Hamster vs Guinea Pig

Hamster vs Guinea Pig

Let’s know about Hamster vs Guinea Pig. Many people consider small animals such as hamsters and guinea pigs to be good starter pets. They are a manageable size and require less care than a dog or cat. Parents often get their kids to teach responsibility to these pets. More than 5 million American families have invited small animals into their homes.

The essential thing to remember about owning any pet is that it is a commitment, whether you are buying one for yourself or for the kids. Adult supervision is also mandatory for both the hamster and the guinea pig. The fact is that both can bite and bite if handled incorrectly. However, with patience and gentle demeanor, anyone will feel welcome into your family.

Hamster vs Guinea Pig
Hamster vs Guinea Pig

Both hamsters and guinea pigs are rodents. However, this is where most of the similarities end. Our guide will narrow down the differences between these two pet peeves. We’ll go over the care of each pet in detail to help you decide which is the better option for your family. (1)

Hamster vs Guinea Pig

visual difference

a quick overview

hamster

  • Average Length (Adult) : About 6 inches
  • Average Weight (Adult) : 3.5–7.9 ounces
  • Lifespan : 2-3 years
  • Activity : Crepuscular
  • Exercise : Hamster Wheel Recommended
  • Family Friendly : Suitable for children over 6 years old
  • Social Needs : Solitude
  • Trainability : Possible with small animals

Scapegoat

  • Average Length (Adult) : 8-10 inches
  • Average weight (adult) : 1.5-2.6 pounds
  • Lifespan : 4-5 years
  • Activity : Crepuscular
  • Exercise : Recommended time outside the cage
  • Family Friendly : Suitable for children over 6 years old
  • Social Needs : Tolerates other guinea pigs
  • Trainability : Possible with small animals

hamster

Let’s know about Hamster vs Guinea Pig. It’s hard not to fall in love with a hamster. His big brown eyes and fluttering nose could melt anyone’s heart. These rodents call Eurasia their home, (2) with some species living from Russia to North Africa. The Syrian or Golden hamster is what you will most likely find at the pet store. They have been companion animals to humans since the 1930s.

The popularity of these pocket pets has grown steadily. Today, you’ll find other species, such as Roborovski hamsters, Chinese hamsters, winter white hamsters, and Russian Campbell hamsters. Each varies slightly in size and color. Females are usually slightly larger than males. However, the care of any of these animals is essentially the same. (3)

personality

Hamsters are docile creatures that can learn to tolerate handling. In the wild, these animals are usually twilight, which means they are active at dusk and dawn. Keep in mind that they are prey, so it is essential that they come out before their predators can start hunting. This is an important point, (4), especially when considering whether to put a pet cage in a child’s bedroom.

Getting more than one hamster is tempting, especially if you have two or more children. Unfortunately, these animals are not so closely tolerant of each other. You’re better off just getting a pet the kids can share. During the hamster’s waking hours, he remains quite active. He is also very curious about his surroundings. He fares best if you provide mental stimulation as part of his care.

Training

The essential thing to understand about training hamsters is that they are near-sighted. Sudden movements can easily frighten a pet. The key to getting him used to you is patience. Remember that a startled animal is more likely to bite. This is why we suggest supervising your children when attempting to handle your pet. (5)

Younger hamsters are easier to train than older hamsters. Treats are a great way to build trust between kids and their pets. Remind your kids to use their inner voices and speak quietly. Eventually, he or she will create a positive relationship between your baby and the food. If someone gets bitten, wash the wound with warm soapy water and apply first aid ointment.

health and care

You have several options when it comes to accommodations for your hamster. Ease of cleaning is a priority. Habitats with long trails and enclosures look lovely but keeping your space healthy requires more work. Instead, we suggest a cage with a plastic bottom. Be sure to get one that is chewy. Hamster teeth, like other rodents, continue to grow throughout their lifetime.

You should fill the bottom of the cage with dust-free bedding material, such as wood shavings. These products are absorbent and can better control odor. It is important that you or your child change it regularly. We also suggest adding a hamster wheel to help keep your pet active. Most likely, he won’t be outside his cage, so he should be able to get enough exercise inside it to stay healthy.

You will also need a water bottle. We recommend a glass one versus a plastic one. A common complaint with some products is that the hamster chews on the bottom, causing a mess inside its cage. Likewise, be sure to buy one that doesn’t like the so-called dripless bottle. Give your pet fresh water every day, taking care to clean the nozzle.

Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat a wide variety of foods, from seeds to grass. Commercial diets are ideal for making sure you are meeting his nutritional needs. Keeping your pet on the same diet is essential. These animals do not tolerate changes in their diet well. Keep greens, such as lettuce, to a minimum. The bulk of his diet should come from packaged pellets or mixes.

Suitable for:

Hamsters are an excellent first pet to teach older children responsibility and pet care. While they are not as cuddly as a puppy, your child can tame him with gentle handling and patience. The important point is to make sure his cage is clean and dry.

Scapegoat

Guinea pigs or cavities are another popular small animal that makes an excellent pet for children. They are larger and somewhat easier to handle. Humans and these rodents have a long history dating back thousands of years, though not as the first domesticated animal. They were and are still domesticated as food in South America. However, you will now find a wide variety of breeds for pets and shows.

The American Cavy Breeders Association registers 13 different breeds of guinea pigs with exotic names such as Peruvian and Abyssinian. The organization sets the standard and runs shows for confirmation, not unlike the American Kennel Club (AKC) for Dogs. You’ll find a wide range of different traits, from short hair to long hair.

Unlike the hamster, the domesticated guinea pig exists only as pets and in the show ring. There are other species in South America that still serve their ancient purpose.

personality

Guinea pigs are social animals among themselves and among people. Like cats, they sometimes groom each other. They are also quite vocal with the distinctive whistling sound that they make. There are other shared tones to communicate that signal emotion, such as fear or contentment. Cavities also purr like kittens when they are happy.

Like hamsters, guinea pigs are crepuscular. You have to give him the same idea about the location of his cage because of his activity level and the sounds he makes when he is awake. When they are active, they do not reach the same degree as hamsters. However, it is equally important to avoid sudden movements that could frighten your pet. After all, he’s also near-sighted.

Training

Guinea pigs are intelligent. This means a child can bond more with their pet. He may learn to recognize his owner, especially if it means a treat. The same gentle handling is important for these pets. As a prey species, they are naturally wary of anything new in their world. If your kids are aware of their personalities and how to approach them, they will make better pets.

Like a hamster, you’ll have better luck training a young animal versus a larger animal. Cavies are less curious about their surroundings. However, they are large enough where it is possible to take them out of their cage. Keep them in a confined space to make it easier for him to catch you when game time is up. Start slowly to give your pet time to get used to the new environment.

health and care

Let’s know about Hamster vs Guinea Pig. Guinea pigs are strictly herbivores. Their diet consists of greens. We recommend feeding him a commercial diet of high fiber grass like Timothy. Cavities are notorious for having sensitive digestive systems. It is important that you do not give your pet lettuce or make sudden changes in his diet. Doing so can lead to potentially life-threatening GI distress.

Interestingly, guinea pigs and humans share one important characteristic. Nor are they able to synthesize vitamin C in their body. We should include rich sources in our respective diet. This is why commercial products are the safest option for your pet. They can ensure that they get the nutrition they need in a form that is easily digestible.

A guinea pig’s cage should provide him with enough room to exercise, especially if you don’t plan on letting him outside of it. It is important to have a hiding place to help him feel secure. Line the bottom with absorbent material. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your pet healthy. We suggest using a water bottle instead of a bowl to keep litter dry.

Suitable for:

A guinea pig is an excellent choice for an older child who wants a pet that they can train and form a bond with. The fact that you can take him outside of the cage makes him a more part of the family, which many people will find more beneficial.

Which small animal is right for you?

Both hamsters and guinea pigs are delightful pets for children who are old enough to handle this responsibility. Of the two, the cavity is more of an investment, if just because of the larger cage he will need. Both animals require daily care, which is an important point to keep in mind when cleaning. It is also worth noting that guinea pigs have a longer lifespan.

The other important difference is how much interaction you can have with your pet. Your child can handle a guinea pig more and let it out of the cage. If a hamster comes out, you probably have a time devil trying to find it. This is an important point when you think about quality of life from an animal’s point of view.

Therefore, the choice of hamster and guinea pig depends on how much time and money you want to invest. However, the life lessons a child will learn from owning their first pet are invaluable. If you feel that your family is ready for the responsibility, it is likely to be a rewarding experience for everyone.