Origin Of Wheeking

[LizzyHoy]

Hello, I have recently been thinking about guinea pigs' loud wheeking (the sound they make when they think you might have veg for them!). I'm wondering where it comes from, because in the wild I can't see how wheeking would help them get food. Does anyone have any thoughts on its origin? Maybe it came from wild guinea pigs, or perhaps it's been passed on socially via domesticated guineas?

 

[Subvato]

I thought it was to call other piggies to get their attention.

 

[LizzyHoy]

Yes that's a good point. I had been thinking that they do their little chut chut noises to 'keep in touch' when they're near each other, but wheeking would be more useful if far away.