One of the wonderful things about guinea pigs is that can they be very affectionate animals.
Of course, just like humans, if they are raised in an affectionate household, they will be affectionate animals.
Some guinea pigs aren’t like this, or take a while to respond to you. But on the whole if you give them affection, mostly they will respond to you in a similar way.
So if you are getting to know your guinea pig, how can you tell if your guinea pig is being affectionate of not?
image wikipedia
Here are 8 ways that guinea pigs can show affection.
1. Nuzzling – sometimes when you are holding them they may look to nuzzle their head against your hands or if you hold it up close, possibly under your neck. Lots of animals do this most notably cats. But guinea pigs are very good nuzzlers too!
2. Purring – if you are holding your guinea pig gently and stroking it, you may hear your guinea pig purr. When they do this they sound like a quiet cat purr or a pigeon (thanks @LauraGrahamLG :)). It is very soothing to hear and it’s a great sign that your guinea pig feels relaxed.
3. Squealing – if your guinea pig is excited at something they may let out a squeal of delight to let you know how happy they are.
Of course do check that they are not squealing in pain but it’s a funny sound to hear but quite delightful at the same time. It also means, I need food now!! 🙂
4. Popcorning – if they are really excited, they may popcorn which is when the leap up in the air. This is a terrific sight to see and is a great sign that they are really pleased about something.
5. Grooming other piggies – Often when piggies live with each other you may see the grooming each other by licking each other or brushing their heads against the others body.
This is a sign of affection towards each other.
6. Licking – talking of licking, if you are holding one and it happens to lick you then this a good sign that your piggie is being affectionate.
If it goes to lick your nose that is apparently even better, but it hasn’t happened to me yet!
7. Chortling – Personally I love this sound. It makes me smile and one of the many many reasons why guinea pigs are just the cutest animals alive!
Sounds a bit like a small chipmonk, but its a realy sound of happiness and contentedness.
8. Kisses – Now this is a real show of affection.
When they don’t gnaw your hand off because they think its food, and stop short of licking it and its not quite a sniff either.
But they put their mouth’s up to your skin and give you a little kiss. Its very cute, and if you get one of these, you are in the piggie’s good books!!
These are some of the ways I’ve seen my guinea pigs be affectionate, I’m sure there are more out there. If you know of any more then let us know in the comments.
