you, they are telling you to keep away, so please be respectful if your guinea pig is annoyed or upset. Guinea pigs seldom teeth chatter at humans and rarely ever bite, but just be aware that if they are extremely upset or afraid, they may nip. When a guinea pig is teeth chattering at another guinea pig, a fight may break out. This often happens when two boars meet for the first time and they are trying to sort out their position in the hierarchy. It can also happen with sows when they first meet. Usually the fur around their necks will be raised to make them seem larger. They will sway from side to side and look very agitated, they may also show their teeth. If you see your guinea pigs doing this to each another, its best to separate them before they fly at each other, just remember to watch your hands. Place a towel over them to confuse them, then you can separate them.
Biting
Seldom do guinea pigs bite their owners. Often they just nibble or bite as a way of communication, especially young guinea pigs who are still learning and testing their limits. There are many reasons why a guinea pig will nip or bite. Maybe the guinea pig isn't being held correctly and is worried, frightened or uncomfortable. If you've been holding your guinea pig for a while, they may nibble your clothes as a way of communicating to you that they need the toilet. Try not to hold your guinea pig longer than 10 to 15 minutes at a time, they can't cross their legs and hold on any longer. Not all guinea pigs will nip at your clothes, most just fidget or moan at you, to communicate with you that they want to be put back in their cage.
Some guinea pigs bite by accident, when you are feeding them. In anticipation of getting a tasty treat, they may misjudge and accidentally nip your finger instead of the treat. In addition, if you've been handling food, they may make the mistake of thinking your finger is food, so always wash your hands before holding your guinea pig. Guinea pigs may bite because of a skin problem like mites. Holding, stroking/touching a guinea pig with mites can cause them great discomfort and they'll try anything to stop the pain. They will try to nip the area to get some relief, but if your hand is in the way, they may nip you by mistake. Because your touching the area that's effected, usually on their backs, you may have triggered the discomfort. If you notice this behaviour and your guinea pig is excessively scratching and biting their skin, please see your vet for a diagnoses of mites as soon as possible. Mange mites are a painful condition for a guinea pig.
Eating Poop
If you see a guinea pig duck their head underneath and then notice that they are munching on something, well they are actually eating their own poop. It may sound unsavoury to us humans, but its very normal behaviour for guinea pigs. Rabbits also eat their own poops. They aren't the normal poops that you see in the cage, these poops are smaller and softer. Guinea pigs need to re-ingests these soft poops because the guinea pigs digestive system doesn't extract all the vitamins from the food straight away.
Depressed
If you see your guinea pig hunched up in a corner, looking very sad and depressed, they may be poorly. Try offering your guinea pig their favourite food. If they show no interest, please take your guinea pig to the vets straight away. I'm always concerned if one of my guinea pigs won't be tempted by a favourite treat. Guinea pigs can go down hill very quickly, sometimes they may have been poorly for a while without showing any symptoms. Guinea pigs can hide their illness because its part of their natural instinct. In the wild, its a survival defence against predators picking out an easy target. Prompt veterinary treatment is vital, so this is why you need keep a close eye on your guinea pigs.
Running and Hiding Away
If your new to guinea pigs, please don't take this as a rejection. Guinea pigs are timid by nature, in the wild they are prey animals and their only defence is to runaway and hide. Until your guinea pig gets to know you and your voice, its very normal for them to runaway.
Even when a guinea pig has been in your life for a while, their natural instinct to flee, remains with them. Much depends on the guinea pigs personality. As long as your patient and talk gently, most guinea pigs will put their trust in you and will become more outgoing and less afraid.
Sleeping
Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs aren't nocturnal and don't sleep for long periods. They just take small naps during the day and night. They often don't close their eyes unless they are feeling very relaxed and even then its not very often, as guinea pigs like to be on the alert for danger. Many guinea pigs will just relax and rest their head on the ground, others will be totally relaxed and spread out their hind legs.
