Seagull's Field Guide to Reclining Guinea Pigs

The Plop

The Plop characterizes the guinea pig's ability to stop whatever he or she is doing, wherever he or she happens to be standing, and go to sleep. In the photo on the left, Georgianne has plopped down in a primary walkway, forcing the other guinea pigs who wish to enter the litter bin at the right to find an alternate route. Plopped guinea pigs can wreak havoc with normal guinea pig traffic patterns, and can even block access to essential services such as pellets and water bottles.

The Classic Crescent

Another reclining technique that is mastered early on by the growing guinea pig is the Classic Crescent. This pose is characterized by the crescent-moon shape of the body, and is usually accompanied by one or both legs sticking straight out behind the guinea pig. At the left, we can see Panda engaged in the Classic Crescent while lying in the sun. It should be noted that this method of reclining is commonly employed during sunbathing.

The Casual Recline

The Casual Recline is a posture chosen by the guinea pig who wishes to relax, but still remain reasonably alert. In this pase, the guinea pig lays flat with the body straight, but keeps the head up in the air so that he or she can look around. Typically, one or both of the front legs stick out straight in front of the body, so that the guinea pig can leap to its feet on a moment's notice. To the left, we see a rare treat: Panda and Espresso engaged in a Double Casual Recline.

The Peek-A-Boo

The Peek-A-Boo is demonstrated by Cappuccino. In this recline, the guinea pig will attempt to lay down underneath some object, and then inch forward so that his or her head is either sticking out, or otherwise visible. This technique allows the guinea pig to recline under the protective cover of some object, while still remain aware of the outside world, in case trouble should rear its ugly head.

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.

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