My guinea pig is making a huffing puff air noise

[BrittsPiggies]

Hi I recently got a guinea pig, I was reading up online that it is recommend guinea pigs to have a companion because they are sociable herd breeds, I’m no expert on any of this. but I have to boys they’re both about the same size so I’m guessing roughly same age they’re little and young. When I got the first one he was fine and then I got another one a day later, they get along perfect they sleep, eat, play and follow each other around everywhere. but I noticed whenever I try to hold or kind of bother them by trying to pick one up my Piggie Zoomi Will make a huffing puff noise at me? I’m not sure if it’s a sign of don’t bother me or maybe he’s getting sick? But I pay close attention to them and I don’t ever hear him make that noise and less I intervene with their cage. My other Piggie Nubby When I rescued him he was missing toes on his back leg, all three toes are gone? I keep a very soft fleece blanket down he runs And gets around just fine has anyone else that was a piggy with me missing toes and how are there?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Guinea pigs have very narrow and small airways. They also cannot breathe through their mouths. This means that even the tiniest obstruction in their airways can be audible. When they get stressed (I.e. for instance when they are being handled by you), they will breathe more quickly and it can become audible. However, if you don't hear anything at other times, I would not worry.
If your boys are indoors and in a radiator heated room, you might see whether humidifying can ease the breathing somewhat.

I have sadly not got any experience with guinea pigs without toes, but they generally cope well if they lose a nail temporarily or even if it never really grows back.

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