2 Sounds and Noises

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Bad sounds: You are about to lose a finger (or two).

Rumbling Sounds like purring, only lower pitched (deeper) and accompanied with vibrating.

Response to being scared or angry in which case the rumble often sounds higher and the body vibrates shortly

Also related to dominance within a group.

Petting in the wrong spots (for instance, on your pet's underside) often results in low rumbling sound.

Whining Used to communicate annoyance or dislike for something an owner or another guinea pig is doing.

Can be heard in pursuit situations (both the pursuer and the pursuee).

Fight-or-flight If you hear this sound, it could already be too late - you probably already took a hit :)

Usually accompanied by teeth chattering (see previous), in some cases this sound represents the animal defending itself (usually from inside the hiding place), sometimes when tempering with the food or bedding in its near proximity.

In other cases, it could be heard while the animal is escaping, in reaction to perceived sudden danger.

Shortly after producing this sound, usually follows the strike - the animal is reaching out with its head from its hiding place in a short burst, trying to hit "the enemy" with its teeth.

Owners are advised to respect the pet's private quarters and to stay calm if getting bitten - in no circumstances should one hit the animal or yell at it.

Our research suggests that this kind of guinea pig behavior is not very common. But it happens.

Squealing or shrieking A high-pitched noise of discontent, pain and/or fear.

Response to pain or immediate danger.

! URGENT NOTE: Check on your pet ASAP to make sure everything is okay!