A decorative rabbit or a guinea pig, who is better to have at home?
One of the best ways to teach a child to take care of someone, or teach him to take responsibility, is to take a pet into the house. For a novice owner, small animals that do not require constant monitoring and complex care are better suited. One of the choices: guinea pig or decorative rabbit.
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Which is better, a rabbit or a guinea pig?
To make a final decision, it is important to first evaluate the pros and cons of both pets and understand how they differ. The table clearly demonstrates the difference between animals.
| Comparison criterion | Decorative rabbit | Guinea pigs |
| Lifespan | Usually 8-12 years old | Lives 5 to 8 years |
| Food | plant food | |
| Diet | Granules are purchased at pet stores and greengrocers. | Require several types of food, there are nutritional restrictions |
| Behavior | Aggression is absent, not able to scare kids | They are calm in nature, shy in the early days. |
| Relationship with the owner | Capable of demonstrating a positive attitude | Gentle to the owners, recognize the name, able to sit on their hands for hours |
| The need for attention | Does not require constant attention | Social animals require attention when kept alone |
| Veterinary control | Frequent vaccinations are not required, however, not all clinics work with rabbits susceptible to cold | Do not require vaccination, prone to disease |
| Uncontrolled movement around the house | Needed to maintain physical activity, harm furniture and decor, can be poisoned by ornamental plants | Regular walking outside the cage is necessary, you can limit yourself to enclosures |
| “Catchability” | The kid does not always manage to catch the rabbit to play with. | Not characterized by increased agility or “cruising” speed |
| Restroom | They are toilet trained, but may not control urination on their hands. | Difficulty in toilet training or not toilet training at all |
| Smell | May emit an unpleasant odor | Do not have their own unpleasant odor |
| Training | Amenable, but bad | Know the name, follow simple commands |
| Noise | Most of the time they are quiet. | Noisy, although the sounds are pleasing to the ear |
| dimensions | Bigger than guinea pigs | Easily fits in the hands of a preschooler |
| Dwelling place | Requires regular and thorough cleaning | |
| Reproduction | In the presence of a heterosexual couple, fast and regular | |
Who will be the best pet for a child?
When deciding who is better to have at home, one should also pay attention to the character of the son or daughter. Guinea pigs are easier to care for, so if a schoolboy or preschooler is ready to spend a couple of hours a day on an animal, and go about his business the rest of the time, then the “overseas” pig is an unambiguous choice.
When a child needs a friend to whom he is ready to give all his attention, and parents support him and help in care, which also unites the family, then buying a decorative rabbit can be a great way out. An added bonus is that an exotic pet will interest the owner’s friends and allow him to build new social relationships.
Sometimes, when thinking about who to choose, future owners rely on such a parameter as “mind”. But you need to understand that each animal is individual and can demonstrate completely unexpected skills, therefore, the “smarter” criterion is not always justified.
Opinion about the possibility of cohabitation of rabbits and pigs is ambivalent. In a number of literature you can find information about the safe cohabitation of the two species, however, experienced breeders recommend separating animals into cages: rabbits can harm their harmless neighbors.
For a comparison between a chinchilla and a guinea pig, read our article “Which is better: a chinchilla or a guinea pig?”
Video: rabbit and guinea pig
Who is better: a decorative rabbit or a guinea pig?
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