How much squeaking is normal?

[lizzie_71]

My older boar Jack hardly ever squeaks. The only time he makes a noise is when he thinks it is time to eat, or if he hears the fridge open. Otherwise he is completely silent at all times. Maybe two squeaks a day at most.

The new baby Ruffle (now about 12 weeks old) squeaks all the time. He makes little sounds as he moves around the cage and seems incapable of moving without making a noise at the same time. And then every so often he starts squeaking as if he is being tortured, making me rush from the other side of the house to see what is going on.

They are not fighting, he has no injuries and is eating and gaining weight just fine. I can see nothing to cause him any distress so maybe this is just his way of passing the time? They have plenty of food, hay and water so it is not hunger.

So what is normal piggy behaviour? I assumed piggies made practically no noise like Jack and his late brother Charlie, but maybe it is Jack who is abnormal and Ruffle is showing normal piggy behaviour?

 

[caviaporcellus]

LOL He is training you up so that you will come when you are called. All piggies do this to their piggy slaves.

One of mine hardly ever squeaks and the other hardly ever shuts up. One is male and one is female. You can guess which way round it is.

 

[lulu!]

That's kind of like asking how much talking is normal for humans
Some pigs are quiet, and some pigs are chatterboxes, just like us. As long as they're not in any pain or are squeaking to show they're upset, there is no answer as to what is "normal."

 

[Suzygpr]

I find that most babies just don't know how to be quiet! They have to comment on every movement or every thought that pops into their heads, it does lessen as they age though.

The loud squeaks may be from excitement at the prospect of food, my lot decide when they would like something from the fridge and let me know that I'm being too slow.

It all sounds pretty normal behaviour from your piggies - as long as there's no aggression and he's gaining weight and confidence I wouldn't worry and just enjoy the noisy, happy chap.

Suzy x

 

[lizzie_71]

Thanks everyone. I keep worrying that he is being attacked, but it doesn't look like it. Jack is the most laid back piggie ever and is way too lazy to fight! I think Ruffle is just a little noisy beast

 

[pammyj]

sorry double post (and at last I can edit yay!)

 

[pammyj]

I have two new sister piggies. The smaller braver one is a loud squeeker and makes noise at nearly every oportunity she can, but mostly when she sees us walk by the cage or hears a bag rustle!
The other one is really quiet and hardly makes any noise, not even for food. The only time I hear her make any noise is when the two of them are walking around at floortime, its like they are chatting to each other.

 

[Wiebke]

Youngsters are at their most vocal (practically nonstop unless they are fast asleep!) when they are at the most active and investigative, and simultaneously at their most vulnerable to dangers and predators - the chattering is a constant status update for the herd as to their whereabouts and wellbeing. Guinea pigs have evolved in grasslands where sight is impeded, and communication happens via sound.

By degrees, as their experience is growing and they cease to be a constant source of worry, they will quieten down and will behave as fully settled, much more quiet adults.

On top of that, you'll get the difference in character, some piggies are natural chatterboxes whereas others barely get a squeak out.

If you have roaming guinea pigs, you will see that all will chatter while moving, irrespective of age.