rabbit or a guina pig

[elldes]

HI :) I have a dilema. I have 3 daughters and 2 of them want a guinea pig while the other wants a rabbit. I don't Know which to go for?
We have got the hutch which is a large double. Just unsure on what to go for?
Could i go for a rabbit and a guinea pig and if i did would they be ok together in the same hutch?
Do you think it would be better to just have the one? if so which one do i go for? I am sooooooo unsure on what to do? 98) :'( ::)
If i was going to have two is it better to have two rabbits or two guinea pigs?
What sex is better to have?
Sorry for soooooooo many questions? HOPE * CAN HELP?
:smitten:

[cavy]

I have both, not living together though as that is a big no no, from a childs point of view my 4 find guinea pigs easier to handle.I would go for 2 guinea pigs either 2 sows, a neutered boar and sow or even 2 boars as long as they are littermates they should be fine,there are people on here who can better advise you about 2 boars than I can. Good luck.

[pelicano]

I also have both rabbits and guinea pigs (separately). It's a really bad idea to keep them together (safety aspects - the bunnies can easily kick and kill the guinea pigs, often accidentally, plus different dietary needs etc). I personally don't think that rabbits make good children's pets - they are often not very cuddly, whereas guinea pigs don't tend to mind cuddles.

Both rabbits and guinea pigs are herd animals, so need to be kept with their own kind. I have 2 female rabbits, both spayed, and the idea combination is neutered male and spayed female. I have only ever kept female piggies, who tend to get on well, although there is always a 'boss'! ;)

[kayjay]

I have both and despite the popular opinion I feel rabbits are best suited to adults or much older children - you don't say how old yours are. My rabbits are lovely, a neutered male and spayed female (best place to find these are rescue centres as they usually come ready neutered and vaccinated) but they aren't keen on being picked up and cuddled, preferring a gentle noserub and kids tend to want to hold their pets.

I'd go for two sows together as you're likely to have less problems with sows than boars, although if they've been together since birth that's usually ok too. Of course never leave small children alone with any small pet - the other week one piggy was killed by a member's child dropping it and seriously injuring another. On the plus side piggies rarely bite unlike hamsters and are awake in the day too. My son got irritated that our pigs took several months to tame so they don't hide away all the time but with plenty of time and handling they come round and are fun to feed veg too as they wheak loudly for it!

If you're interested in adopting a pair of rabbits I'd recommend Rabbits United forum and rabbit rehome for advice and finding your bunnies:

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/index.php

Rabbits need vaccinating against myxi and vhd and need a minimum hutch of 5ft x 2ft x 2ft, larger if possible and a secure run. Piggies need a bit less space but do appreciate more.

Hope that answers some questions :)

[kayjay]

Meant to add, be careful if you're intending on buying piggies from a petshop as they are notoriously mis sexed or come ready pregnant and you end up with more than you bargained for!! I'd go for a rescue or a good breeder personally.

I've pm'd you a couple of links

[rachx]

which is the reason that i am having difficulties, there are few rescues (other than the rspca a few hours away) around here and 0 breeders, i am moving when i am older!!!! ;D

[cavy]

where abouts are you rach?

[miss_piggy]

I have one rabbit and a guinea pig (kept completely separately). I have to agree with the other posters that you have to be careful with both of these animal around young children. I personally would go for the guinea pig though as they are easier to handle as long as the child is sat down and there is no where for the guinea to fall to! Our rabbit is very jumpy and wriggly and in my experience they are less likely to sit still for a child.

I know that you want to do the best for your children but as has been said in other threads the animal is your responsibility so really it should be what you prefer and think you can handle.

P.S Bear in mind vet bills. At the moment you can insure rabbits but not guinea pigs.

[katiep]

We have 2 buns and 2 pigs, and one hamster.

Our rabbits are lovely little fellas, they are so sweet-natured and lots of fun! Out of the 2, I would say go for rabbits, but not dwarf lops or other lop-eared types - these are very popular but can have more health probs. I'd go for a bun with sticky-up ears! I have 1 Dutch rabbit and 1 Magpie rabbit - they are both very sweet and our Dutch rabbit George likes to play chase up and down the lounge! They are very inquisitive, love chucking their toys around and like to be stroked. They are not so keen on being picked up though.

