My Caviary

General Cavy Info

About Me

Other

"Rumblestrutting"

Above: my Silkie boar, Charmont

Description: Swaying back and forth slowly, while 'purring'

Reason: Boars do this when showing how tough or 'handsome' they are. Sows in heat will also do this.

Sniffing

Description: Sniffing other pigs, neck stretched out, ready to back away if needed. A lot of the time when sniffing an object they rub their lips back and forth on the object - this is because they have a great sense of feeling in their lips and it helps them to figure out more about that particular thing.

Reason: same as for dogs, to find out more about the other pig or an object/toy

Follow the leader

Description: One pig will break away from the group and others will follow in a single line.

Reason: pigs are social animals and find comfort in numbers and stick together.

Nibbling ears

Description: One pig will go up to another pig and take their ear between their teeth, usually pulling up and letting the ear go between the front teeth.

Reason: can be done as a greeting, or a dominance thing

Greeting

Description: coming to the front of the cage, whistling loudly

Reason: They are greeting you, happy to see you, and are hoping you have brought them something to munch on.

'Popcorning'

(no photo available)

Description: a pig, usually when given a new toy or is put somewhere for playtime, will suddenly jump up, twisting, and land. May run around and shake it's head and make little jumps - looks kind of like it's having a seizure.

Reason: the pig is having fun and releasing pent up energy, kind of like a rolling & bucking horse