Instructions
Understand a little about guinea pig behavior. As herd animals, guinea pigs use sound as a means of maintaining social rank. The dominant male harasses and drives out all other mature males. A single female establishes her own dominance over a careful hierarchy of other females. Yet, females endlessly battle for position. A subordinate female shows submissiveness to a superior female by emitting a low rumbling sound that mimics the sounds made by a sexually aroused male. A stronger rumbling sound serves as a direct challenge to the superior animal.
Understand that, for a guinea pig, to squeal or shriek is a way of expressing fear. Guinea pigs will also squeal or shriek as a sign of pain. Fights for dominance can often turn vicious. Guinea pigs will mount or even bite each other. Dominant females will mount subordinate females. A hissing sound warns off a potential opponent, perhaps forestalling an actual battle. Yet, guinea pigs do not take well to separation. Animals will squeal as a sign of loneliness. Possibly they feel pain at not receiving sufficient affection. Guinea pigs frequently call to their human caretakers. Squeaks of loneliness are a cry for human attention. Loud squeals are uniquely directed at humans and represent a form of begging. Guniea pigs squeal loudly when food is on the way.
See that, to show contentment, guinea pigs squeal or grunt as they move around their environment. They also squeal and grunt in response to pleasant stimuli. Pet a guinea pig and it will coo softly. Petting in the wrong spot, however, will earn a low rumbling sound. Guinea pigs do not like to be touched on their undersides. Pregnant females, especially, dislike being touched on the sides of their stomachs. Loud or irritating nosies can also provoke a rumbling sound. Guinea pigs are extremely sensitive to sound and can detect frequencies well beyond the range of human hearing. A placid environment is best. Guinea pigs frequently coo to each other as a way of preserving harmony and easing nerves.
How to Understand Why Guinea Pigs Squeal
Guinea pigs are social animals that live in herds. Each herd is led by a single sexually-mature male that keeps a harem of females. Females also occupy places in a strict hierarchy. Guinea pigs communicate and maintain social order in a variety of ways. Squeals and grunts describe a variety of conditions and wants. Guinea pigs will squeal at each other and also at humans.