Our piggies like their cuddles and will make the sweetest cooing noises, but will nip if they want to be put down off your knee. They are very comical though and really make me laugh when they are running about squeaking at each other!

What do you think your daughters would prefer - a playful pet or one that they can cuddle? Also you say you have got a hutch, so I guess they are to be kept outside - I think rabbits do better outside than guineapigs. How old are your daughters?

[elldes]

THANK YOU for ** replies!!!
I am more considering the idea of a guinea pig but my oldest daughter of 14yrs wants a rabbit.
Gonna keep researching!! :)

[katiep]

If you could, you could have a rabbit outside in the hutch for your eldest daughter, and then 2 piggies indoors for your other girls... if space and money allow..

[pelicano]

I can understand the dilemma, as rabbits and pigs are so different. The bunnies are feisty and not particularly cuddly but very interactive and less scared than the pigs.

If I had to make the choice though, I would choose piggies. Rabbits need a huge hutch and run, which takes up our entire garden, and they have cost me a small fortune in vets bills.

[katiep]

We've been very lucky with our rabbits so far - the only vets bill swe've had are for their vaccinations, and George being neutered. Fingers crossed they stay healthy..

[kayjay]

If you could, you could have a rabbit outside in the hutch for your eldest daughter, and then 2 piggies indoors for your other girls... if space and money allow..


Two rabbits :)

[Loopylou]

Firstly I would have to say that whatever you are going to get - consider it to be YOUR pet. Don't get any animal in the hope that your children will take full responsibilty - if you aren't prepared to do it ALL yourself then I wouldn't even consider it!!
I also agree with Kayjay that rabbits are not suitable pets for children. Having said that , I have four young children and 10 rabbits, but they are very much MINE ;D Rabbits are difficult to handle are require a lot of care and commitment (as do guineas of course!). I encourage people to think of rabbits more like dogs in terms of work - they need cleaning out every other day or so, feeding twice a day, several hours excercise a day, daily bottom checks, once or twice yearly vaccinations, regular nail trimming . . . I could go on!!
BUT, if I haven't put you off with that lot then rabbits do make fabulous pets if you do your research ;)
I would say guinea pigs are more suitable if you want to get the children involved more with their care. They are easier to handle for one thing.

And whatever you choose to get, its best to get a pair of animals as both species are sociable and will be happier in pairs. Rabbits pair best in nuetered male/ speyed female pairs.

Oh, and go to a rescue centre!!!! They will be able to give you lots of good advice and there are SO many unwanted rabbits and guinea pigs in this country. I crtainly advise against buying from pet shops.

Hope that helps!!

[darkest.dreaming]

Firstly I would have to say that whatever you are going to get - consider it to be YOUR pet. Don't get any animal in the hope that your children will take full responsibilty - if you aren't prepared to do it ALL yourself then I wouldn't even consider it!!
Totally agree.

I also agree with Kayjay that rabbits are not suitable pets for children. Having said that , I have four young children and 10 rabbits, but they are very much MINE ;D Rabbits are difficult to handle are require a lot of care and commitment (as do guineas of course!). I encourage people to think of rabbits more like dogs in terms of work - they need cleaning out every other day or so, feeding twice a day, several hours excercise a day, daily bottom checks, once or twice yearly vaccinations, regular nail trimming . . . I could go on!!
Rabbits need regular cleaning, so do piggies.
My pigs and bunnies get fed at least twice a day.
Piggies need lots of exercise too, and the nail trimming. I find they grow at the same rate.


They are easier to handle for one thing.
Totally disagree. I've two pigs who i struggle getting out of the cage because they are so skittish, but the bunny will wait for you to pick him up. I think that depends totally on the individual animal.
I would say either, they bother have their good and bad points. But as already stated, they will **** end up being yours anyway so really it's what you want.

[rachx]

where abouts are you rach?


I'm in plymouth, in Devon but i live right next to Cornwall!

