July 13, 2024, 9:14 am | Read time: 4 minutes
As a guinea pig owner, you’ll observe many behaviors in these animals that may initially seem odd. For instance, when they suddenly leap into the air—a behavior known as ‘popcorning’—it’s not because they’re frightened. Discover what’s really behind nine amusing behaviors of these adorable rodents.
With their stocky build and short legs, guinea pigs may seem a little lumbering at first glance. As flight animals, they are easily frightened and disappear into their shelters and houses in seconds if they cannot recognize a stimulus. Does this mean that guinea pigs are boring or fearful pets? Definitely not. Guinea pigs display a range of amusing behaviors – especially in a group; the dynamics, body language and verbal communication come into their own. PETBOOK presents nine examples of original guinea pigs behavior and explains what they mean.
“Popcorning” or bucking
Guinea pigs in high spirits perform joyful leaps. In guinea pig circles, this is called “popcorning” and the image of corn kernels that start popping and jumping in the pan describes the behavior perfectly.
The guinea pig jumps into the air from a standing position or while moving – some really buck and twist their body, others do a 180-degree turn. Some guinea pigs also combine popcorning with racing dashes and incorporate leaps into short sprints.
Popcorning is a spontaneous expression of joy and can be triggered by a variety of factors: being in an environment in which they feel safe or free to run at last, having new furniture in the enclosure, which spurs the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore, quickly make guinea pigs popcorn. Or the expectation of delicious fresh food when you watch your human preparing it. Incidentally, young guinea pigs are particularly enthusiastic about popcorning and engage in it frequently.
Pushing away
When guinea pigs are exploring a new environment, they may push furnishings – such as tubes, their houses or their blankets – to one side – on purpose and with delight. They try things out and if they succeed in moving something, it strengthens their self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Bromming or macking
Guinea pigs exhibit a distinctive behavior in which they stiffen their legs, slowly advance with a stalking gait, sway their hindquarters from side to side, and emit grumbling sounds. Some even raise the hairs on the back of their necks. This behavior, known as macking or bromming, is a display of dominance – male guinea pigs use it to assert their claim over females and to establish their authority.
However, female guinea pigs can also mack, usually to claim resources such as food or a favorite resting place. Guinea pigs usually display this behavior in interaction with others, but they can also march through the enclosure, macking and barking without wanting to impress another piggy.
Stretch their necks and freeze
When two guinea pigs argue, they face each other, stretching their necks upwards and freezing. Chattering teeth can reinforce the threat with emphasis. Sometimes only one guinea pig positions itself towards another in this way. The inferior guinea pig usually turns away. If no one gives in, an attack may ensue.
Peeing
Spraying urine on another guinea pig is also part of the behavioral repertoire of female guinea pigs. It is a defensive behavior: The guinea pig feels harassed or threatened by another piggy and squirts urine to keep it at a distance. This is usually successful.
Leaking
Guinea pigs can kick out like horses – and it signifies the same sentiment: The guinea pig feels crowded and desires solitude. With a quick kick of the hind leg to the side or back towards the other guinea pig, it communicates its need for distance.
Also interesting: The different sounds of guinea pigs and what they mean
Goose march
Another cute behavior of guinea pigs, particularly evident in groups, is the goose march. They form a single-file line and parade through their run or room, resembling a caravan. In this way, the group explores new terrain – or quickly returns together to a familiar starting point. The group is usually led by the bravest and most exploratory guinea pig, often a male.
Licking
Guinea pigs do not groom each other. If one guinea pig nudges another with its nose on the flank or licks behind the ear, this signifies affection and care. This behavior can often be observed when a guinea pig is ill. The guinea pigs comfort each other in this way.
Shaking
When a guinea pig vigorously shakes its body, occasionally lifting its front legs, it may be signaling an intention – or preparation – for an action. For example, many guinea pigs like to shake when they realize that food is about to be served. They are getting ready in anticipation of the feast. Shaking can also be observed before a guinea pig begins an exploration tour. It then means, “Here we go.”