Rabbits and guinea pigs are lovable creatures, so it’s no wonder that everyone wants to have one of them. But, if you belong to this category, you may be wondering, should I get a pet rabbit or a guinea pig? Well, this article is for you.
Guinea pigs are often called cavies, while rabbits are called bunnies. They are both adorable furry creatures, so it can be a little hard to tell the difference between both.
Additionally, the daily care for both pets is quite similar. However, rabbits and guinea pigs are separate animals, and they should be cared for separately.
This article will serve as a guide to help you understand and, hopefully, decide which of these pets you should have. Some of the questions answered are:
- Which are better pets, rabbits or guinea pigs?
- Are rabbits or guinea pigs affectionate?
- What lives longer, rabbits or guinea pigs?
- Are our rabbits and guinea pigs similar?
- Can I pair up a rabbit and a guinea pig?
Which Are Better Pets, Rabbits, or Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs and rabbits make excellent pets. However, to determine which is a better fit for you, you must consider your preferences and convenience.
Firstly, guinea pigs need a lot of attention as they grow older. And because of their size, younger children find it hard to manage them. So, if you want a pet that requires less commitment, a guinea pig might be a better option.
Secondly, guinea pigs take up less room than rabbits, and they don’t need to roam. On the other hand, rabbits need to walk and play around because they get bored quickly. So, if you want an active pet and you have enough room to spare, a rabbit is perfect.
Thirdly, guinea pigs are awake during the day while rabbits are more active at dusk and in the early hours of the morning. Since you may prefer to play with your pet in the daytime and sleep at night, a guinea pig would make a better pet for you.
If you are still wondering, should I get a pet rabbit or a guinea pig? The answer will depend on your preferences since both pets are quite different.
Are Rabbits or Guinea Pigs Affectionate?
Both guinea pigs and rabbits are affectionate. It is, however, more common to see more displays of affection in cavies. Although both of these pets are amiable, they show their love in different ways. For example, cavies are fond of licking one another. They often do this to humans they like.
Cavies also like to be petted and cuddled. In fact, they make tweeting sounds when they enjoy your company.
Bunnies, on the other hand, are pretty energetic. When excited, they usually jump around or hop. Petting is not necessarily their favorite activity, but if your rabbit allows you, then it has bonded with you. They also lick or nuzzle their owners to show affection.
What Lives Longer, Rabbits or Guinea Pigs?
Pet rabbits can live for as long as eight to twelve years. Some rabbits live for seven years, while others live beyond this age. On the other hand, guinea pigs live for five to seven years. Additionally, they can live longer than this.
Therefore, pet rabbits have a naturally longer lifespan than guinea pigs. However, this does not mean that your guinea pig cannot outlive your pet rabbits. Even though pet rabbits should live longer, care and nurture play a significant role in ensuring this.
For instance, if a four-year-old bunny could be so sickly that you would have to euthanize it. While a guinea pig of the same age could still be very healthy and agile.
How to Help Your Cavy Live Longer
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Provide a healthy diet
Cavy diets should contain Vitamin C infused pellets, hay, veggies, and a constant clean water supply. If they do not get the required nutrients in good proportion, they could fall ill.
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Keep an eye on its teeth and nails
Much like bunnies, cavies grow their teeth constantly. Their nails also grow. While overgrown teeth can harm a cavy’s dental health, its long nails can hurt others around it. So, you should be diligent in grooming your pets.
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Monitor its weight
Cavies tend to become overweight. Sadly, this is dangerous for their health. So, you should monitor their weight at least once a month. If your pet appears to have gained a lot more weight in a short period, you should schedule a vet’s visit.
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Keep their environment cozy
Cavies react badly to warm weather. In fact, quite a lot of them die from heatstroke. So, your pet will live longer if you regulate the temperature in its cage, especially when it’s hot. You can use a small fan or provide a little pool for them to cool off in.
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Keep its cage clean
Cavies need clean environments to thrive. Healthy living is more manageable when their home is clean.
How to Help Your Bunny Live Longer
To make your rabbit live longer, do the following:
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Maintain a clean environment
Bunny cages should be cleaned out frequently, and so should the litter boxes. If you leave them to roam around your home, you should also keep them clean.
They also have a habit of chewing or playing with whatever they can lay their hands on. If their environment is unclean, they could catch bacterial infections. Or they could put unhealthy substances in their mouth.
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Keep an eye on its teeth and nails
Bunny teeth are constantly growing but chewing helps to file it down. Sometimes, especially if your bunny isn’t eating well, the teeth may become overgrown. This can result in dental issues that will affect its health or lifespan.
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Watch out for common rabbit diseases
Common rabbit diseases are snuggles, uterine tumors, and Myxomatosis. While you may not be able to prevent your rabbits from having one or more of these diseases, watching over them will alert you about it. This way, you can get them immediate medical attention.
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Neuter your female rabbits
Female bunnies are prone to uterine tumors if they are not bred. The solution is to have them spayed or neutered. This way, the risk of tumors is reduced, and they can live long healthy lives.
It also helps to have the contact of a veterinary hospital or staff on hand. Make sure they have the necessary facilities to care for your pet, cavy, or bunny. This will help on days where your pet needs urgent attention.
Are Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Similar?
People often ask should I get a pet rabbit or a guinea pig because there are many similarities between both of these animals.
They share the same looks, and their behaviors are alike. In addition, they are pretty furry and adorable to behold. So, it is not unusual to mistake rabbits for guinea pigs and vice versa.
Both pets are social animals. They like to interact with other rabbits or pigs as well as their owners. They are also quite affectionate. You can hold them either in your hands or play games with them.
In addition, they share similar diets.
They are both herbivores who rely on veggies and pellets. Rabbits can eat guinea pig food. Although, not all rabbit meals are safe for guinea pigs. It is better, however, to stick to the recommended meals for both pets. This will prevent malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies.
You shouldn’t keep cavies and bunnies together in the same place. You can raise both of them as pets and have them play separately. However, you should not keep them in the same cage or hutch.
It is easy to think this is a good idea as both cavies and bunnies are social pets, and they share many similarities. However, they are both territorial. This means that your rabbits can bully your guinea pigs, and your cavies can bully your rabbits.
While each pet tries to claim his space or territory, fights may break out. They can become aggressive, and this may result in injuries.
In addition, rabbits can transfer diseases to guinea pigs and vice versa. So, if you mix an infected rabbit with your guinea pigs, it could make all of them sick.
Although raising guinea pigs with rabbits is not the best idea, it can be done successfully. First, however, you have to raise them together as babies. This means they will grow up recognizing each other as companions. As a result, each animal is less likely to feel threatened, and there will be fewer chances of hostility.
Can I Pair-up a Rabbit and a Guinea Pig?
It is not a good idea to pair them up. They are separate species and should be left to breed with members of their species. Since both are social creatures, your cavy or bunny is likely to get lonely without a friend or partner. Instead, you can buy an extra rabbit or a cavy, depending on which pet you already
have.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to buy a cavy or a pet rabbit, you will be gaining a worthy companion. It is, however, best to purchase them in pairs, especially if you choose to buy a rabbit.
This way, your rabbits or guinea pigs can keep each other’s company while you are away. Also, the more, the merrier!