Why Do Guinea Pigs Jump? (Explained Now)

Perhaps you’ve noticed your guinea pigs jumping around. Maybe a video clip of these interesting pets making quick little jumps left you wondering why they do it. So, why do guinea pigs jump?

Typically, guinea pigs jump as a way of expressing excitement. Those little jumps are a sign of a happy guinea pig. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the behavior could signify fear, a need to go out, a need for mating, and more. So, when you see your piggie jumping, look at the context of the behavior. 

Jumping in piggies can mean a variety of things. It’s up to you to find out the big “why” each time your guinea pig does it.

Unfortunately, that’s not as easy as you’d like – and that’s where I come in. Here, you’ll find all the information you need about guinea pig jumping. I’ll explain what it means, when it’s a problem, how to prevent your piggies to from getting hurt from their jumps.

At the end of this article, you’ll know everything there is to know about guinea pig jumping. So, let’s get started!

1.They’re Very Happy Or Excited

I bet you’ve someday become so happy that you even jumped for joy. Now, guinea pigs are like humans in that context. When piggies get excited about something, it’s only natural for them to jump as a sign of joy.

Popcorning is when a guinea pig jumps around suddenly. People started calling it that because it reminds them of popcorn popping. It’s a sign of happiness.

So yes, if you’ve been wondering why your pig jumps each time you head to their cage, it can be because of excitement. It could be you showed up after a long day and your piggie is just delighted you’re finally showing up for them.

Some owners freak out when they first see their fur babies popcorning. They honestly think that maybe their little friend is having a some sort of seizure.

2. They’ve Been Held Too Long

If your guinea pig loves and trusts you, they’ll enjoy spending time in your arms. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to keep holding them for longer than 15 minutes or so. Otherwise, your little friend will try to jump out of your hands.

Keep in mind that guinea pigs have a fast metabolism. So, they need to go to the toilet more often. So, if you hold them too long, your little friend might run out of patience and finally jump out of your hands.

You: Ohhhhhh, it’s so wonderful having this quality time together. *strokes piggie lovingly*

Guinea pig: Potty time! *jumps from your hands toward an uncertain landing*

I guess you don’t want your pig to take things that far, right? If yes, only hold your pig for short sessions.

Also, pay attention to any signs they show of getting uncomfortable – like nibbling on your fingers or squirming to get away. That way, you’ll know when to let them go. 

3. They’re Eager For Food

Unless you’re a new piggie parent, you know that guinea pigs really love food. Although they may not love food as much as pigs do, they still love it a lot. Some guinea pigs will literally jump out of the cage when they see you coming with a treat.

Guinea pigs need a lot of hay and a little of pellets, fruits, and vegetables. Failure to offer your piggie enough food will make them hungry.

And yes, one way they communicate their hunger is by jumping around in their cage. So, the next time you see your piggie jumping in their cage, check to see that they have enough food. 

When you approach your pig with a treat, sometimes it will jump up in excitement. This means that the treat you’re offering is something your pig has been waiting for a long time.

4. They Want To Mate

Guinea pigs will display a concoction of behaviors when they are ready to mate. Mounting each other, nuzzling, squealing, and jumping are signs they are ready to mate.

Boars can impregnate a female guinea pig (sow) at about 3 weeks old. But females mature as early as two months old. From there, they can have fertile periods – or estrous – any time of the year.

The estrous cycle lasts for about 16 days with an average mating period of about eight hours. And yes, during this time, sows have their way of communicating with the male pigs, one of which is jumping.

And sometimes boars will literally JUMP out of their cages to get to a sow who’s ready to mate.

So, when you see your piggie doing some jumps, don’t be quick to conclude that they’re hungry or happy. It could be your fur baby is ready to mate. To find out if that’s the case, check for other mating behavior signs.

5.They Want To Go Exploring

You might not have noticed, but your rodent friend is always curious about their surroundings. Exploring gives your piggy peace of mind that their territory is safe. And yes, one way to let you know they want to go out is by jumping.

