Choosing Between a Rabbit or a Guinea Pig: A Helpful Guide

Both rabbits and guinea pigs are popular pets, but they have distinct needs and characteristics that may make one a better fit for your lifestyle than the other. Here’s a guide to help you decide which pet might be a better choice for you!

**Summary table at end of post**

1. Space Requirements

• Rabbits:
  • Need more space to roam. An ideal living space for a rabbit should be at least 24 square feet (in a pen or room), with regular access to a safe, enclosed area to hop around freely.
  • Rabbits need space to exercise and stretch their legs, and they benefit from a large, safe environment.
• Guinea Pigs:
  • Guinea pigs are smaller and need less space, but still require room to move around. A minimum of 7.5 square feet is recommended for two guinea pigs (the more space, the better).
  • While guinea pigs don't need as much space as rabbits, they should still be allowed to roam within a secure area.

2. Time Commitment & Social Needs

• Rabbits:
  • Rabbits can be more independent but require time and attention, especially when it comes to daily exercise, grooming, and bonding.
  • Rabbits thrive on companionship and can become lonely if left alone too much, so they often do best in pairs if bonded young or with regular interaction with their owners.
  • Rabbits are not pack animals, so be cautious when introducing rabbits to one another as it is common for viscous fights to occur. It is advised to adopt an already bonded pair of rabbits, or one alone.
• Guinea Pigs:
  • Guinea pigs are highly social animals and should be kept in pairs or groups. They get lonely easily and need daily attention and companionship.
  • They are more vocal than rabbits, communicating with squeaks, purrs, and whistles when happy, and they rely heavily on their owners and cage mates for social interaction.

3. Handling & Temperament

• Rabbits:

  • Rabbits can be more sensitive to handling. They often don’t like being picked up and many rabbits prefer to interact on their own terms, making them less suited for young children or people who want a pet that enjoys being handled.
  • They can be friendly and affectionate with time and patience, but they often require a quiet, calm environment.

• Guinea Pigs:

  • Guinea pigs are generally calmer and enjoy being held and cuddled more than rabbits. They tend to be more tolerant of handling, especially if they are accustomed to it from a young age.
  • Guinea pigs are known for being docile, making them better suited for families with children who want a pet that enjoys socializing.

4. Grooming and Care

• Rabbits:

  • Rabbits groom themselves but still need regular brushing, especially if they have long fur. They also need their nails trimmed regularly.
  • Their diet needs to be high in fiber (mainly hay), and they need fresh water with daily greens optional. They also need their litter boxes cleaned regularly.
  • They can be prone to dental issues and other health concerns, so regular vet check-ups are essential.

• Guinea Pigs:

  • Guinea pigs also require regular grooming, especially long-haired varieties. Their nails also need trimming regularly.
  • Their diet should include hay, fresh vegetables (particularly high in Vitamin C), and pellets. Guinea pigs need daily access to fresh veggies and vitamin C supplements.
  • They don’t require litter boxes like rabbits, but their cages do need to be cleaned regularly to avoid odors.

5. Exercise & Enrichment

• Rabbits:
  • Rabbits need daily exercise and mental stimulation. They can be trained to use a litter box and enjoy activities like digging and exploring new areas, so a rabbit-proofed room or outdoor space is ideal.
  • They also like to chew, so make sure they have appropriate toys and chewing materials to keep their teeth healthy. 
  • Rabbits prefer harder treats such as our apple chew sticks or our herbal hay sticks to wear down their teeth and provide long term stimulation. 
• Guinea Pigs:
  • Guinea pigs need daily floor time or playtime in a safe, enclosed area. While they don’t need quite as much space as rabbits, they still require a variety of toys and items to climb on, chew, and explore.
  • Guinea pigs are generally less active than rabbits, but they enjoy social interaction, and can get depressed if left alone without enough engagement.
  • Guinea pigs prefer more flavorful treats such as our bamboo chew sticks or our apple or pumpkin chips. 

6. Lifespan

• Rabbits:
  • Typically live 8-12 years, though some can live longer with good care.
• Guinea Pigs:
  • Usually live 4-6 years, though some can live up to 8 years with excellent care.

7. Noise Level

• Rabbits:
  • Generally quiet animals. They may thump their hind legs if frightened, but they don’t make a lot of noise otherwise.
• Guinea Pigs:
  • Guinea pigs are quite vocal and communicate using a variety of sounds, including “wheeing“ (a high-pitched squeak), purring, and chirping. This can be an advantage if you enjoy pets with more personality, but it can be noisy at times.

8. Health Considerations

• Rabbits:
  • Rabbits require regular veterinary care, particularly for spaying/neutering and dental health. They can suffer from gastrointestinal problems and may need specialized care if they develop these issues.
• Guinea Pigs:
  • Guinea pigs need regular access to fresh food, particularly Vitamin C, which they cannot produce on their own. They also need regular check-ups to ensure their teeth and nails are in good condition.

Final Considerations

1. Time: If you are busy or have limited time for interaction, a guinea pig may be a better option, as they are generally lower-maintenance. However, both animals still require a commitment of daily care and social interaction.

2. Space: If you have a smaller living space, a guinea pig may be easier to accommodate. Rabbits, however, need more room to hop around and be active.

3. Social Needs: Both animals are social, but rabbits may be more independent and less cuddly compared to guinea pigs. If you’re looking for a pet that loves to cuddle, a guinea pig might be the right choice.

4. Long-Term Commitment: Consider the lifespan of the pet. If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, a rabbit may be a better choice, but if you’re open to a shorter, more dynamic experience, guinea pigs can be a good fit.

Summary Table