RWBlackGoat
New Born Pup
Hello, so i recently acquired 2 guinea pigs last week on thursday. I have let them settle in and have been handling them and I think things are going well, but I've been wanting to ask around to make sure because I do sometimes have trouble reading their behavior currently. So, Here we go.
My piggies are named Cali (Calico) and Marble. They're named after their colors if that says anything. One question I do have is cali's ears are covered with black fur and look normal whereas Marble's ears are hairless and floppy. I assume this is just a breed thing but still want verification on that.
As far as behavior, the two definitely are distinctly different. I do believe Cali is the older of the two because she is bigger than Marble by a little bit. It's just noticable, but not a HUGE difference. Cali tends to give more "giggles" when petted than Marble does, but Marble gives more licks and is generally more quiet overall.
I have been trying to have both of them out if i handle them because it seems that when I bring one out, the other notices that their friend is missing, so they will start wheeking at eachother really loudly and sometimes that turns into a short, high pitched whistle. I would like to know what that high pitched whistle is. I havent heard it in any other youtube videos or read about it on any other websites. It's not like a chirp or anything, it's just a very short, bursted high pitched whistle sound. if that makes sense. eventually, If i do just have one out, they'll calm down. it takes varying times to calm them down.
I mentioned that Marble gives more licks than Cali. Cali tends to be more nippy when it comes to handling her. she's only bit and drawn blood once and it was a very small bite. I honestly don't think she meant to do it that hard and might still be learning that that can hurt. but she does nip and break skin sometimes, in which case i will just move my finger away to show i don't want that. Cali seems to know better for being younger and will nibble wayy lighter and, again, will usually just lick me.
I do want to believe their behaviors when i handle them are out of affection because it normally is coupled with them nuzzling into me (if they're not directly in my hands) and they have no issues cuddling. i will normally offer for them to hide out in my hoodie hood or pocket and they're usually pretty happy with that because they'll give me a little giggle once they enter any dark space that i offer them. even my beanie.
I forgot to mention that they do sometimes give me rapid squeaks that vary in volume, and not pitch. I've never heard them chatter their teeth or growl or anything. no low pitched noises have come from them. i give them treats too when they're out as to show i'm only there for positive reasons.
Basically i'm just wanting to make sure that these behaviors are actually good and that they're happy with me. I do understand not to handle them too long (though sometimes they seem perfectly happy and content if that time is extended). I'm mainly wondering about those high pitched whistle noises. it's different from wheeking at eachother. Right now as i type this I have Cali on my shoulder chilling with me and the two are currently quiet. when i reach up to pet cali she keeps giving me those giggles. which i assume are happy ones.
I feel like i'm rambling so if anyone could tell me which behaviors are good and/or bad (if any) so I can better understand, that would be great
I just want to make sure that I keep them happy and living their best lives both seem perfect health-wise so far and are a joy for me so far as well.
My piggies are named Cali (Calico) and Marble. They're named after their colors if that says anything. One question I do have is cali's ears are covered with black fur and look normal whereas Marble's ears are hairless and floppy. I assume this is just a breed thing but still want verification on that.
As far as behavior, the two definitely are distinctly different. I do believe Cali is the older of the two because she is bigger than Marble by a little bit. It's just noticable, but not a HUGE difference. Cali tends to give more "giggles" when petted than Marble does, but Marble gives more licks and is generally more quiet overall.
I have been trying to have both of them out if i handle them because it seems that when I bring one out, the other notices that their friend is missing, so they will start wheeking at eachother really loudly and sometimes that turns into a short, high pitched whistle. I would like to know what that high pitched whistle is. I havent heard it in any other youtube videos or read about it on any other websites. It's not like a chirp or anything, it's just a very short, bursted high pitched whistle sound. if that makes sense. eventually, If i do just have one out, they'll calm down. it takes varying times to calm them down.
I mentioned that Marble gives more licks than Cali. Cali tends to be more nippy when it comes to handling her. she's only bit and drawn blood once and it was a very small bite. I honestly don't think she meant to do it that hard and might still be learning that that can hurt. but she does nip and break skin sometimes, in which case i will just move my finger away to show i don't want that. Cali seems to know better for being younger and will nibble wayy lighter and, again, will usually just lick me.
I do want to believe their behaviors when i handle them are out of affection because it normally is coupled with them nuzzling into me (if they're not directly in my hands) and they have no issues cuddling. i will normally offer for them to hide out in my hoodie hood or pocket and they're usually pretty happy with that because they'll give me a little giggle once they enter any dark space that i offer them. even my beanie.
I forgot to mention that they do sometimes give me rapid squeaks that vary in volume, and not pitch. I've never heard them chatter their teeth or growl or anything. no low pitched noises have come from them. i give them treats too when they're out as to show i'm only there for positive reasons.
Basically i'm just wanting to make sure that these behaviors are actually good and that they're happy with me. I do understand not to handle them too long (though sometimes they seem perfectly happy and content if that time is extended). I'm mainly wondering about those high pitched whistle noises. it's different from wheeking at eachother. Right now as i type this I have Cali on my shoulder chilling with me and the two are currently quiet. when i reach up to pet cali she keeps giving me those giggles. which i assume are happy ones.
I feel like i'm rambling so if anyone could tell me which behaviors are good and/or bad (if any) so I can better understand, that would be great
I just want to make sure that I keep them happy and living their best lives both seem perfect health-wise so far and are a joy for me so far as well.