[Loopylou]

They are easier to handle for one thing.
Totally disagree. I've two pigs who i struggle getting out of the cage because they are so skittish, but the bunny will wait for you to pick him up. I think that depends totally on the individual animal.
I would say either, they bother have their good and bad points. But as already stated, they will **** end up being yours anyway so really it's what you want.
[/quote]

Sorry, I was generalising. What I meant was I think its more likely that a child will be able to handle a pig than a rabbit - I wouldn't allow any of my children to pick up a rabbit, even the friendliest ones but they are able to handle the pigs to some degree (obviously under close supervision) - in part because they are just physically smaller and so easier to hold for smaller hands :)

[miss_piggy]

I would say I have to agree with Loopy Lou. Having both a pig and a rabbit, neither of which are particularly easy to handle I would have to say a guinea pig is easier than the rabbit. Rabbits are so strong especially with their back legs and me and my mum struggle to control our little one. I think even the wriggliest of pigs are easier purely because they are not as strong (however they are probably a lot more delicate which is another consideration).

[baby-wilson]

I would say I have to agree with Loopy Lou. Having both a pig and a rabbit, neither of which are particularly easy to handle I would have to say a guinea pig is easier than the rabbit. Rabbits are so strong especially with their back legs and me and my mum struggle to control our little one. I think even the wriggliest of pigs are easier purely because they are not as strong (however they are probably a lot more delicate which is another consideration).




Yup I have to agree... It can be so difficult to handle my bunnies but if the pigs are hand tame theyre so easy to handle.. its just that theyre so delicate... I also find rough haired pigs easier to handle because theyre easier to grip onto ;D Just my opinion ::)

[rachx]

my mum would never want rabbits again cos we couldnt handle them and they stratched us! :( i love rabbits but i love guinea pigs more! :smitten:

[Guinea-Tia-Flossie]

didn't realise this post had been repated here.... this was my reply to your post in Chit Chat.

Being very rabbit experianced i have to say Guinea Pigs.

Simple reason is because rabbits are not childrens pets!! Rabbits are big, scratchy, sometimes bitey, get scared easy and dislike being picked up by most children. Rabbits can cause serious harm to children...i've seen it so many times. I once heard about a young boy who picked up a rabbit wrongly and the kid dropped the bunny and the bunny broke his back!!

So for the safety of the rabbit and your children...get guinea pigs

[Guinea-Tia-Flossie]

OR, if you get rabbits, just don't let your children pick them up! They can be very lovely, but need good strong and firm hands to pick them up.

but i still don't think rabbits are childrens pets!

[Ali-1991]

HI :) I have a dilema. I have 3 daughters and 2 of them want a guinea pig while the other wants a rabbit. I don't Know which to go for?
We have got the hutch which is a large double. Just unsure on what to go for?
Could i go for a rabbit and a guinea pig and if i did would they be ok together in the same hutch?
Do you think it would be better to just have the one? if so which one do i go for? I am sooooooo unsure on what to do? 98) :'( ::)
If i was going to have two is it better to have two rabbits or two guinea pigs?
What sex is better to have?
Sorry for soooooooo many questions? HOPE * CAN HELP?
:smitten:



It is actually against the law now to mix guinea pigs and rabbits together, but by all means get both if they're going to be separate. Rabbits and guinea pigs and best lived in pairs, like two or more guinea pigs together, and two or more rabbits together, but i do not condone them being put together, a rabbit cause easily kill a guinea pig just with one swoop of its leg If you want a male and female of either or both species get the male neuted, this way if you happen to get more female rabbits or guinea pigs, they won't get pregnant.

If your children want a pet, I would recommend a guinea pigs as they tend to be less violent and more tame that Rabbits.

[miss_piggy]

I didn't realise it was against the law.... you learn something new everyday!

I was talking to a receptionist and/or nurse at my vets today who said she used to keep them together (I tutted at her!). As usual she said 'oh mine were fine together'

[Guinea-Tia-Flossie]

I didn't realise it was against the law.... you learn something new everyday!

I was talking to a receptionist and/or nurse at my vets today who said she used to keep them together (I tutted at her!). As usual she said 'oh mine were fine together'


That's because it's not ??? Where did you find out Ali-1991 that is was against the law...i just checked this out and even the RSPCA doesn't say it's against the law! They say it's a bad idea, but not illegal

[Ali-1991]

I didn't realise it was against the law.... you learn something new everyday!

I was talking to a receptionist and/or nurse at my vets today who said she used to keep them together (I tutted at her!). As usual she said 'oh mine were fine together'


Lol, you didn't realise it was against the law because the new law for pets only came in 2 - 3 days ago, my mum told me, infact my mum is pumkinpiggies, my mum the one that told me heehee

[Ali-1991]

I didn't realise it was against the law.... you learn something new everyday!

