It can be surprising and concerning when guinea pigs make unusual vocalizations like bird chirps or tweets. However, there are a few potential explanations for this odd guinea pig behavior.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to what it could mean when guinea pigs make bird-like chirping or tweeting noises:
- Learning vocalizations from pet birds
- Happiness and “excitement” calls
- Stress or fear response
- Respiratory infection
- Hearing problems
Learning Vocalizations from Birds
One of the most common reasons guinea pigs make bird noises is because they have learned these vocalizations from pet birds they live with. Guinea pigs are very social animals and like to communicate with their owners and any other pets in the home using a variety of squeaks, purrs, chutters, and whistles.
If you have pet birds that tweet, chirp, or make other high-pitched noises, your guinea pig may start mimicking those sounds as a way to try to “communicate” with the birds. Guinea pigs are great at imitation and picking up new vocalizations they hear around them.
Happiness and Excitement
Another reason guinea pigs may chirp like a bird is when they are feeling especially happy, excited, or eager. Guinea pigs will sometimes make unique tweeting or chirping sounds when they are anticipating feeding time, playtime, lap time, or when given a special treat.
These bird-like chirping or peeping noises are the guinea pig’s way of expressing feelings of joy, anticipation, and contentment. It’s a very positive sign if your guinea pig makes cheery little tweets or chirps when they see you or when you give them a special snack.
Stress or Fear Response
On the other hand, some guinea pigs may make odd bird chirping noises when they feel threatened, stressed, or afraid. Guinea pigs use a wide repertoire of sounds to communicate different emotions and warnings.
High-pitched, fast tweeting or chirping when a guinea pig is placed in an unfamiliar situation, handled roughly, or exposed to a perceived threat can be a sign of nervousness or fear. It’s the guinea pig version of anxious chattering.
Respiratory Infection
Wheezing, crackling, or bird-like chirping sounds paired with nasal discharge or respiratory symptoms like coughing may point to a respiratory infection in guinea pigs. These types of infections are common in guinea pigs and can make breathing difficult. The strained chirping sounds are the guinea pig’s attempt to force air through constricted airways.
URIs (upper respiratory infections) require antibiotic treatment, so if your guinea pig makes wheezy chirping sounds along with other signs of respiratory illness, make an appointment with your exotic veterinarian.
Hearing Problems
Finally, senior guinea pigs or those with ear issues may start vocalizing in unusual ways if they begin to suffer hearing loss. Just like deaf dogs may howl for no reason, deaf guinea pigs can cry, squeal, or make bird-like noises seemingly out of the blue.
If your older guinea pig suddenly starts tweeting like a bird, it could unfortunately be a sign of declining hearing. Have your vet examine their ears to check for any infection or age-related issues.
When to See the Vet
In most cases, a guinea pig making occasional bird noises is no cause for alarm. However, you should schedule an appointment with your exotic pet veterinarian if:
- The chirping sounds are frequent or increase in frequency
- Your guinea pig seems distressed when making the sounds
- There are other symptoms like nasal discharge, wheezing, loss of appetite
- The sounds are new and never made before by your guinea pig
A veterinary exam can help determine if an illness like a respiratory infection is behind the vocalizations and ensure your guinea pig gets appropriate treatment.
How to Stop Guinea Pigs from Making Bird Noises
Here are some tips on curbing guinea pig bird vocalizations:
- Remove pet birds from the same room as guinea pig enclosure
- Reduce stress and frights – provide hideouts and avoid sudden loud noises or rough handling
- Treat any underlying illness or infection
- Provide plenty of hay, water, proper diet to stay healthy
- Speak calmly and soothingly to anxious guinea pigs
- Give your guinea pig more time out for exercise and social interaction
Are Bird Noises Normal for Guinea Pigs?
While it’s not extremely common, guinea pigs making occasional bird-like chirping or peeping sounds can be totally normal, especially if you own pet birds. These noises may simply reflect your guinea pig’s happy or eager mood.
However, frequent bird tweeting or chirping that appears connected to illness, stress, fear, or hearing issues should be addressed. Check with your vet to rule out health problems and try to minimize frightening or stressful situations for your cavvy.
With proper care, a healthy diet, and a calm environment, most guinea pigs will not feel the need to chatter anxiously or cry for help using odd bird vocalizations.
Other Weird Guinea Pig Noises
Beyond bird sounds, guinea pigs can make other unusual vocalizations, including:
- Teeth chattering: Usually means annoyance, anger, or stress
- Rumbling sound: Indicates contentment, like a cat’s purr
- Shrieking or squealing: Signals pain or distress
- Low barking: Shows excitement, often in baby guinea pigs
- Humming or buzzing: Associated with ill health or respiratory infection
Guinea pigs also communicate through non-vocal behaviors like:
- Rumble strutting: A dominance display, with rumble vocalizations
- Nose rubbing: Scent marking and territorial behavior
- Standing up on hind legs: Part of mating rituals or dominance displays
Paying attention to all the sounds and behaviors your guinea pig exhibits will help you better understand their health, mood, needs, and personality.
Conclusion
Although surprising, bird-like chirping or tweeting from guinea pigs is usually harmless. These odd vocalizations often simply reflect imitation of household birds, happiness, or excitement. However, if accompanied by other symptoms or signs of illness, bird noises should be evaluated by an exotic vet. With proper care and handling, most guinea pigs can avoid feeling the need to chatter anxiously or cry for help using bird chirps.