Rabbit or a Guineu pig

top_drawer_2

hi,

I have really wanted a pet for sometime now and have finally got into a position where I think I can manage one. The pets I am considering are either a small (mini) rabbit or a guineu pig. My housemate has two guineu pigs and they seem very easy to look after, affectionate and don't smell too bad. However, I really would like a pet which I can toilet train and have always wanted a rabbit ..... plus I dont have a garden and wouldnt be able to allow it to run free too often (3-4 days a week probably in the evenings etc).

Has anyone else any experience of these pets and can advice?

Thanks

Jen

UKTigerlily

You could have house rabbits but they shouldn't be allowed to live in the same cage as the guinea pigs your housemate has, you can get them used to a harness & lead & take them out when you can. They are very clean & easily trained but you'd need to be careful of wires in case they chew through them. (You can cover wires easily enough though)

Always get two never one for company, a human doesn't replace another bunny! Of course always neuter a female or mixed pairs. I think rabbits are quieter than piggies tho I do love the noise the pigs make!

top_drawer_2

UKTigerlily wrote: »

You could have house rabbits but they shouldn't be allowed to live in the same cage as the guinea pigs your housemate has, you can get them used to a harness & lead & take them out when you can. They are very clean & easily trained but you'd need to be careful of wires in case they chew through them. (You can cover wires easily enough though)

Always get two never one for company, a human doesn't replace another bunny! Of course always neuter a female or mixed pairs. I think rabbits are quieter than piggies tho I do love the noise the pigs make!

Hi,

I would love a house rabbit but I cant as its a shared house and the LL doesnt have a clue about these new additions lol. It would have to be a mini rabbit I could get out when I can (not enough space for a larger one) and I would have to get two - maybe different types but same sex as they are soooo interesting a cute ) Our current (we kind of share them) make some fabby noises, so funny when they are together.

I'm concerned really about the exercise part really, a mini rabbit wouldnt like being on a lead much I wouldnt have thought so I would have to let them out in the lounge with all the holes/wires etc covered (as we do now with the piggies).

Thanks )

Jenny

clutterydrawer

I have rabbits but haven't had guinea pigs. I enjoy them as house pets, they are in a large cage when I'm out, and have free range of the house when I'm in. Luckily mine were easy to litter train but this isn't the case with all rabbits. They can also be extremely destructive, again depending on the rabbit, chewing through cables, wallpaper, books, shoes, furniture and skirting boards. I let mine have a run in the garden from time to time but it's not essential. Please please get two if you get any as they benefit hugely from the companionship.

Guinea pigs rarely litter train but may be easier to accommodate and exercise, spacewise. And you will have a head start on them cos you can get advice from your housemate.

Whatever animal you decide on I recommend doing a lot of research, ideally online before you commit, as plenty of the books available are out of date and pet shops are notorious for giving incorrect advice. also you may want to consider getting them from a rescue - 33,000 rabbits were given in to rescues last year alone so there is a huge overpopulation problem

The site www.rabbitrehome.org.uk lists rabbits for adoption and the attached forum is great for advice on rabbits AND guineas enjoy yoru new pets!

Miss_B_4

I have had guinea-pigs indoors in a house cage and outdoors in a hutch. I would agree with others who say get a pair of same sex animals. Guinea-pigs are sociable and do not like living alone.

Also, please do not get a bunny and a guinea-pig together as they do not live happily in the same cage. It is cruel to the guinea who will often end up being bullied or kicked.

I would think very carefully about getting any sort of animals, especially if your landlord does not know. What if you are forced to give them up? That wouldn't be fair on you or the creatures.

In my experience, Guinea pigs are not as bad at nibbling things around the house as rabbits may be. But obviously you should watch them if they are running about your living room. Also, please do not use an exercise ball of the sort hamsters use as they can damage piggy spines!_pale_

clutterydrawer

Miss_B wrote: »

I have had guinea-pigs indoors in a house cage and outdoors in a hutch. I would agree with others who say get a pair of same sex animals. Guinea-pigs are sociable and do not like living alone.

I can't speak for guineas but this isn't the best idea with rabbits - same sex pairs *may* coexist peacefully but the most reliable combination is a male-female pair in which both are neutered

remembered_nights

It doesn't sound like you have the space for rabbits to be honest. Plus you could jointly buy your guinea food with the housemate - moneysaving

Rummer

I have both and they are both charming however the guinea pigs are easier to handle and more interactive than my rabbit, they chat to you and enjoy playing where as my rabbit is a more independent spirit, although that may just be him!