Features of the character, behavior and intelligence of guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are distinguished by their very cute appearance and unpretentious maintenance, which has made them popular as pets. From the outside, these decorative rodents look friendly and a little phlegmatic, but still, before you get such a pet, you should collect information. Are guinea pigs smart enough, is their character really so calm, can a child be trusted to take care of them – the answers to these questions will help you make a decision.

The nature of guinea pigs

These clumsy fluffy animals can, without any reservations, be called the most harmless among decorative rodents. There is no aggression in their nature. Therefore, you can get a guinea pig bite only in emergency circumstances, when it is very frightened or in pain with something.

The fearfulness of these animals is very pronounced. They will react to any noise, sudden movement or unfamiliar situation with flight, sometimes accompanied by a loud whistle.

This is balanced by a high ability to adapt – in a few days the guinea pig will get used to the new home and owners, and will begin to make attempts to communicate.

Partly the reason for this is the high sociality of these animals, they do not like to be alone. The guinea pig needs a lot of communication, she loves to play, share her emotions with the owner, and in the absence of communication, she may even stop eating. Therefore, it is better not to have such a pet if you do not have the opportunity to devote enough time to it daily.

Keeping two or more gilts together will also help solve the problem of lack of communication.

IMPORTANT: The peacefulness of these rodents makes them completely defenseless against outside aggression. If there are other animals in the house, the safety of the pig should be carefully monitored. It is also necessary to teach children how to handle a pet with care, explain how to avoid situations where the animal can be harmed.

Behavior of guinea pigs at home

Often, when deciding to get this decorative rodent, doubts arise – after all, the owners want interesting communication with animals, and the phlegmatic pig looks like a too boring pet. But this impression is erroneous – these animals are quite active, and their unusual behavior and character make them an excellent object for observation at home.

If a guinea pig feels safe, his habits show friendliness and sociability. On a walk in the apartment, she herself will come out of hiding to the owner, will poke her hand with her nose, bite her skin, pull her clothes, attracting attention. Features of communication with the owners are also expressed in a wide range of sounds – from whistling to grunting, with which the animals indicate their emotions and needs.

Experienced breeders understand the “language” of these rodents well, distinguishing when the animal is frightened, interested in something, feels pleasure or seeks communication, and when it requires food. Because of the “talkativeness” of pigs, it is very pleasant to take them in your arms. A pet, like a cat, will respond to stroking the fur with sounds: cooing or a kind of singing.

IMPORTANT: In conflicts with relatives, these rodents use intimidation – clicking teeth, threatening movements. The animal can use the same behavior in relation to the owner if the situation seems dangerous. At this point, it is better not to try to pick up the pet.

These calm, friendly animals are most often recommended as a gift for children.

The guinea pig is quickly tamed, very sociable and will never respond with aggression to the baby’s attempts to stroke it. She also rarely seeks to leave the boundaries of the studied territory, where she feels safe. If the rodent runs away from the child, then once in an unfamiliar environment, he will immediately freeze, remaining in place, so it will not be difficult to catch him.

Guinea pig intelligence

There is a widespread misconception about guinea pigs that they are stupid pets, unable to assess what is happening around them, to learn new things. Indeed, these animals are not as smart as cats or dogs. But the memory of a guinea pig is quite good, so your pet will quickly remember his nickname, learn to distinguish between owners and strangers. He is also able to notice the peculiarities of people’s behavior, so he will react differently to everyone – he will be wary with some, more friendly with others. Pigs are also well distinguished by the intonations and mood of the owners, they can remember certain words and actions, and respond to them. Some individuals are distinguished by higher intelligence, so they can be trained, taught various tricks and commands.