Quote:
|
Originally Posted by tenn38 Hi everyone, I've been trying to decide whether a guinea pig or rabbit would be a better pet for me. Please help me decide, here's the deal:
1. I have an area for a cage planned out, that will hold a 2x3 or 3x3 cage, 2 levels, maybe even 3.
2. I will be able to have floor time for around 2 or 3 hours everyday.
3. The main factor my parents don't like about a guinea pig is that "the cage stinks", but the people they're getting this from probably only changed the bedding now and then. I've read that bunny pee doesn't stink as much when you get them neutered: True? False?
4. With a litterpan, i think it would be easier for me not to have to change an entire cage of bedding.
5. I would rather have an animal that will be willing to let you hold it and interact with you. Which one is better when it comes to this?
One more question: (sorry!) If I do eventually decide on getting bunnies, what cage size is best assuming there will be 2 full levels? |
This is a difficult question to answer. Rabbits are a lot more demanding than guinea pigs are, in terms of floor time, contact, diet and health. That said, also rabbits can be more engaging than guinea pigs. Both types of animals are social, so it is important to provide them with a companion.
Please keep in mind that bunnies can be more difficult to take care of, especially as a first pet. If you like guinea pigs, they do require work as well in order to take good care of them, but rabbits require significantly a lot more attention. In terms of housing, it is important to provide them with a large cage that they can run around in as well as spend hours outside of the cage since they are active animals.
In regard to the smell of guinea pigs, if you clean the cage frequently, they should not smell. Male guinea pigs, being territorial, can place scent marks and odors that can be unpleasant. On the other hand, male bunnies can mark their scent by urinating in specific places which can be unpleasant as well.