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Guinea Pigs/guinea noises

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Expert: Jules - 4/11/2007


Question
Hi jules,
sorry to keep on asking you questions!
my guinea pigs kepp on making all these different noises. one of them makes a sneezing noise(very rarely), and the other two make this low sort of purring noise evrytime one of them gets too close. do you have any idea on what the noise is?
thanks
catherine
(when u stoke the and they purr does that mean they like it?, and when they squeak out loud what does that mean?, are they scared?, hungry?,lonely?)

Answer
Hi Catherine,

Don't worry about all the questions, that is what I am here for.

The sneezing noise is actually a sneeze. Nothing to worry about as it is rare, it just means that some hair or dust got up the nose.

The purring noise is normal, it is their way of communicating to each other that they are happy, upset, irritated or even just a warning that some one is getting to close to their territory. :)

When they purr when a person strokes them that is a perfect sign. All it means is that they like it and are completely happy to be petted in that one spot.

When the squeak out loud it means 2 things, one they want attention from you and the other is that they are hungry. It's normal for them to squeak out loud for food if they get feed a 'salad' of fresh food at a certain time each day. They get use to it and start to squeak an half hour before or even right on the time that they normally get feed.

So all in all I would say you have some happy healthy Guinea Pigs.  

Take Care Now,
          Jules

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Jules

Expertise

I've owned and rescued Guinea Pigs (cavies) for over 7 1/2 years now. I can answer just about everything concerning a Guinea Pig (cavy). I can not answer questions about showing Guinea Pigs as I have no experience in this area. I can answer questions concerning Cage space, different types of cages, food (pellets), fresh foods, toys, play time, social behavior, getting another Guinea Pig, health and medical questions, breed types, grooming needs, breeding, pregnancy, care for orphaned or rejected pups (babies), special care needed for pregnant Guinea Pigs (cavies), human interaction with Guinea Pigs (cavies), non-Guinea Pig pet interaction with Guinea Pigs, some trick training, behavior training, litter pan training, home care and treatment for some mild sicknesses, and first time owner questions. If I don't know the answer to the question right off I'll find the answer through the web, other Guinea Pig owners, and my local vet and mentor.

Experience

I'm an animal lover, and have been a Guinea Pig (Cavy) owner for a little over 7 1/2 years now. I am studying to become an exotic, or small animals Vet Tech this fall. I've owned 7 Female Guinea Pigs all over the age of 5 most of them where rescued and older Guinea Pigs, I currantly don't own any Guinea Pigs as I lost both of mine June 27 and June 29, I own 2 dwarf hamsters, a little Cockapoo puppy, a Siberian Husk Mix and 1 dwarf Rabbit. Out of them all I am most knowledgeable about Guinea Pigs (Cavies) as I have owned and cared for them the longest.

Education/Credentials
High School Graduate. 2 Year Biology College Student.
Pet Care Associate at PetSmart.

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