Should I get a Guinea Pig or a Dwarf Rabbit?

Question

I had 2 hamster before and I was really attached to them until they both died. I was considering getting another hamster but then their lifespan is to unpredictable. It hurts alot when they die so I decided not to. My mom and I both are considering getting another pet(s) but I couldn't choose between the Guinea Pig or the Dwarf Rabbit.

So I really don't have any concerns about theses animals but my mom does. She's still hurting from the recent death of my hamster so she wants somethings that has a longer lifespan. The porblem is, she doesn't like them to bite. ( A little wierd when you have an animal ) So, I know that Rabbits nip and bite but are very affectionate. Guinea pigs are very social and don't bite as much. So I'm having a hard time deciding.

Answer 1

Well Guinea pigs are skittish but they can be cuddly once they get to know you. Depends on their personality.

Rabbits are friendly and curious and don't usually like to cuddle and be picked up, but they love being pet. again, all depends on their personality. Some love to be cuddled. some hate it.

Guineas live to 10 years max. Rabbits can live to about 10 years as well. They both love floor time outside of their cage, so you'll need an area either blocked off or a room bunny/cavy proofed. and guinea pigs popcorn when they're happy, which I think is like little spurts of speed and chasing eachother around and stuff. and rabbit's binky when they get out of their cage and get lots of room to hop around, which is really high jumping and my rabbit kinda kicks her feet in the air when she does it. :D.

Any rabbit I've ever known has never bitten anyone. They will nibble on you once or twice though because they like to taste everything. Same with guinea pigs. As long as you let them get used to you slowly and don't try to force them to do anything or hurt them, then they won't bite you.

And female rabbits NEED to be spayed if you're not going to breed them, or they'll get cancer in there uterous or bladder. and males should be neutered so they don't hump everything in sight.

and I don't sugest getting a dwarf rabbit, I've heard rumors that they're not as friendly as normal size rabbits, plus they can fit into smaller spaces during floor time and you don't want them to get stuck. Although mine's a regular and a dwarf mix and I've never had problems with her.

Goodluck with your new pet whichever you choose and I'm so sorry about the loss of your hammies.

www.guineapigcages.com You should build one of those for your bunny or guineas. My rabbit lives in one right now and she loves it.

Answer 2

It depends really on which one you can provide for the best.

Rabbits- Rabbits NEED to be spayed/neuteured for various reasons. Females- will p**p everywhere, get aggresive and have an 80% chance of getting uterine cancer if not spayed.

Males- p**p everywhere, hump everything and can get aggresive if not neuteured and can get UTI's and other cancers. For a rabbit to be happy they need a HUGE cage and a escape proof garden/enclosure to run around in. They need to be able to run around. Also need their cage cleaned out twice a week, more if not fixed because their pee smells really bad. They need three hours out of cage time a day and lots of boxes and toys to keep them occupied. They need their nails trimmed and sometimes teeth filed at the vets. They need vegetables, hay and pellets in their diet so feeding can be a bit pricey. Yes, they can bite even if they are not aggresive they can nip to show affection.

If you can't provide the above for your rabbit then it's best you get a guinea pig

Answer 3

Rabbits rarely nip and bite, where did you get that?

Definitely get a rabbit. So much better.

Answer 4

You should read over http://www.guinealyx.info and http://www.rabbit.org They each have different needs in terms of care.

Any animal can bite.  

Answer 5

I think that it really all depends on what you can do for this animal. Obviously it needs lots of time and love, but you have to keep in mind the schedule that you already have. & honestly either a guinea pig OR a dwarf bunny need lots more time and effort than a hammyy. I was in a really similiar situation to you, where I had just lost a beloved hamster and decided that I wanted something with a longer lifespan. I went with a guinea pig, only because I fell in love with him at first sight, but also because I knew that he was what I was looking for. He's very cuddly and there's nothing cuter than him when he 'popcorns' . I gave him lots of time and space. I made a cage from scratch which I'd suggest you do also, (it makes your baby's life much much happier) only because they're tons better and sturdier and easier to clean than any pet store type cage.

I went with a guinea pig for multiple reasons,

1 being health ,it seems rabbits (even neutered) can come across more health problems than piggies

2 my aunt, who I spend tons of time with, has a bunny and he just isn't warm and friendly toward anyone... he bites and runs away at every opportunity... but Rusty (my piggy) never strays. I take him outside in the grass and he just wants to nibble on grass while still hiding right up close to me! Until I get up, then he's free to jump and play as I walk in a circle.

3 I was interested in keeping only 1 animal,

I've seen many piggys that don't bond well with their owner because they've made such good friends with their cage bud! But Rabbits seem to live well in a group.

also, can I please just ask you to consider adoption?

it's better for multiple people, including yourself!

you give a home to an animal that needs one.

you do your part to stop the production of 'mills'

you help the shelter!

and of course, yourself, because you'll always know that you 'rescued' your little bud.

thanks so much! <3koko