Before domestication, guinea pigs lived in the wild as small animals of prey. That meant staying vigilant about their surrounding. It meant monitoring everything in their surroundings for any danger.

Now, that was long time ago. Guineas have now moved from the wild to more secure places away from their predators. But, some of our fur babies still have that “let’s go exploring” personality.

That’s why their need to explore still comes to them. And in case you don’t respond to it, they’ll let you know how much it means to them by jumping around in the cage.

6.They’re Scared

Sometimes guinea pigs will jump when in fear of something. It could be a sudden loud noise, other larger pets, noise from the TV or sound system, or other sources. 

Guinea pigs are prey animals – almost EVERYTHING wants to kill and eat them. So it’s natural for them to get startled by things. Sometimes they get startled by things that don’t seem dangerous (at least not to us as humans), like the noise from your TV.

Now, when in fear, jumping behavior comes in as a reflex action for guinea pigs. So, always look at other things happening to know if the jumping has anything to do with fear.

Are there any pets around that might’ve scared your fur baby? Was there a shout or sudden noise that might have scared your piggie half to death? Are you playing your music too loudly?

Think about these things and try to find a solution if your pig is scared.

7. They’re in Pain

As much as it’s a common sign of happiness, jumping can also signify the opposite – pain! Where that’s the case, look for other signs of pain. That includes a reluctance to move around, grinding of their teeth, and others. 

It can be difficult to know when your guinea pig is in pain. They’re pretty good at hiding illnesses and injuries. That’s because in the wild, any sign of weakness would make them an easy target for predators.

Jumping because they’re itchy, usually means that they’re dealing with ringworm or mites. Here’s a little more information about the two:

1. Ringworm: This is a fungal infection that’s very uncomfortably for cavies. Symptoms include bald patches, red, flaky skin, and itchiness. It’s important to get this treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as it can spread to other pets.
2. Mites: These are tiny parasites that live off the blood of your guinea pig. They’re very painful and it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Symptoms include excessive grooming, hair loss, itching, and scabs.

If you notice flinching or jumping (without any sign of an illness), maybe your little friend hurt himself somehow. Maybe he’s just not feeling well. Check for other signs of discomfort and if you still can’t tell, take him to the vet just to be sure.

Can All Guinea Pigs Jump?

Yes, all guinea pigs can jump. But the jump they make isn’t the kind of jumping we see in other pets. For piggies, it’s more of a bounce than a jump. Some people even argue that cavies don’t jump but instead actually bounce.

Guinea pigs’ short legs and body shape make it hard for them to jump high. But they still jump, although they’ll appear as though bouncing when they do it. So, whether it’s a jump or bounce depends on whom you are asking.

Now, I didn’t want to assume all guineas have this ability. So, I sought to find out if that’s the case. 

And yes, that means it was was: SURVEY TIME

My survey targeted 152 guinea pig parents. I wanted to find out how many find out how many people had guinea pigs that could jump. For those people with guinea pigs that could jump, they were asked to say the reason(s) why.

Out of the 152 respondents, 141 had seen their guinea pigs jump for different reasons. That represents about 93% of the total number of respondents. The other 7% (9) of the total target population had not spotted the behavior in their pigs.

Now, of the owners who had guinea pigs that could jump, here are the reasons they gave for the behavior.

• 97% (137) – Happiness
• 80% (113) – Eagerness for food
• 39% (55) – Anxiety
• 12% (17) – Sign of pain

One of the respondents had noticed that his guinea pigs could jump each time the doorbell jumped. That’s because the ringing bell prompted dogs to bark. The barks resulted in a sudden loud noise that startled his guineas.

Of the 9 guinea pig owners who had not spotted their piggies jump, 78% (7) were uncertain of whether their pig could do it.

