Guinea Pig or hamster?
October 11th, 2009 Posted by: admin
I posted another question about guinea pigs yesterday getting some info on them. Now that im doing a bit of research on the little critters I wonder if a hamster wouldn’t be better? I had hamsters when I was a kid and never got bitten but the web says they are nippy and not as social as guinea pigs - is that true? If we got a young hamster, handled and played with it a lot would it be fine with the kids (11 and 9, very careful, calm kids).
Guinea pigs just seem more “sturdy†I suppose but I enjoyed my hamsters while I was a kid. I am also concerned that hamsters only live up to 24 months (the internet says). Seems like the kids would be so sad if the pet only lived that long.
Any opinions on Guinea Pigs vs. Hamsters?
By: Chels
Guinea pigs just seem more “sturdy†I suppose but I enjoyed my hamsters while I was a kid. I am also concerned that hamsters only live up to 24 months (the internet says). Seems like the kids would be so sad if the pet only lived that long.
Any opinions on Guinea Pigs vs. Hamsters?
By: Chels
Tags: Calm Kids, Hamster, Hamsters
October 13th, 2009 at 04:55
I’d say Guinea pigs are better pets. they’re bigger, too so easier to hold and aren’t as aggressive as hamsters, the can also be trained to use a litter box if you are letting them roam free around the place.
October 16th, 2009 at 16:26
Guinea pigs do live longer, but make sure you get it from a good breeder who hand raises. They tend to be skittish otherwise. Hamsters are very nocturnal. They run all night long and like to sleep, undisturbed, during the day. For small pets I have always liked rats. They are very friendly and sturdy. But they only live for about 2-3 years. If you find their tails offensive, there are Manx breeds available now that don’t have tails.
October 18th, 2009 at 06:17
Guinea pig, hands down. Unless you consider getting them rats (two of the same sex)
Hamsters IMHO are just not built to be children’s pets.
October 23rd, 2009 at 08:56
I prefer guinea pigs for several reasons:
1) hamsters are nocturnal, guineas are not
2) Guinea pigs are easier to catch
3) Guinea pigs are easier to hold
4) if what you say is correct then guinea pigs can live alot longer, up to around 10 years in our experience.
5) They are funnier to watch
If you do get guinea pigs get at least two of them as they are used to living in packs(herds).
On the downside guinea pigs are probably more expensive to keep, needing veg and hay and a much bigger hutch than a hamster.
October 23rd, 2009 at 09:49
Guinea pigs are better!! my dad used to breed them and now i have a hamster, he says that the guinea pigs didnt bite as much as they did and that you could do more things with them! You can even get a harness for the guinea pig and take them for a walk in the good weather!!
October 26th, 2009 at 11:42
Guinea Pigs!!
October 26th, 2009 at 17:46
I’ve been bitten by hamsters, I’ve been bitten by guinea pigs as well. I’ve also had both that don’t ever bite. I prefer rats though. I currently have 4. None of my rats have ever bitten. They are also much smarter than guinea pigs and hamsters.
October 29th, 2009 at 19:05
I’ve never had a hamster… only ever looked after one while it’s owners were on holiday. But I have had loads of guinea pigs (more than 50 throughout my life!), at the moment I have 10.
Here are the upsides and downsides that I know of…
Hamsters are more likely to bite (but of course not all). I’ve only ever been bitten by a guinea pig once, and it wasn’t hard enough to draw blood.
Hamsters can live alone, whereas guinea pigs NEED to live in pairs, or groups.
Hamsters require less space and are less expensive.
Hamsters are nocturnal.. guinea pigs are awake all day.
Guinea pigs make cute noises! Hamsters are pretty much silent?
Guinea pigs are more affectionate and some form special bonds with their owners… they are like the ‘dogs’ of the rodent world. I don’t think hamsters are like this… as far as I know.
Guinea pigs will sit still whilst on your lap, watching tv with you… hamsters will run everywhere!
Guinea pigs live longer.
Sorry to the rat-lovers on here but I would just like to put in my experience with these rodents……. they bit me everytime I held them and always ran away. I think some rat people exaggerate. Sorry just my opinion.
I’m sure most ratties are very friendly.
Hope I was of some help!
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