Is it supposed to talk?

[rackyrane]

Man, I hope somebody knows about this.

My kids convinced me to buy them a guinea pig. We did some research on them before buying them (just like with any SW purchase). However,
the pig is fairly skittish. She's ok once you pick her up and hold her against your chest. The weird thing is, she makes all of these funny noises when you pet her. They sound kind of like a cross between a baby cooing and a cat purring. Sometimes she kind of sqeaks a bit louder, especially when you bring food near her home.

Is this usual? I have read about some guinea pigs making noise, but don't know if she is scared or happy or what.

Anyone have a guinea pig and have any idea about this?

TIA.

 

[SaraB]

I used to have one when I was a kid ... yes they make noise and a lot more when they know you are bringing them food!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

We have one now named Guss and yes this is very normal. They are so cute!

 

[Ladipyg]

Wait until she learns the sound of the fridge being opened...they make a high pitched squeal. They also make grunting noises. I guess that's were the pig part comes in...they can kind of make muted pig sounds. They love carrots, any greens (NO POTATOES) celery, etc. You can also get alfalfa cubes at a LFS and they love those too!! I had 34 "piggys" when I was a teenager...kept me home taking care of them instead of roaming the streets getting in trouble. Let her settle in and get used to you and the kids and make sure they are gentle with her and she'll be tame as can be in no time. The can feed her by hand, small pieces of carrots and stuff. It will help tame her. The more you handle them, the tamer they get.

 

[SaraB]

LOL - Mine went nuts too when the fridge was opened!

 

[rackyrane]

Thanks guys. I was worried that she was freaking out , was uncomfortable or lonely.
The boys are very gentle with her and we try to handle her everyday.
Does anyone know if they can eat green beans? She loves cilantro, kale and definitely carrots.

 

[SaraB]

Mine pretty much loved all veggies!

 

[rackyrane]

Our girl is named Lucy (my youngest son's idea"). She really likes apples and melons also.
She won't chew on any of the wood stuff we put in her cage. I am worried about her teeth getting too long. We bought her from a pet store who bought her from a private owner. Her nails are a bit long and I am going to try and cut them. I have never done this before. I read that you have to be careful of the quick of the nail. Has anybody had to do this before? Any strategies you guys have to help them keep the nails down so that they don't have to be cut?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

GUSS

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I cut Gusses nails for the first time a couple months ago and its no big deal really. I just made sure I left more than i took.

 

[rackyrane]

Rev,
He is SO cute! Our little pig is black and white with a pink right ear. I will have to try and get a picture of her. She's so skittish that I doubt I can get her to sit still long enough to get a pic. Maybe I can get her while she's munching some kale. Wish me luck on the cutting. She is not going to be happy!

 

[Saltysteele]

has anyone ever gotten these guys to relax a bit, and enjoy being held?

 

[Ladipyg]

has anyone ever gotten these guys to relax a bit, and enjoy being held?

ABSOLUTELY...just takes patience...remember how small they are...when you are towering over them they are in fear of being eaten. Have the kids get down to eye level with them on the floor and begin feeding them treats and stuff. Talking gently, moving slowly, quietly holding them on your lap while sitting on the floor and not trying to force them to stay there (they panic) feeding them special treats, carrots and such and they will calm down fairly quickly.
Remember if you pick them up, support their rear at the same time...otherwise they feel like they are going to fall or be dropped. They are great pets for kids. I used to take mine out in the yard where I set up a pen...they loved running around in the sunshine and eating fresh dandelions. Don't leave them out unattended or without being in a pen. They could run away or become an easy meal for a dog, cat or hawk.

 

[phirefly]

I have a friend who has guinea pigs - they're adorable. They definitely know when it's time for a veggie snack!

If it helps, my friend snuggles a couple of them (who are known to not like nail trimming time) in a towel when trimming their nails to help calm them - and to keep them from moving too much, right when she's about to make the cut.

 

[rackyrane]

Great ideas. We are going to try and cut her nails tonight.

I took her outside yesterday on our enclosed balcony and all she did was hide under the chair.

 

[Paul_N]

We had one years ago for the kids. We let her run free during the day and she always went back to the cage to "do her business". I loved when she would "pop" and start running around like crazy back and forth.

We used a pen outside also in the summer. she loved being in the grass.