29 Sounds Pigs Make and What Each Means (It’s Not Just Oink!)

Curious about what pigs are saying? Archaeological finds suggest that humans began domesticating pigs around 9,000 years ago in the Middle East. There are over 15 species recognized worldwide, and these smart animals are very chatty. Pigs can grumble, oink, snort, bark, woof, pant, and more!

Every squeal and grunt has a tale to tell. Whether it’s a happy oink or a worried bark, their sounds give us a peek into how they feel and what they need. Follow along as we reveal the sounds pigs make and what each one means.

1. Chirping

Similar to a bird, pigs can make a “chirp” sound. This vocalization is usually observed during nursing or when seeking attention.

2. Grunt

Next, on our list of pig sounds, let’s talk “grr’s”. A pig grunt is a deep, low “grrr” sound. It’s commonly heard during feeding times between mother pigs and their young.

Different grunts mean different things. Soft grunts indicate contentment, like when the pig is enjoying belly rubs. A short grunt expresses excitement, while a long grunt serves as a contact call.

3. Squeal

Pigs communicate through a variety of squeals, and each one carries its own message. A squeal can be a sign of anticipation, like when they are about to be fed. However, it can also come out if a pig is experiencing discomfort or pain.

A loud, sudden squeal typically indicates a response to pain or sudden fear. On the other hand, continuous squeals are often expressed in moments of excitement, especially when anticipating food.

4. Panting

Like a dog, pigs sometimes let out a sharp “bark” sound. A series of barks may warn of nearby danger or indicate enjoyment. However, a loud, sharp bark usually means the pig feels threatened and may become aggressive. On the other hand, quiet, continuous barks are a happy sound. The quiet bark shows the pig is completely content or engrossed in whatever they’re doing, like rooting for food.

5. Week-Week-Week

The repetitive, high-pitched “weekweekweek” sound in pigs typically signals excitement, especially when they’re eager to be let out, anticipating food, or looking forward to playtime. Guinea pigs also make a wheek-wheek sound and for similar reasons!

6. Grrrr

When a pig makes a low, menacing “grrrr” sound, it usually means they’re either in heat or feeling upset.

7. Rumble

Pigs sometimes let out a low, continuous “rumble” sound, like distant thunder. It’s usually a sign of contentment or relaxation, heard during social interactions or while resting. When a pig is really excited about getting food, they might even make a long rumbling sound called “rumble strutting.”

8. He-Hon-He-Hon

When pigs make a rhythmic, repeating “he-hon-he-hon” sound, it’s usually a sign of recognition and pleasure in seeing someone.

9. Whine

When pigs let out a high-pitched “whine” sound, it’s a sure sign they’re either hungry or frustrated.

10. Uhh-Uhh-Uhh

When pigs make a breathless, repeating “uhhuhhuhh” sound, it’s usually a sign of contentment, often associated with belly scratching. Just like dogs and cats, pigs enjoy belly rubs. They’re smart sociable animals that like being touched.

11. Groink

The deep, guttural “groink” sound serves as a quiet, quick communication from a sow to her piglets, often occurring during suckling or when she’s feeling comfortable.

12. Arf

The sharp “arf” sound, similar to that of a small dog, is often an expression of interest or affection directed towards an adult female (sow).

13. Aroooooo

Pigs can let out a prolonged, howling “aroooooo” sound. It’s similar to the way a dog might sound when “woo-ing”. The “arooo” howl is usually a pig’s way of demanding food.

14. Ahhhh

When pigs make a contented, prolonged “Ahhhh” sound, it’s like a familial greeting, showing they recognize a family member.

15. Ooof

Another vocalization pigs make is an exaggerated, breathy “ooof” sound. This vocalization usually indicates annoyance or nervousness.

16. Woof

Along with “Ooof” pigs can also “Woof”. When a pig lets out a single, sharp “Woof” sound, it can mean excitement if it’s in a lower pitch, but it might signal danger if it’s in a higher pitch.

17. Grumble

When pigs make a “Ra-ra-ra-raa” sound, it’s like a low, rumbling “grumble” indicating a stubborn refusal to move. You’ve probably heard sayings like “stubborn as a pig”. Well, that saying is based on reality. Along with being incredibly smart, pigs are notoriously stubborn.

18. Trill

Sometimes pigs let out a high-pitched “trill” sound. This vocalization usually happens during interactions with other pigs or humans. This cheerful noise might show they’re curious, excited, or feeling friendly. Normally, low-pitched sounds mean they’re happy, while high-pitched sounds could mean they’re distressed.

19. Teeth Grinding

When pigs grind their teeth, it’s a harsh, grinding noise. It could mean they’re feeling uncomfortable because of some type of injury or disease. Teeth grinding can also be a sign of boredom.

20. Lip Smacking

When pigs make a light, repetitive “lip-smacking” sound, it’s a sign they’re either enjoying their food or feeling aggressive; sometimes, it’s even part of their mating ritual.

21. Screaming

Did you know pigs can scream? This vocalization is easy to mix up with their squeals and whines. However, even though they may sound similar, screams carry a distinct message of distress. Pigs let out a high-pitched screaming sound when they’re upset or in trouble. A pig may scream if they’re hungry, stuck in a tight space, or feeling lonesome.

22. Oink

Pigs are famous for their classic “oink” sound, which they make frequently. When they keep oinking without stopping, it usually means they’re on the lookout for their family or something else they need. Sometimes, if they’re feeling a bit nervous or still trying to find something, they might mix in some longer, drawn-out “oinks” with their regular ones, like “oink, oink, reeeeeee.” It’s their way of expressing their feelings and trying to find what they’re looking for.

23. Growl

When pigs produce a low, menacing “growl,” it’s a sign they’re feeling aggressive. This sound warns others to back off and shows they’re ready to defend themselves or their territory.

24. Grunt-Squeal Combo

When pigs make a combination of deep “grunts” and high-pitched “squeals,” they’re expressing a mix of feelings. This blend of sounds might indicate excitement, frustration, or even pain, depending on the context.

25. Snort

Snorts are just as common as oinks. This sound can mean a variety of things, from expressing curiosity or surprise to simply communicating with other pigs.

26. Wheeze

When pigs wheeze, they make raspy, wheezing noises while breathing. This typically suggests they’re having trouble breathing, often because of respiratory problems or congestion.

27. Cough

Pigs often give off a short, abrupt “cough” sound. This kind of rough coughing noise usually expresses that the pig is annoyed. Sometimes coughing is a sign of medical issues.

28. Huff

The big bad wolf isn’t the only one who can huff and puff; pigs can do it too! Similar to humans sighing, pigs enjoy huffing. It’s an exasperated, forceful “huff” sound, commonly heard among miniature pigs. A huff can convey unhappiness or assert their presence.

29. Hah-Hah-Hah

The rapid, repetitive “hah-hah-hah” sound is often a sign that a mother pig is checking out what’s up with her piglets, whether they’re in distress or just playing around.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock.com