What is he saying?

[Deleted member 144252]

Hello,
My 11 week old male guinea pig is very happy and relaxed when held and patted, but also shows an unusual behaviour at the same time.
When I hold and pet him he lays down, is very relaxed an sleepy, even licks my hands. The thing I don't understand is that at the same time, he teeth chatters.
I thought teeth chattering was an aggressive behaviour. So, why does he do this when he seems to be so happy?
Thanks,
Natalie Clancy

 

[Wiebke]

Hello,
My 11 week old male guinea pig is very happy and relaxed when held and patted, but also shows an unusual behaviour at the same time.
When I hold and pet him he lays down, is very relaxed an sleepy, even licks my hands. The thing I don't understand is that at the same time, he teeth chatters.
I thought teeth chattering was an aggressive behaviour. So, why does he do this when he seems to be so happy?
Thanks,
Natalie Clancy

There are two different teeth chatters.
- A mild teeth chatter is a simple 'I don't like this' - Perhaps he has areas he doesn't like being touched or has he had enough?
Keep observing what you are doing exactly when he makes this sound and take him seriously when he is giving you pointed clues.
Keep in mind that guinea pigs are group animals with very complex social interaction (much more than most people expect) and that is also carried over onto cavy-human interaction - they can differentiate and communicate quite complex messages.
- The strong form of teeth chattering is much, much stronger and very loud. It is a very strong 'I really hate this' or 'Don't come near to me'. You can usually spot it by its sheer intensity. You will usually only hear it during bondings or when piggies are very much on edge in their own interaction.

In order to interpret this behaviour combination further, could you please tell me whether your boy is a single or does he he have a companion?

 

[Deleted member 144252]

Ok. His teeth chatter was soft and I could barely hear it.
Although, I'm still slightly confused because in one instance, he teeth-chattered then liked my finger.
He shows no other signs that he dis-likes being patted.