🐹 Behavior Guide

Why Does My Guinea Pig Do That?

Decode your guinea pig's body language, habits, and quirks with science-backed explanations.

Quick Answer

Most guinea pig behaviors are driven by instinct, communication, or health needs. Browse common guinea pig behaviors below.

❤️ Emotional

🍿Pure happiness — the best sign

Why does my guinea pig popcorn?

Popcorning is when a guinea pig suddenly jumps into the air, often twisting and kicking, resembling a kernel of popcorn popping. It is the ultimate expression of happiness in guinea pigs, most common in young pigs but seen at all ages.

💬 Communication

😠Warning signal — they are angry or stressed

Why does my guinea pig chatter their teeth?

Teeth chattering is an aggressive vocalization that means your guinea pig is angry, annoyed, or warning another pig (or you) to back off. It is the guinea pig equivalent of a growl and should be taken seriously to prevent bites.

📢Excitement and food anticipation

Why does my guinea pig wheek so loudly?

Wheeking is the loud, high-pitched squeal that guinea pigs make when they hear the fridge open, a bag rustle, or their owner approaching. It is a vocalization unique to domestic guinea pigs — wild cavies do not wheek.

🤝 Social

💃Dominance display or mating behavior

Why does my guinea pig vibrate and sway?

Rumblestrutting is when a guinea pig makes a low rumbling purr while swaying their hips and walking with a deliberate, slow strut. It is a dominance or mating display used to impress other pigs or establish hierarchy.

Explore More

🎓 Guinea Pig Training Guides 🩺 Guinea Pig Symptom Checker 🐾 Browse Guinea Pig Breeds

Trusted sources: ASPCA Animal Behavior, AKC Behavior

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