Guinea Pig Body language
As we have established, guinea pigs have a wide range of sounds they make to talk to each other. They also have some unique guinea pig nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is where you say something with your body and not your mouth, like when someone smiles or when you cross your arms when you are not happy. And although guinea pigs can’t cross their little arms, they do have other ways to communicate with their body.
Popcorning
AKA “I’m so excited!”
You know how you get so excited, you can’t help but jump up and down? Well, guinea pigs do the same thing. When they are super happy, they start running around and jumping into the air!
Pancaking
AKA “Relax and unwind.”
When your guinea pig is super calm and relaxed they will flatten out into a pancake. Hold this as a badge of honor if they “pancake” while laying in your lap. It means your guinea pig is 100% comfortable with you.
Nose Touch
AKA “Hello!”
Just like how we wave or shake hands when we meet someone, guinea pigs have their way of saying hello and it looks a lot like a kiss.
Freezing
AKA “I feel like I’m in danger.”
If a guinea pig is scared they may “freeze” in their tracks. It’s okay if they do this, as Miss Carolyn says, we all get scared sometimes.” Make sure they are okay a maybe give them a treat to calm their nerves.
Sniffing
AKA “What is this?”
As humans, we use our hands to check something out. Guinea pigs don’t have hands that can grab things so they use their nose. They have really strong sniffers, so it is a good way for them to get a lot of information about a new thing in their environment.
Fidgeting While Being Held
AKA “I have to go potty.”
Your guinea pig has a hard time holding it, so when they have to go, they have to go. If your guinea pig starts fidgeting while being held, it is best to bring them back to their home and let them handle their business.
Flicking Head Back
AKA “I’m done with pets right now.”
Guinea pigs need alone time too. As much as they love to socialize, they also get tired of playing and interacting with others. If you are petting your guinea pig and they start flicking their head back, they are telling you they don’t want any pets at the moment.
Running Away
AKA “I’m scared!”
When you bend down to pick up your guinea pig, they might run away. It’s not that they don’t like you, it’s that they don’t know you. Especially at the beginning of your friendship. And that is okay. Keep in mind, to your guinea pig, you are a GIANT! That can be really scary. So go slow with your guinea pig and with time, they will warm up to you. To read more, check out our post on how to become friends with your guinea pig.
