Guinea pig vs. rabbit

[Anonymous]

PP again. I would suggest visiting your county animal shelter and speaking with the people there. You can walk through the rabbit/Guinea pig area and talk to the staff about both. They may even be able to give you insight about specific animals housed there. You may want to go without your child at first, then bring them with you on a subsequent visit.

[Anonymous]

Guinea pigs can be snuggly. As long as you treat them well, give them lots of attention and pair treats with affection. We’ve had a few over the years and they can be really rewarding pets.

[Anonymous]

Had both. Guinea pigs, definitely.

[Anonymous]

I've had both rabbit and guinea pigs. While it is true that guinea pigs do better in pairs, if people tell you their cages smell, then that is because the cages are too small and require frequent cleaning. I had my cages set up for once a week cleaning. The cost for vet visits will be about the same - there are lots of exotic vets in the DMV and I too recommend getting pet insurance - Nationwide sells exotics insurance. With both, there is going to be poop.

For those who say guinea pigs are less interactive than rabbits, that isn't true. I posted in another thread about training my latest pig to do tricks. I also had another who followed me around my house while free ranging and would come when called. It all depends on the level of interaction and training. I also chose to have single pigs for various reasons, but the whole family spent time with them. A rabbit doesneed to free range and you have to rodent proof the wires for both.

I loved my bunnies, the fact they would use litter box and were funny as all get out, but so were my pigs. You can't go wrong with either. Your daughter has to want to spend the time thouugh and in that sense, they will not come to her like a cat or dog - she has to be approaching and handling them frequently. Then they come looking for you! There are many pigs and rabbits in shelters right now. Please consider giving one a home. Good luck!