The behaviour of guinea pigs

Soft squeaking generally means they feel at ease.

Loud squeaking, that sounds like whistling, means the guinea pig wants attention or hears cracking of a plastic bag, which he associates with food.

The guinea pig shivers when it is angry at one of its congeners.

When it hears strange noises, the guinea pig will growl. It will then sit stock-still and listen for danger.

Guinea pigs feel most at ease among their congeners. Although guinea pigs are social animals, they are most tolerant towards their own congeners. Other small pets such as gerbils, rats or mice are not the ideal playmate for your guinea pig. Gerbils can make your guinea pig nervous, because they constantly run back and forth. When a guinea pig meets a gerbil, it will generally withdraw into a corner. Rabbits and guinea pigs can become friends, although rabbits sometimes do have the inclination to bite their "cage mates".