Guinea pigs or rabbit?

[Tombraidingmum]

Hi all!

Just wondering which people think is the better pet for children, guinea pigs or rabbits?

My children and 4 and 8. We've had both guinea pigs and rabbits in the past but they were ones I'd rescued when they needed rehoming. They'd never been handled etc so weren't very tame. Also my children were a lot younger so weren't very active with them.

Now the kids are older and we have cats and reptiles that they're both very good with. They help with cleaning out and feeding.

They've asked me if we can get a rabbit or some guinea pigs and I feel they'd both be responsible with helping to look after them. At the moment I'd only like to take either rabbits or guinea pigs on, not both.

We do get foxes our way so I'd be keeping them in an indoor cage at night but I have a large run for outside.

So just curious as to what which you have and what you'd recommend?

Thanks

[Orangesandlemons82]

I think guinea pigs - they are generally calm to hold and keep still. They are interactive - ours squeak with excitement when they hear the back door open as think they are going to be fed. I have never had a guinea pig bite and generally find them easier to handle than rabbits.

[HoraceCope]

Rabbits live longer I believe, and do not like being handled, although they are lovely. Guineapigs squeak and can be handled.

[greathat]

To live indoor or outdoor? I think guinea pigs are better generally but are less hardy

[ApplestheHare]

Rabbits aren't good pets for children. Handling them stresses them out. They also need to be kept in groups and prefer to socialise with each other. They shouldn't be kept with guineas either due to risk of illnesses being spread, so you're doing the right thing thinking about one or the other.

What is it you're looking for for the children if you already have cats and reptiles? If it's something they can look after themselves and handle then maybe a sirian hamster? We've got various animals and I actually feel dcat is the best per for DD(4). The dogs are too much work, though she does lots with them, and all the other small animals are a bit boring for her. The 'looking after' bit for Dcat is all doable for her, minus the litter tray, and she can play with her toys with her too.

[Clottedcreamfudge]

Guineapigs definitely, rabbits don't like to be handled and need a lot of space.

[MacavityTheDentistsCat]

Definitely guinea pigs! They're such characters!

[Tombraidingmum]

Thanks all.

They'll be kept indoors at night, but outside during the day in nice weather.

We've considered a hamster, just not sure it's a good idea with 2 reasonably large snakes and cats in the house

[BertieBotts]

Guinea pigs without a doubt. Rabbits are lovely but they are hard work and not well suited to being a child's pet, I don't know how they got that reputation.

[notsurewhatshappening]

We have two neutered boy bunnies. They are adorable and love cuddles but hate actually being picked up. They kick quite hard so aren't good for little children. They need a lot of space and time- 4 hours of free roaming per day is recommended and a hutch is not a permanent home for pet rabbits. I'm obsessed with my bunnies but I do have time to look after them properly. They have a large indoor run in the winter and they run around in the garden (walled and safe) in the summer.

[Heyha]

Guinea pigs...need less substantial exercise than a bunny, the cage needed to give a pair is much less than the size needed for a pair of rabbits, and they won't kick you or growl at you. So all in all much easier to give them tip top welfare than rabbits. Plus there few things more heartening than the squeak of a guinea pig when it hears you fetching veggies for it 🙂

[cinders15]

Guineas definitely!
I love the little popcorn jumps they do when excited!! And the squeaks when the veg is coming their way!!

[Starlight456]

G. Pigs.

Every time . I love rabbits but for handling definitely g.pigs

[GU24Mum]

We've got rabbits - cute to look at but surprisingly unsuitable really for pets for small children - wouldn't reomend them!

[StroppyWoman]

Another vote for guinea pigs!

Fewer people are allergic to them, they make cute noises, are less bitey/kicky than rabbits, less destructive (my friend's house rabbit bit through all their speaker cables and phone charging leads) and can become very tame if handled from young.

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

I loved my bun, but he really wasn’t a great pet. Indoor piggies would be much better.