They were new guinea pig owners who hadn’t spent enough time with their pets. The other 22% (2) had guinea pigs with certain conditions than prevented them from jumping. So, they couldn’t even if they were actually able to or not.

Is It Okay For Guinea Pigs To Jump?

Yes, it’s okay for guinea pigs to jump. Guinea pigs use jumping to communicate with other pigs and their human companions. Pay close attention to your cavy’s jumping behavior to understand what he or she is trying to say.

Remember it’s important to try and figure out why your piggie is jumping. That way, you will know what your furry friend wants and you can take appropriate action…if necessary. It could be that your pig is in pain, anxiety, or discomfort.

How High Can Guinea Pigs Jump?

We don’t have a definite answer to this question. Like humans, guinea pigs have different jumping abilities. Even so, most of them will jump 10 – 20 cm high. Puckel Martin is a classic example of a guinea pig that can make a 20-cm jump.

Since guinea pigs have short legs, they typically aren’t good at jumping. But, all guinea pigs are different – and some will surprise you.

Even so, most guinea pigs should be able to jump to at least 10 cm high. As they continue to do more of it, the more they become better at it.

How Far Can Guinea Pigs Jump?

According to Guinness World Records (GWR), the longest jump by a guinea is 48cm. It’s held by Truffles from the UK. There’s not a definite figure on how far the average guinea pig can jump. Like with the bouncing ability, the length of a guinea pig jump differs from one guinea pig to another.

Unlike humans, guinea pigs don’t have an Olympics. That makes it challenging to know how long they can jump.

Can Guinea Pigs Jump Out Of Their Cage?

Yes, guinea pigs can jump out of their cage if the walls aren’t tall enough. Some guinea pigs can jump as high as 20 cm, so keep that in mind when getting them a cage. Even so, it’s unusual for guinea pigs to jump out of their cage unless they’re really motivated to do so.

Guineas can jump out of their cage. But generally, they aren’t good climbers, jumpers, or escape artists. So, it’s unlikely for them to jump off their enclosure. But don’t assume that your pig won’t do it. Instead, play it safe. Install a top for the cage. It will keep your adorable pet from children, pets, and sneaking out.

Why Do Guinea Pigs Jump On Each Other?

Guinea pigs jump on each other when playing or fighting. Mounting is a natural dominance behavior that looks like jumping – but it’s perfectly normally to see this behavior with your piggies.

Watch your pigs closely when you notice such for any signs of a fight. Yawning to show teeth, loud teeth chattering, bite marks, and drawing blood are signs of a fight.

Guinea pigs can get into fights with each other. These fights can be over food, mates, territory, or dominance. If you don’t step in, these fights can cause serious injuries or even death.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to tell whether your pigs are fighting or playing. But if you take time and go through this article, How To Tell If Your Guinea Pigs Are Playing Or Fighting (9 Simple Tips) , you’ll be able to tell the difference.

When Do Guinea Pigs Jump The Most?

Guinea pigs usually jump the most when they’re young. But as they get older, they become more sedentary and tend to do it less often. But, if you notice your guinea pig suddenly jumping more than usual, take time to observe them. It could be a sign of something serious.

For instance, if your guinea pig is older and suddenly starts jumping more than before, it could be a sign of pain. If they’re young and do it excessively, it could be a sign of boredom or anxiety or even excitement.

Do All Guinea Pigs Jump?

No, not all guinea pigs jump. Just like humans, some guinea pigs are better at jumping than others. Some guinea pigs may never jump while others can jump quite high.

Jumping is a natural behavior for guinea pigs. But if you notice your guinea pig isn’t jumping or popcorning, don’t worry. That’s fine, too. There could be many reasons why they don’t jump, such as age or temperament.

You: Popcorn, my little buddy! Popcorn and jump for your veggies.

Guinea pig: Nah, I’m good.

You: But, all the baby piggies popcorn all the time.

Guinea pig: Uh-huh. Well, I’m not a baby. I’m old as dirt.

