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Original poster

Come help me choose what to get, 2 rabbits or 2 Guinea pigs??

16 replies

Ilovebabies · 21/01/2009 10:36

Our gorgeous little rabbit died yesterday. The kids are gutted, so am i to be honest.
We had him for about 5 years so he was like one of the family.
Anyway kids would now like another one but i thought 2 would be better because i think Fluffy was probably a bit lonely sometimes all alone in his cage.
I was reading up on it last night to see what combination is best to keep together and started reading about guinea pigs and now i'm not sure whether to get 2 rabbits or 2 guinea pigs!
Does anybody have experience of keeping both what did you think was best with kids? Also are guinea pigs any easier to look after than rabbits or is it pretty much the same?

OP posts:

Marne · 21/01/2009 10:41

I would get guinea pigs, i have had both, i prefer guinea pigs as they seem easier for children (and adults) to handle and they make that cute little noise when they talk to each other .

chloejessmeg · 21/01/2009 13:58

I much prefer guinea pigs. I would only have rabbits again if I could house train them and give them the run of the house.

nickytamoshantertwotimes · 21/01/2009 14:03

Guinea pigs are fantastic imo.
I have also had both but found gps easier to handle and cuddlier and far easier to clean out. They also cost less to feed/vet/etc.

Sorry about your little bunny.

And yes, whichever you pick, get 2!

twoluvlykids · 21/01/2009 14:08

sorry to hear about bun

g pigs are better, imo.

for all above reasons. but you must have at least 2 g pigs, as they thrive on company.

WorriedMum23 · 21/01/2009 14:09

we have huinea pigs that live in an inside cage and make lovely chirruping noise when we come into the room and get v excited over lettuce. Also easy to clean out and a decent size for children to cuddle and stroke.

PheasantPlucker · 21/01/2009 14:13

We have a rescue rabbit, who is very loved, but..... he is an unsociable old bugger, hates the children, and is at least 12 as we have had him 12 years and he wsn't a baby when he came to live with us. We think he might be the oldest rabbit in the world! I would never have another one.

We had guinea pigs when we were little, they were lovely.

smurfgirl · 21/01/2009 14:39

GPs def, there is a huge thread on here about it. I love my boys. Very placid and easy to handle. I don't see the appeal of bunnies at all.

worriedmum its not recommended to give iceberg lettuce to guinea pigs (sorry if its romaine or something - don't mean to be rude)

NewAppallingBeginning · 21/01/2009 14:41

SO sorry your rabbit died.

I am dreading the day my cat goes.

I have no experience but when I am in a position to get some more animals I am going for guinea pigs. Not ready for rabbits yet!

Original poster

Ilovebabies · 21/01/2009 14:44

Thanks for all the replies!
Think it will be guinea pigs we will get thats what everybody seems to recommend.
I will let you know when we get them.

OP posts:

Joolyjoolyjoo · 21/01/2009 14:46

I have 4 4wk old baby bunnies if you were looking for a bunny or 2 !!

Katw3kitts · 21/01/2009 14:47

Dont forget to check your local RSPCA or rehoming place, sadly they often have lots of unwanted guinea pigs.

Sorry to hear about Fluffy.

silver73 · 21/01/2009 14:50

Get guinea pigs. We have three house pigs and they are adorable. Agree with KatKitts - try to get rescue pigs if you can.

When children have left home I think I am going to have to cheer myself up with more piggies

Iklboo · 21/01/2009 15:01

Sorry about your rabbit
Is it still acceptable to get one of each? I remember most of my friends years ago having a bunny and a guinea pig (to prevent bredding accidents and fights)

GPs can be noisy but they're SO cute (personally though I'm a rattie fan)

Sniggerdoon · 21/01/2009 15:11

Guinea pigs guinea pigs guinea pigs - I think rabbit personalities are a bit more unpredictable.

Don't have a rabbit and guinea pig together, they can have dominance issues, and the rabbit will always win.

CrushaGrape · 21/01/2009 15:29

If the animals have to be caged, then two guinea piggies are definitely better. Bunnies prefer a bit more space as they need to work their long legs, and it's not natural for them to be in cages. Guinea pigs adapt better to cage life, as it's more like their natural, cave-like habitat.

The rabbits I've owned were free range and house trained, but this might not suit all homes.

Fennel · 21/01/2009 15:33

We found our rabbit to be adorable and interactive but high maintenance, our guinea pigs are more boring but much much easier. Especially for small children.

Our rabbit and guinea pigs got on well together, now he lives with 2 guinea pigs in a garden where he can be free range, which he always wanted and we couldn't manage.

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