[Gpdd] BEHAVIOR - How Smart Is Your Guinea Pig?

[Maren Fouts]

Sam knows that it's time for goodies when he gets out of bed, when I get
home from work, and when he goes to bed.  So he chews on the cage until he
gets what I have for him.  Somehow he seems to know when it's me and when
it's my husband because he doesn't chew on the cage if my husband gets
home first.  I'm the only one that feeds them so they don't get overfed or
too many carrots.

Also, when he gets food, especially carrots or pepper, he'll grab it from
me and back up while violently swinging his head from side to side.  It
reminds me of a dog with a stuffed toy.  It's almost like Sam wants to
make sure his food is dead before he eats it...anyone else have a pig that
does this?

Sam also knows his name and most variations.  He'll stop and look at me as
if to say, "Did you want something, mom?" then he'll go about his business
when I'm done talking.  HA!

Rosie will back up with her food too, but she doesn't shake the daylights
out of it.  I guess when they have something in their mouths they can't
walk forward.  (c:

Rosie knows when my husband is around (he calls her his little girl-to
give you an idea of their relationship).  When she wants to cuddle she'll
come over to the side of the cage that he's nearest and climb the wall
until he at least gives her a kiss.

Both of my pigs get kisses when I come home from work.  I'll say "give me
a kiss" and they raise their noses in the air.  They love it!

Finally, there's this really wierd thing Rosie does.  I would like to know
if anyone else has ever seen a pig do this.  I can lay her on her back (I
keep her inclined) and she will lay there letting me rub her belly.  Just
like a dog!  That's when she's loudest with the happy piggy noises.  Then,
the noises die down, her head slowly loses elevation and she's asleep.

How much does a pig have to trust you to do that?!?!  It amazes me.

Piggy kisses to all!
Maren, Sam, and Rosie