Rabbits and guinea pigs are among the popular small pets for their wonderful companion.
However, each of them has its strengths and weaknesses.
Among the common questions from individuals wishing to get either of these pets is whether a guinea pig or rabbits are more affectionate.
So, Are Rabbits or Guinea Pigs More Affectionate?
Both a rabbit or a guinea pig can be affectionate and cuddly once you develop a bond. However, most pet owners say that guinea pigs are naturally more affectionate. After bonding with its owner, a guinea pig will enjoy playtime and petting.
They might even start seeking out a human for such petting and interaction. They recognize and respond well to trusted humans and are often affectionate and interactive in their unique ways. But naturally, these pets will always remain wary. Unlike rabbits, they don’t bite or scratch and make an adorable wheek noise hence more suitable for children.
On the other hand, rabbits will make you earn their affection and love. But just like guinea pigs, rabbits are cautious at first.
After you bond with your rabbit, the bunny will be one of your best friends. Bunnies are social, so they will rarely leave your side while giving you regular requests for attention and petting.
This is the caution about rabbits. They can be so demanding and can easily become jealous. You will require to ensure you can spare some time to return the affection of your rabbit.
In case you are worried about this, guinea pigs might be a safer option. More so, rabbits are not vocal and can scratch or kick hard if they don’t want to be cuddled or picked up.
Overall, the piggies are adaptable, gladly accept attention when it comes but are less likely to seek it actively. They are also less moody than rabbits.
The Pros Of Keeping Rabbits as Pets
1. Bunnies Are Adorable Pets
You don’t need further explanation. Just the sight of a fluffy bunny twitching its nose will surely melt your heart. Rabbis also have a unique personality, and their antics will amuse you consistently.
2. Rabbits Are Relatively Clean
Rabbits like grooming themselves frequently and can be easily trained to use a litter tray. You will require to groom and clean them regularly, but naturally, they are clean animals.
3. Bunnies Love To Be Petted
After bonding with a rabbit, they enjoy your companion and being petted. Similar to most furry pets, this petting serves as a great stress-buster.
4. Rabbits Are Quiet
Rabbits don’t meow, squeak, bark, tweet, or make a lot of noise at all. Therefore, if you will keep your pet indoors, a rabbit can be a great option.
The Cons Of Keeping a Rabbit as Pet
1. Rabbits Require Regular Exercise
The fact that you don’t take your rabbit for a walk does not mean they are lazy. Rabbits require about four hours of exercise daily, meaning you need to leave them to run free.
2. Rabbits Demand Constant Companionship
Rabbits are not independent and reserved. Wild bunnies stay in large groups and hence require company when domesticated. So, keep multiple rabbits or be prepared to give your regular rabbit company.
3.Rabbits Can Be Aggressive
If a rabbit becomes aggressive or jealous, it can scratch, bite and be troublesome.
4. Rabbits Can Be A Bit Costly
Now that we know rabbits need regular exercise, a rabbit will require a large home, comfort, and many toys. Bunnies are also susceptible to health conditions hence might pile up veterinary bills.
If the requirements of having a rabbit seem like excessive work, you may consider guinea pigs as an alternative pet. However, similar to rabbits, there are advantages and disadvantages to guinea pigs as pets.
The Pros Of Keeping Guinea Pigs as Pets
Guinea pigs are great pets to teach your children a sense of responsibility. These pets are amusing and have lots of pros.
1. Guinea Pigs Are Affectionate
One of the risks of introducing pets to kids is the risk of scratches and bites. Piggies tend to be gentle, and they rarely attack.
2. Guinea Pigs Are Not Required To Roam Free
Unlike rabbits that need to roam freely for exercise, guinea pigs like staying in their hutch as they are small and potential prey. As long as they have space to play and run, they will be okay staying indoors.
3. Piggies Are Adaptable
While many pets struggle with adjustments in their surroundings or routine, guinea pigs generally roll with the tide and will be happy to get on with any changes.
4. Guinea Pigs Are Resilient To Illnesses
Vaccinations, veterinary bills, and insurance are costly. Fortunately, guinea pigs are not susceptible to diseases.
5. They Are Small And Easily Portable
Guinea pigs are a bit bigger than hamsters and mice but still very portable and small. You can easily move them around for hutch maintenance or play.
Related: Can Guinea Pigs Be Kept In The Bedroom?
The Cons Of Keeping Guinea Pigs as Pets
Before you bring guinea pigs into your home, they are great pets, but they also have needs that you require to consider.
1. Guinea Pigs Are Noisy
Guinea pigs squeak and constantly chirp, particularly at night. This might highly interrupt your sleep, especially if you keep them in your bedroom.
2. Piggies Are Smelly
Piggies are territorial animals that love to mark their territory. This means their terrain will often get sticky due to urine and lots of poop. You hence must do regular cleaning to avoid the bad smell.
3. Piggies Are Shy
These pets are quite vulnerable and small and might take some time to build your trust.
4. They Require A Particular Home Environment
A guinea pig requires a warm environment and good airflow, regular entertainment, and regular cleaning. They love chewing, running, playing, and a relatively ample environment that allows these activities.
Can You Keep Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Together?
It is not advisable to keep guinea pigs and rabbits together.
While these animals have often shared living space, it is better to keep them separate.
These two animals together do not make a suitable combination. This is because;
- Both have different needs, particularly when it comes to dietary requirements.
- A rabbit might injure guinea pigs by thumping them unintentionally and intentionally with strong back legs.
- Rabbits can transmit Bordetella bronchiseptica in guinea pigs, which commonly causes respiratory disease.
- They both communicate and behave in very different ways, making them get into conflict with each other when being kept together.
This means that the best companion for your guinea pig is another friendly piggie and the best companion for your rabbit is another friendly bunny.
However, this doesn’t mean that rabbits and guinea pigs can never be friends.
When rabbits develop a bond to another animal, they become so attached.
Unfortunately, rabbits live two times longer than guinea pigs which might leave them depressed at losing their close friend.
Wrap Up
Both rabbits and guinea pigs can make wonderful companions after developing a bond with their owners.
However, each species comes with its own unique considerations and traits.
While some people might prefer the rabbit’s complex personality and cleanliness, others might be drawn to the guinea pigs’ quirky antics and portable size.
Both can be affectionate, although guinea pigs are often more social and affectionate than rabbits.
Related
(As Responsible Parent) Can You Leave Pet Rabbits Alone for A Weekend?
References
Which are more affectionate: guinea pigs, hamsters, or rabbits? – Quora.com
Are rabbits or guinea pigs more affectionate to their owners? – the guinea pig forum