Pair of guineas or a rabbit?

September · 08-21-2012, 09:12 AM

Which makes the better pet? I love my hamster, of course, and my mice as well, but I'm wanting something a bit bigger. But I still want it to mainly live in a cage.

Speaking of cages, would this rabbit hutch work for a pair of guinea pigs?
Trixie's Rabbit Hutch w/Sloped Roof - Web Exclusive Sale - Featured Products - PetSmart

karinanlyla · 08-21-2012, 09:34 AM

I dont really know about guineas or rabbits as never had them but good luck on your new pet search! My nursery has a guinea pig and he couldnt be tamer i fell in lovr with him straight away!

Leesha · 08-21-2012, 09:43 AM

A pair is best

rescues are full of piggies that need homes, they are sexed correctly too then!

No to rabbits if you want it in a cage. I have 4 rabbits, they have cost us over £500 so far this year. Rabbits need a lot of space and care, they are not the easy, cheap pets they are sold as. Neutering and spaying can be expensive. Vaccinations are needed too every year unlike guineas. Also rabbits are better in pairs. Guinea pigs don't need spaying if they are sows.

The minimum space for rabbits is a 6 x 2 hutch and 6 x 8 run with access to free range or extra space. 6 x 4 shed with attached run is easier though. Indoor buns need free range, crate and puppy pen attached for when no one is in if necessary.
For pigs I think the minimum for a pair is 4 x 2 but bigger is better! They would also need time away from their main base.

Hay is an important part in both species diets.

They can both be expensive vet wise so be prepared. I would go for guinea pigs if you really want them though as rabbits are very high maintainence. I don't think either animals are 'caged' animals as a hamster would be. We have 2 outdoor buns that have the majority of the garden and 2 indoor buns, one we rescued from awful conditions because they just gave up with him.. He has his own room. The other indoor bun has run of my bf's room. They are both dental buns and very expensive.

September · 08-21-2012, 09:47 AM

Great, thanks

I'm leaning more towards guineas, but I'm looking for an interactive pet that requires a lot of care. I don't really have much to do with my time (homeschooled, no license) So I'd have plenty of time to spend with it and my existing pets, so that isn't really a worry.

Leesha · 08-21-2012, 09:49 AM

Then I would say piggies

with rabbits, they do what they want and they have very powerful kicks..! My rabbits like fuss but they prefer their own/each others company more than humans. They are also awake when we are asleep so we aren't needed apart from cleaning them out everyday!

September · 08-21-2012, 09:53 AM

Lol in that case, I'll definitely go with guineas

Though it might take me awhile lol. I need to get that hutch, which will take me at least a month, and all the other supplies as well.

I'm a little confused about one thing-What should I use as bedding?

Lil Miss · 08-21-2012, 09:57 AM

i would just be repeating what leesha has said, re space and costs and spaying and vacs

rabbits are amazing pets, but tend to do their own thing in their own time, they are also very expensive and need a lot of space, they are very sadly misunderstood, and while they are the uks 3rd most popular pet, they are the most neglected.
piggers are easier, and need less space, but are still expensive as they need daily fresh veggies, which make up a large part of their daily diet

Lil Miss · 08-21-2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by September

Lol in that case, I'll definitely go with guineas

Though it might take me awhile lol. I need to get that hutch, which will take me at least a month, and all the other supplies as well.

I'm a little confused about one thing-What should I use as bedding?

i wouldnt get that hutch for pigs, most dont do well with ramps, and can damage their spines if they fall
its also only 3.5ft x 1.6ft wide, you need 4 x 2 on one level

added levels are ok as long as the ramp isnt steep, and has a lip, but they shouldnt count towards the base print of 4 x 2

i use aubiouse for my pigs bedding

September · 08-21-2012, 10:00 AM

Well I'm not worried about the money/space/time thing, that's not an issue. I just want to know which one is more cuddly/personable

As for the cage, does America just not make good cages for anything?? Any ideas where I could get a suitable cage?

September · 08-21-2012, 10:05 AM

Well, how about this cage?

Guinea Pig Cage » Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat Plus Cage | PetSmart

It measures 47" L x 24" W x 14" H. I know it's an inch shy of 4' but it's one level, and fairly big. And of course, the guineas would get plenty of out of cage time