Why does my guinea pig rock from side to side?

Senior Guinea Pig
It's called rumblestrutting, it can be either a show of dominance or a sign that one of them is in heat. If you're seeing it on a regular basis, I would bet it's connected to their heat cycle.
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Why do guinea pigs move side to side?

Strutting: Moving side to side on stiff legs can be a sign of aggression, often accompanied by teeth chattering. Strutting around another guinea pig while rumbling is a typical mating dance and the origin of the term "rumble strutting."
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Why is my male guinea pig swaying?

Well, guinea pig rumble strutting is known to be a mating dance but can also be seen as an act of dominance. And it doesn't just happen between a male and female, but can happen with any paired piggie! Another body language to recognize is the raising of a piggie's head and front legs and fluffing up their fur.
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What does it mean when guinea pigs rock?

A guinea pig that sits and appears to be obviously 'rocking' back and forth while breathing can be showing early signs of a respiratory illness and needs a vet inspection asap.
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What does it mean when male guinea pigs sway their hips?

Rumble. A deep vibrating sound that can be accompanied by swaying of the hips (strutting). A dominance behaviour that is natural, males will especially display this towards their favourite lady-pig!
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18 Things Guinea Pigs Hate



How do you know if your guinea pig hates you?

If you're a new guinea pig owner, then you've likely experienced the feeling that that your pet hates you. It hurts your feelings and it's frustrating.
...
Here are a few reasons why your piggie might be biting you.
  • Your hands smell like food. Cavies have sensitive noses! ...
  • It's time for a bathroom break. ...
  • Mishandling.
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Why does my guinea pig vibrate when I pet her?

Good vibrations

When petting your guinea pig, you may notice it start to vibrate. Much like when cats purr, these vibrations show that they are at ease and are in a good mood. This response is more commonly seen in younger guinea pigs, a characteristic that they grow out of as they get older.
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What does a stressed guinea pig sound like?

A shorter sounding, apprehensive purr may mean fear. Alternately, fear can be signaled by a high-pitched squeak or shriek. Hissing: This sound may also sound like chattering teeth and is a sign that your pet guinea pig is angry or aggressive.
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How do guinea pigs show affection?

Most guinea pigs don't like to get wet. A guinea pig might also lick their person's fingers/hand, which can be a sign of affection — after all, that's how guinea pigs show affection to one another. Or the guinea pig might just like the taste of a person's skin.
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Why do guinea pigs stare at you?

Guinea pigs often stare at people because they want attention. Perhaps piggies need to be cuddled, pet, or you should bring them a toy. They behave this way if they're used to being around humans and have bonded with their owners.
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Do guinea pigs cry?

So, although we wouldn't consider guinea pigs to cry 'emotional tears', like all mammals their eyes do produce physical tears. This is to keep their eye moist and clean.
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How many times should guinea pigs be fed a day?

Other than the hay, it's a good idea to feed your cavy two times a day. Both in the morning and in the evening, to help prevent overeating and, consequently, obesity. Always remove any uneaten pellets about 1 hour after your cavy has eaten and any fruit or vegetables after 24 hours.
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What does it mean when a guinea pig Nibbles your clothes?

Guinea pigs nibble you because they are hungry, they have mistaken you for food, for the fun or chewing or because they are scared. And that's not all! Today we share the reasons why guinea pigs nibble, help you to understand what is making your pig bite and give you tips to stop them nibbling your fingers or clothes.
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Why does my guinea pig roll over when I pet him?

I just think it's a sign of relaxation... they are lounging. Linney is quite content to lay on her side or to lay on her belly and kick her feet out the back and just bask in the attention... my other pigs enjoy their pats but don't seem to take it to the same extreme!
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Why is my guinea pig laying on her side and twitching?

Typically, a guinea pig laying on its side is a sign of a happy, relaxed guinea pig. However, if lying on his side is accompanied by twitching, shortness of breath, or other signs of illness, your guinea pig is ill and should be taken to a vet. Guinea pigs also lie on their sides if they're shocked or scared.
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How do I know if my guinea pig is happy?

A happy guinea pig

A good appetite and enthusiasm for food. Plenty of activity (not at all lethargic) “Popcorning” (when a guinea pig leaps into the air with happiness) Lots of communication in the form of their various vocalizations, including “wheeking” and other squeaks, whistles, and purring sounds.
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Do guinea pigs like their stomach rubbed?

Results. Some guinea pigs will never become relaxed enough to submit to a belly rub, and few guinea pigs actually enjoy sitting in such an exposed position for very long. Most guinea pigs prefer a good scratch behind the ears or gentle petting on the back.
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Do guinea pigs know when you kiss them?

Typically, guinea pigs like being kissed if they've formed a bond with a person doing the kissing. It also depends on the personality of the individual guinea pig. Some enjoy swapping kisses (or licks) as a display of affection. Others don't.
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How do you cheer up a sad guinea pig?

Try to keep food dishes, water bottles, houses, and toys away from the walls of the cage so that your guinea pig has lots of space to run and play. Place all cage accessories in the centre of the cage to create a perimeter around the cage that is free of obstructions for your guinea pig to run around.
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How do I know if my guinea pig has anxiety?

Signs a guinea pig may be suffering from stress or fear can include:
  1. Hiding most of the time.
  2. Aggression.
  3. Chewing their cage bars.
  4. Over-grooming.
  5. Changing their feeding or toileting habits.
  6. Drinking too much or playing with the water bottle.
  7. Sitting hunched.
  8. Reluctance to move.
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How do you destress a guinea pig?

9 Ways To Calm A Stressed Guinea Pig
  1. Make sure you have the right-sized cage. ...
  2. Never keep a guinea pig on its own. ...
  3. Provide hideouts and shelters for your guinea pig. ...
  4. Don't bother your guinea pig if it looks anxious. ...
  5. Be calm around your guinea pig. ...
  6. Use a soft voice around your guinea pig.
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Why does my guinea pig squeak when I hold it?

Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.
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What do guinea pigs think of humans?

However, they have also been shown to demonstrate the same enjoyment for socialization with their human family. When we are in their presence, they want to see, smell and hear us. This means that, yes, guinea pigs do recognize their owners.
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Why do guinea pigs shake their bums?

It's a behavior that both sexes use to show dominance. Some pigs feel the need to constantly remind other pigs that they're the boss!
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