I was talking to a receptionist and/or nurse at my vets today who said she used to keep them together (I tutted at her!). As usual she said 'oh mine were fine together'


That's because it's not ??? Where did you find out Ali-1991 that is was against the law...i just checked this out and even the RSPCA doesn't say it's against the law! They say it's a bad idea, but not illegal


I found it out because my mum told me, she said the new law came out a couple of days ago for animals, I dunno when she found out, but she certainly said you should definetly NOT keep guinea pigs with rabbits together

[Ali-1991]

Go on here - http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/News/2007/AWA-new_law_to_protect_pets.asp

It states
1. The need for a proper diet (including water)
2. The need for somewhere suitable to live
3. The need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (as appropriate)
4. The need to express their normal behaviour
5. The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Number 3 means apart from other animals AND I am lead to beleive that the Rabbit is another form of animals AS it IS a different specie :)

Sorry if that sounds abit arsey, lol it's just me, I don't mean to sound arsey :p It's just the way I type :)

[Ali-1991]

It was also on the news. http://itn.co.uk/news/3756e1294d149223c85287fc258d2803.html

[Guinea-Tia-Flossie]

Go on here - http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/News/2007/AWA-new_law_to_protect_pets.asp

It states
1. The need for a proper diet (including water)
2. The need for somewhere suitable to live
3. The need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (as appropriate)
4. The need to express their normal behaviour
5. The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Number 3 means apart from other animals AND I am lead to beleive that the Rabbit is another form of animals AS it IS a different specie :)

Sorry if that sounds abit arsey, lol it's just me, I don't mean to sound arsey :p It's just the way I type :)


Hi Ali, i have just rang the RSPCA to get more information on this.

It is not illegal to keep them together, he explained this is alot of detail. number 3 means that you should house animals together if they are group animals, and apart if they should live alone, like some hamsters.

So your saying then you should never have a dog and cat living in the same house because they are different species..but you can, becuase they are group animals and need company. As such some dogs and cats do not get on, just like some rabbits and guinea pigs don't.

So to conclude it isn't advisable but it's not illegal. Although if you would like the info on it as i have just been given you can ring 0870 33 35 999 to fully understand the new law!

[Ali-1991]

Fair enough, but I have to say from looking from guinea pigs to rabbits, they don't look like the same animal group at all, as they are different species, I mean Rabbits can get extremely large, i've seen Rabbits about 4 - 6times bigger than guinea pigs, and Rabbits have been known to kill guinea pigs, theres this pet shop near me, that had a MASSIVE guinea pig in with two tiny baby 10 - 12week old guinea pigs, infact I don't even think the guinea pigs where that old.

Alot of dogs kept with cats are brought up from puppies and kittens, and as well as we all know they are able to be trained. As for guinea pigs, they cannot be trained. Rabbits have been house trained as such, but are not forced to be tame

[miss_piggy]

I'm really glad that they have brought in this new legislation but I think you have just proved that maybe it doesn't go far enough!?

[Ali-1991]

I'm really glad that they have brought in this new legislation but I think you have just proved that maybe it doesn't go far enough!?


What do you mean by 'it doesn't go far enough!?'

[Guinea-Tia-Flossie]

I wouldn't advise anyone to house rabbits and guinea pigs together, i'm not saying that! I just wanted to clarify it's not illegal. If you are going to make a bold statment like that please do research first to make sure it's true O0

And i can see your new so...Welcome to the forum ;)

[Ali-1991]

Lol yes I am a new puppy to the forum :) I got onto here because of my mum, I was meant to sign up about a week ago, but I forgot to lol

[Guinea-Tia-Flossie]

Lol yes I am a new puppy to the forum :) I got onto here because of my mum, I was meant to sign up about a week ago, but I forgot to lol


I guess you and your mum will be fighting for the pc to get on here then haha...anyway going abit off topic here lol ::)

[Ali-1991]

Lol haha, no we don't fight over the pc lol not anymore anyways, I have the old P.C and mum and dad have a laptop each, I often steal my dads laptop though, the p.c often disconnects and goes MEEEGGGAA slow :p

[miss_piggy]

Just meant they should have maybe clarified point 3.

[Ali-1991]

Yes point 3 should of been abit more detailed on that site, but ah well, alot of things can be taken the wrong way depending on the choice of words thats in the sentance.