Guinea pigs and rabbits continue to rise in popularity due to more people realizing what excellent pets and companions they are. These small animals may be herbivores, but they have many differences. Are guinea pigs or rabbits better pets?
Generally, rabbits make better pets than guinea pigs, as they make better companions, have more personality, and have longer lifespans. Guinea pigs are less maintenance and responsible and are less demanding. However, if you have the time for a rabbit, they will provide you with the best company.
Knowing the main things that set these two rodents apart will help you significantly on your quest to decide which one will make the best companion for you. Continue reading as we compare guinea pigs and rabbits to help you with your choice!
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Choosing Between A Pet Guinea Pig And A Rabbit
Many potential pet owners struggle with choosing between a guinea pig and a rabbit. Each of them is an adorable and suitable domestic animal that comes with its positives and negatives.
While the day-to-day care routine for a guinea pig and a rabbit could be very similar, it’s crucial to consider which species will suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Before bringing your new companion home, remember each’s unique attributes.
Let’s read through the things that make guinea pigs and rabbits special and some serious considerations.
Temperament: Guinea Pig Vs. Rabbit
Guinea pigs are well known for their unassuming natures; they can be friendly and affectionate when handled. However, guinea pigs are social creatures and can become stressed or depressed if they do not live in groups of at least two.
In addition, guinea pigs are also very vocal, with a wide range of sounds and squeaks that might make you wonder how they achieve this with their tiny bodies!
Pet rabbits are also known to be social creatures and friendly towards their own kind and other animals. Rabbits enjoy interacting with humans immensely, and they will form a very strong bond with the one who feeds and plays with them.
Unlike guinea pigs, rabbits are quieter. Rabbits are also highly intelligent, and some rabbits have the ability to learn tricks, come at command, and even respond to their names!
However, rabbits tend to be more aggressive than guinea pigs, as they scare easily. If they are not used to you, they may become startled, resulting in you getting bit or kicked. Guinea pigs are very docile and are tamed quickly while not being known for biting.
Lifespan: Guinea Pigs Vs. Rabbits
Small animals always live longer than large ones, and both guinea pigs and rabbits live longer than you’d expect. Guinea pigs have an expected lifespan of anywhere between five and seven years if cared for correctly.
On the other hand, Rabbits have a life expectancy of eight to ten years. In both cases, you must take your tiny friend to the pet for checkups and ensure they get the most out of their life.
A rabbit may be the best choice if you want a companion who will stay in your life for a longer time.
Size Differences: Guinea Pigs Vs. Rabbits
Guinea pigs are reasonably large for rodents and weigh anywhere between one and three pounds. However, most people have no idea how big rabbits could get!
A dwarf rabbit may reach three to four pounds, with most medium breeds clocking five to six pounds. Some giant breeds can reach up to ten pounds or more!
Space Requirements: Guinea Pigs Vs. Rabbits
Because rabbits are larger than guinea pigs, they will also need much more space. Not only do they need to be placed in a large enclosure or cage, but they also need to be taken out of their cages at least once a day to get enough exercise.
Guinea pigs also need more space than most people expect, and they can’t be held in hamster cages, unlike popular belief. They may need slightly smaller-sized cages, but a rabbit cage or enclosure would also be ideal for a guinea pig.
Litter Training: Guinea Pigs Vs. Rabbits
Although it’s not entirely impossible to litter-train a guinea pig, they may not take it as quickly as rabbits. Most guinea pigs will never be litter trained, and they will mess up in their cage, very similar to a hamster.
Rabbits may also not be as easy to litter train and are much more difficult to litter train than cats, but most of them can be taught to use their litter box with a lot of encouragement.
It will also be much easier to litter-train a rabbit once they have been spayed or neutered.
Social Skills: Guinea Pigs Vs. Rabbits
Guinea pigs and rabbits are pretty much the same regarding social skills. Both of these animals tend to be skittish, but rabbits are usually quicker to get comfortable in new surroundings, being friendlier and more affectionate towards their owners.
It could take several weeks before guinea pigs come out of their hiding place and attempt to explore and get to know their owner. However, rabbits will typically start to show interest and signs of trust in their owners within the first week or two.
Smaller children will also show more interest in bonding with a rabbit than a guinea pig due to their bigger size and more developed personality traits.
Conclusion
Although both guinea pigs and rabbits make suitable pets and companions, a guinea pig will be much more content being in its cage until it’s time to play. Rabbits can be more closely compared to dogs and cats, as they like to be free and out of their cage whenever they can.
A guinea pig might offer more advantages if you have smaller children, as they are mostly awake during the day. It’s up to you to weigh the differences and decide which animal will make the perfect addition to your household. And remember, every animal will come with its quirks!
