Do Guinea Pigs Have Quiet Days? This Is What You Don’t Know!
Contents
- What Are The Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Are Quiet?
- Injury Or Sickness
- Dental Problems
- Food Boredom Or Diet Changes
- Shy
- Content
- Stressed
- Scared
- Naturally Quiet
- Is It Normal For Guinea Pigs To Be Quiet All Day?
- Is It Normal For Guinea Pigs To Hide?
- How To Make My Guinea Pig Quiet?
- How Noisy Are Guinea Pigs?
- Final Verdict
- Sources
Some guinea pigs are chatty and some are quiet. If your usually noisy guinea pig suddenly goes silent, it's natural to worry.
Do guinea pigs have quiet days? Yes. Guinea pigs can be quieter on some days because they are relaxed, shy, settling into a new home or stressed. But guinea pigs hide illness until they are very sick, so a quiet guinea pig that also eats less or seems dull should see a vet promptly.
Here are the common reasons a guinea pig goes quiet, and how to tell normal from worrying.
What Are The Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Are Quiet?
Injury Or Sickness
This is the reason to rule out first. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that guinea pigs hide signs of illness until they are very sick.
See a vet promptly if you notice:
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Hunched posture, limping or low energy
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye or nose discharge
- Drooling, overgrown teeth or jaw swelling
- Diarrhea or a swollen belly
- Bloody urine
- Head tilt
A guinea pig that stops eating needs a vet quickly. Lumps or swelling on the neck can be an abscess or infection, which needs veterinary treatment. Don't give any medicines, including antibiotics, without your vet's advice.
Dental Problems
Guinea pig teeth grow continuously. If they don't line up, they can overgrow and make eating painful, which can make a guinea pig quiet and reluctant to eat.
Plenty of hay helps wear the teeth down. Vitamin C deficiency can also contribute to dental disease, so ask your vet about your guinea pig's diet.
Food Boredom Or Diet Changes
Many guinea pigs "wheek" loudly when they hear food coming. If that excitement fades, check that the diet is right.
Guinea pigs need unlimited grass hay, fresh leafy greens daily and fresh water. Fruit should be an occasional small treat only. A sudden drop in appetite is a health warning, not just boredom.
Shy
New guinea pigs are often quiet while they settle in. Some stay quiet even after months in a home.
Give a new guinea pig time and a hiding box. Don't force interaction; let it come to you.
Content
A relaxed guinea pig with hay, water and company may simply have nothing to call out about. Many guinea pigs vocalize most when they want food or attention.
Even so, never let hay or water run out. Check them every day.
Stressed
Loud noises, other pets and frequent disturbances can stress guinea pigs and make them quieter. Keep the cage in a calm spot away from loud TVs, speakers, drafts and direct sun.
Scared
Guinea pigs are prey animals and startle easily. New places, loud sounds, other animals and rough handling can all make them freeze and go quiet.
Handle your guinea pig gently and give it places to hide.
Naturally Quiet
Each guinea pig has its own personality. Some are vocal and some are quiet for life. If your guinea pig is healthy, eating well and active, a quiet nature is nothing to worry about.
Is It Normal For Guinea Pigs To Be Quiet All Day?
It can be, especially for a naturally quiet guinea pig. The key is whether anything else has changed.
If your guinea pig is eating, drinking, pooping normally and moving around, quiet is usually fine. If it is quiet and also eating less, hunched or less active, see a vet.
Is It Normal For Guinea Pigs To Hide?
Yes. Guinea pigs need a hiding place to feel safe, and new guinea pigs hide a lot. Be concerned if your guinea pig suddenly hides much more than usual, especially with other changes.
How To Make My Guinea Pig Quiet?
A guinea pig that is noisier than usual may be telling you something. Check its food and water first.
Also check for pain or injury. Loud squeals during play between guinea pigs can be normal, but watch for real fighting, such as chasing, teeth chattering and biting.
How Noisy Are Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs are fairly quiet pets most of the time, but they are vocal when they want food or attention. Wheeking, purring, chattering and squealing all mean different things.
Final Verdict
Guinea pigs do have quiet days. Personality, stress and settling in can all play a part.
Because guinea pigs hide illness, always check for other changes. If a quiet guinea pig is eating less, losing weight or seems weak, see a vet promptly.
Sources
- Routine Care of Guinea Pigs, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Common Health Problems of Guinea Pigs, Merck Veterinary Manual
