Photo by Юлия Здобнова and Anna Shvets on Pexels
Rabbit and guinea pig have many similarities, unlike in our previous blogs where we talked about the Life of a Bunny Mom vs. a Cat mom and the Life of a Bunny Mom vs. a Dog Mom.
Let's look at the life and routines of these owners with their pets. We'll get to see how they maintain the good health of these two animals and what their steps are in caring for them. This might also help you choose a pet if rabbits and guinea pigs are your options.
First, let's know the difference between a rabbit and a guinea pig.
Differences: Rabbit vs. Guinea Pig
If you look at a google search, people ask if a rabbit is considered a rodent. The answer is no. Rabbits are in the Lagomorpha order, not in the Rodentia order.
Rodents are pets that have two growing incisors. Those incisors are visible in the front, which they use for gnawing food.
Guinea pigs are rodents, while rabbits are not because they have 28 teeth, but you can only see their incisors.
Here are the differences between a rabbit and a guinea pig.
Rabbit | Guinea Pig |
It free-roams inside the house. | It lives in an enclosure made of wires. |
The house needs carpet or a wooden floor. | It has wood shavings, shredded paper, or commercial pellets as bedding. |
It needs support in the back and hind legs when carried. | Handling can be easy because it is small and can be quickly scooped up. |
Larger pet | Smaller pet |
It eats pellets specifically for rabbits, aside from hay. | It needs pellet specifically for guinea pigs. |
It should have two-three litter boxes. | The beddings serve as the litter area. |
It needs a vaccination against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease; check-up at least once or twice a year |
Similarities: Rabbits vs. Guinea Pigs
Both animals have a hay-based diet. They need hays to maintain the shape of their teeth so they won't keep growing. Hay contains fiber that helps these animals' digestive tract to function properly.
In addition, these animals need fruits and leafy greens to become healthier. Limited amounts of pellets are also required for rabbits and guinea pigs. Don't forget the fresh water daily.
Both animals need a peaceful spot away from loud noises because they may get stressed when it comes to their environment. To avoid depression with rabbits and guinea pigs, owners must give them toys that will provide mental stimulation. The toys must be eco-friendly.
In addition to giving them toys, tunnels are also a great way to keep them entertained. Another one is a toilet paper roll with hay inside; that would make a good feeder and a toy at the same time.
Life Span: Rabbit vs. Guinea Pig
The life span of rabbits is longer than guinea pigs. Let's see the difference between their life span when they are in their healthy states. Consider that they are domesticated pets; a rabbit's life span is 8-12 years, while a guinea pig's life span is 5-7 years.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Rabbit vs. Guinea Pig
Those are the similarities and differences between caring for a rabbit and a guinea pig. Always ask your trusted vet when caring for pets, especially when it's your first time. It may help a lot if you educate yourself about the needs of these animals so you will not have a hard time figuring out what can make them happy and healthy.
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