Cute Guinea Pigs I GuineaDad (2024)

FAQs

How do guinea pigs say I love you? ›

Guinea pig Love Sign #1: Your guinea pig gives you kisses

Guinea pig licks, also referred to as guinea pig kisses, are just one of the ways your guinea pigs can show you they like you. When a guinea pig licks you, it is a good sign that your piggy is feeling comfortable and safe with you!

Guinea pigs are adorable - there's no arguing about it. The furry friends have large, dark eyes, floofy noses, and handsome hairdo's. For many years, guinea pigs were considered good first starter pets, especially for children.

Guinea pigs bump or rub noses to say hello to one another. They also do this as a sign of affection. Trust us, it is a good thing when your pet nose bumps you.

(Keep in mind that guinea pigs are highly social, so it is best to have at least two guinea pigs who get along with each other.) Two guinea pigs: 7.5 square feet (minimum), but at least 10.5 square feet (30” x 50”) is preferred.

In fact, it's common for guinea pigs to lick and groom each other - this is how they bond and establish happy relationships with their piggy companions. Therefore, when your piggy licks your hand, it's usually an attempt to display love and affection the way they know best.

Your Guinea Pig Likes Being Held

You can interpret that confidence as affection. To reach this stage you need to hand-tame your pet with care and patience. Once they've built the trust, they'll bond with you. They won't approach everyone in this way – it's just you they love!

They may not kiss in the traditional sense but they do show affection and bond with each other through grooming. When your guinea pig is licking your hand, they are essentially grooming you and making sure you're nice and clean.

Peruvian guinea pig

They're keen on cuddles, and may even demand snuggle sessions from their cavy carers. And while they make loving pets, Peruvian guinea pigs also need daily grooming, regular hair trims, and even the odd bath.

Always keep in mind that as much as guinea pigs love a good cuddle, there comes the point when they have had enough. So keep the following in mind when it comes to cuddling up with your cavy. While it will differ from one guinea pig to another, we recommend keeping cuddle time between five and 10 minutes.

A guinea pig's whining sounds like a high-pitched moan. This noise is vocalized when the piggy is being disturbed or bothered. If you or a fellow cage mate interrupts his or her nap, you may hear this noise. Just step away, and let them be.

How do guinea pigs say goodbye? ›

When a guinea pig dies, it is important that the remaining guinea pigs are able to say their goodbyes, if this is at all possible. Place the passed Guinea Pigs back into their cage or hutch, for just a few minutes for this to happen. They may ignore their friend or look from afar, or nudge them to try and wake them.

Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.

Guinea Pigs Should Always Be Adopted as a Pair

It isn't healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species they can “talk,” play, and cuddle with.

Successful pairings or groups

The most suitable pairings are two females or a neutered male and a female. If you would like to keep a group of three or more guinea pigs it's not advisable to have more than one male as any more can cause a conflict over resources.

Kept together, they form a 'pecking order' and some animals become more dominant than others. Good combinations for guinea pigs include a neutered male and one or more females, two females or neutered brothers (if they've been reared together).

Wheeking: This is a distinctive (and common) vocalization made by guinea pigs and it is most often used to communicate anticipation or excitement, particularly about being fed. It sounds like a long and loud squeal or whistle and sometimes wheeking may simply serve as a call for attention.

Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.

Always keep in mind that as much as guinea pigs love a good cuddle, there comes the point when they have had enough. So keep the following in mind when it comes to cuddling up with your cavy. While it will differ from one guinea pig to another, we recommend keeping cuddle time between five and 10 minutes.