Strange noise and behaviour

[aliciac]

Hello all,

I’m a little desperate because I cannot seem to find an answer to my little fellow’s behaviour anywhere!

So suddenly, since yesterday, my guinea pig (he’s 3 and a bit years old) started making this strange noise. (I'll can't attach an audio of the noise so I'll link it up at the end) He’s eating normally and was behaving normally but in the last hour, he started behaving a bit skittish and jumpy (almost looks like he’s popcorning but he definitely does NOT sound/look happy). He also started behaving a little bit aggressively..for example, if I give him a piece of carrot, he pulls it away rather viciously. He also doesn’t seem to like me touching him, which is very very strange because he’s quite a cuddle-pot. I’m so worried!

I messaged my vet and he said it’s fine but the only vets in my area aren’t too familiar with guinea pigs and I’m just really really worried! Please help!

Thank you so much in advance!

Odd sound: noise.m4a

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Do you mean chirping like a bird? Chirping (contains information and a video)

That is still the big piggy mystery - we don't know the why as it is so irregular and infrequent, and only done by a few piggies.
But your piggy is not ill, if that is a consolation to you. Something may have upset him and he should calm down again over the next day or so.

 

[aliciac]

Thank you so much! Sadly, it's not chirping. Were you able to open the soundgrab I attached at the end of my thread earlier? I added it in, but it's a link via my google drive.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much! Sadly, it's not chirping. Were you able to open the soundgrab I attached at the end of my thread earlier? I added it in, but it's a link via my google drive.

Yes, I have had a listen but I haven't been able to really hear anything?

If it is to do with his breathing, then please check with your ear whether the sound is located in the nose/throat area or down in the lungs.
Guinea pigs have very small and narrow airways and they cannot breathe through their mouths. this means that even the least obstruction in the nose like a bit of hay dust is very audible and can cause quite a variety of sounds. As your piggy is obviously rooting through hay in the audio, it is very likely that he has just got a bit of hay dust or pollen up his nose, which is partially blocking one of his nostrils.

You need to be only worried if they do not clear within a few hours (usually after a good old sneeze to remove the offending particle) or if the sound is coming from the lungs and not just echoing into them.

Any persistent crackling and rasping sound coming from lower down in the airways should be taken seriously and seen within 24 hours or sooner as an emergency if your piggy is showing other symptoms like loss of appetite or apathy.

 

[aliciac]

Thank you SO much for the info! He's stopped making the noise for now, which is relieving. Much appreciated!