Age could be one reason why your guinea pig doesn’t jump. As they get older, they become less active and may not feel the need to jump as often.

Another reason could be their temperament. Some guinea pigs are just more laid back than others and don’t feel the need to jump around as much.

So, if your guinea pig isn’t jumping, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal. Just give them plenty of space to move around and make sure they’re getting enough exercise.

As long as your little friend is in good health, there’s no need to worry.

How High Can A Guinea Pig Fall From And Be Okay?

Typically, guinea pigs can fall from a height of about 1 foot and still be okay. But, this isn’t a hard and fast rule.

Some guinea pigs have been known to fall from higher heights and be just fine. Other guinea pigs, however, have been known to fall from shorter heights and get hurt.

Whether your guinea pig is okay after a fall really depends on how the guinea pig lands, the momentum that they fall, the health of your guinea pig, and the type of surface they land on.

But this doesn’t mean you should let your guinea pig jump off the couch or bed. If you’re concerned about your guinea pig getting injured from of fall, there’s a few things you can do:

• Only carry your little friends in a secure way, such as in a cardboard box or cuddle cup. Piggies are infamous for “blind jumping” out of owner’s arms.
• Don’t let your guinea pigs play on high surfaces, such as the top of a dresser, bookshelf, or your bed.
• Sit on the floor or low stool when holding your guinea pigs. That way, if they fall, it’s not far for them to go. Place soft blankets or towels on the floor in case they fall.
• If you use ramps in your little friends’ enclosure, make sure they’re not too steep – no more than 30 degrees. And the sides of the ramp should be high enough so your guinea pigs can’t fall off. Also, place soft blankets or towels at the bottom of the ramps in case they fall.
• In short, use common sense and take precautions to prevent your guinea pigs from getting injured from a fall.

Hey, accidents happen. But, as long as you take precautions and provide a safe environment for your guinea pigs, they should be just fine.

What Happens If A Guinea Pig Jumps Out Of Your Arms?

When a guinea pig jumps out of your arms, there’s a few different things that could happen. The guinea pig could land safely on the ground, or it could fall and hurt itself. If the guinea pig is jumping from a height, it is more likely to fall and hurt itself.

If the guinea pig is jumpy or scared, it might also bite you when it jumps out of your arms. Guinea pigs can be very delicate creatures, so be careful when handling them. It’s always important to hold your guinea pig securely and be prepared for them to try to jump out.

That’s why cardboard boxes and cuddle cups are better to use to transport your guinea pigs from one part of the house to another.

If you think your guinea pig is going to jump out of your arms, try to keep it close to your body and be prepared to catch your furry friend midjump – if you can do it safely.

Cavies have fragile bones. Trying to catch a guinea pig in the midst of a fall could potentially do more harm than good, so use your best judgment.

If your guinea pig does jump out of your arms and falls, check to see if it’s injured. If it’s bleeding or seems to be in pain, take it to the vet right away. Even if the guinea pig doesn’t seem injured, keep an eye on it for the next few days to make sure it’s acting normal.

If your guinea pig seems fine after the jump, give it a little extra love and attention. Your guinea pig might be scared or shaken up after the fall, so some extra TLC is always a good idea.

Things To Remember About Guinea Pigs and Jumping

Before we wrap up, I believe that you’ve learned a lot about why guinea pigs jump. Here’s a summary of our today’s coverage:

• Guinea pigs more often jump when excited.
• Jumping can imply fear, pain, need to mate, and eagerness for food. It could also suggest the need to explore, or getting bored by you holding them for too long.
• Pay attention to your pigs surroundings and behavior to know their reason for jumping.
• While pigs don’t love doing it, they can still jump from their cages.
• There’s no definite answer to how high or long a piggie can jump.
• Piggies jumping on one another may mean fighting or playing.
• Piggies shouldn’t jump from heights more than 10 to 12 inches.