Guinea Pigs vs Rabbits?

[Babyluv]

I had a bunny who sadly passed away. We think she may have died of fright. We had a nasty storm, she had plenty of warmth, food, water, shelter and it was the only thing we could think may have happened, unless she caught a bug. Anyway that was when DD was about 18 months. We still have the hutch and were thinking that maybe when she is 3 we might get a guinea pig. What's your take, I've heard they're more hardy than bunnies, less prone to disease etc. Can they be tamed to be as friendly as bunnies? Our bunny used to come inside and DD would hold her etc. Just trying to weigh up the pros and cons.
Thanks

[Lily Dust]

GUINEA PIG!!!!! We have had 4 rabbits in 2 years and never ever again The first we spent almost $1000 attempting to treat his tooth problem in the end resulting in him needing euthanasing. Number 3 died from some mystery failure to thrive illness that the vet couldn't diagnose and the 4th just dropped dead....we sound like the worst pet owners ever but I can assure you we aren't!

We still have the pig we got with the original bunny and he is just gorgeous. DD holds him, rocks him, hand feeds him etc. An hour ago he was just sitting on the floor unrestrained waiting for her to come back and sit with him again. I adored our bunnies but clearly they just aren't destined for our house. I do think though that if you have a pet rescue place close by and you are able to get a bunny from there that is older than that is something I'd probably try. But then with our track record they would probably reject us!

[AnyDream]

Piggies are definitely the superior rodent. Rabbits can be a bit cantankerous but guineas tend to be more even tempered once you've got them used to being handled.

[*Efjay*]

Piggies! We just had Babies! so cute. Get 2 females. We had boys to start with & due to a hungry python we now have 2 girls & they are much better then boys. Not as smelly & more curious. Our live inside 80% of the time. Google C&C guinea pig cages.

[Babyluv]

Thanks so much ladies
Sounds like piggies are the way to go! You recommend two? Are they messy? Our bunny used a litter tray. Can they be trained to go in the one place?

[Lily Dust]

You recommend two? Are they messy? Our bunny used a litter tray. Can they be trained to go in the one place?

If ours was a girl we would have got a second one, they are quite social little things. But being a male getting another male isn't an option as we have found 2 boys fight and it can be vicious! I haven't heard of them being trained, our male kinda poo's everywhere! But that could be a boy thing??

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

GPs are social animals - in some countries (I think Switzerland - but I may be mistaken) it is illegal to have just one, you need at least two. And you can hire pigs if one of your original two dies, until the second one does. So I'd say at least 2 GPs or a GP and a rabbit.

However, they do squeak and squeal. I hate GP noises and so won't be getting any. I also don't like rabbits running around either so wouldn't recommend those. Our differences make the world a better place, certainly for pets!

[Babyluv]

Hahaha thanks FB

[*Efjay*]

If ours was a girl we would have got a second one, they are quite social little things. But being a male getting another male isn't an option as we have found 2 boys fight and it can be vicious! I haven't heard of them being trained, our male kinda poo's everywhere! But that could be a boy thing??

The trick to boys is finding the match. If you get a second male, he needs to be younger & introduced slowly. Bath both boys & all bedding/cage to remove any smells & then introduce the 2 over some yummy distracting food. Then watch. But always a much younger Male to an adult male.

They can be "trained"to use the litter tray also but I also found my boys to just poo everywhere. I haven't bothered setting it up for the girls & just vacuum the cage each day (inside on a fleece bedding.)

[Babyluv]

Thanks will go for girls then