Seagull's Field Guide to Reclining Guinea Pigs

Yes, guinea pigs do spend the majority of their day sleeping. This means that, if you happen to come across a guinea pig in your daily travels, chances are that it's going to be in the middle of a nap, or about ready to take one. This is an important part of guinea pig behavior (or, non-behavior, depending on your point of view), and therefore it deserves serious scientific study.

This field guide is the first reference on guinea pig relaxation techniques. It is intended to educate the reader on the various forms of cavy "reclining", and how they are used in the caviary to attain the goal of sleeping. With this information at your fingertips, you, too will be able to spot a reclining guinea pig, and gain a greater understanding of guinea pig behavior.

The Basic Recline

Here, we see Espresso demonstrating what we refer to as The Basic Recline. This is the first position mastered by the adolescent, sleeping guinea pig, and is the most common method of relaxation. The Basic Recline is easily identified by the slightly-curved body and the extension of one or both of the rear legs at a right angle to the spine. The guinea pig lays on its side, and will often rest his or her head along the ground.

Chillin'

Panda shows us the Chillin' technique, which is an extension of the Basic Recline for older guinea pigs that have obtained a higher degree of coolness. Chillin' usually involves assuming the Basic Recline position, but holding the head up into the air and looking off to one side. The effect is most impressive when done in bright sunlight.

Catching Rays

Here, we find Cappuccino Catching Rays. In this form of reclining, the guinea pig typically lies half in the sun, and half out. This allows the guinea pig to stay cool while being cool.

Next Page