We are thinking of getting our kids a guinea pig or rabbit for christmas does anyone have any advice?

Answer 1

We've had both. I recommend a hamster instead of either. The larger ones (not the dwarf ones) make great pets, socialize easily, don't make a big mess, and are easy to care for.

Have fun.

Answer 2

KNOW YOUR KIDS. I know from personal experience that rabbits are an extremely easy animal to completely ruin as a pet, since they're small enough to be tortured (all in fun, of course---would Princess Bunny like another bouncy ride on the magic carpet?) and they're strong enough to cause serious damage with those hind legs and teeth. Rabbits are the bottom of the food chain. They can't take loud, sudden movements, feeling out of control, or rough play. They also like to chew up your television cables.
The same, I assume, goes for guinea pigs, except for the chewing and the powerful hind legs. Guinea pigs are also susceptible to the common cold and need higher-quality food (fresh fruit and fresh pellets) than rabbits, which can thrive on plain alfalfa pellets that have been sitting around for a year.
In short, I advise you to get a medium-sized puppy, if money and space is not a problem. More rewards, and a more psychologically resilient animal.

Answer 3

I used to have both, the guinea pig was a project from school to teach the kids responsibilty, and let me tell you it does take a lot of it! cleaning the cage, the food, the smell, and also one thing you should know in regards to rabbits, they have sensitive stomaches (my friend has 2 right now) and when they get the "runs" not the best and they do chew up almost everything, she has to be careful with them, and just like having small kids must rabbit proof everything! I think you really need to have a day w/your kids and check everything out w/someone who can show you what needs to be done and see if your kids can handle this. Good Luck!
P.S. I forgot to add, some female rabbits do get aggresive too, since i do rabbit sit for my friend when she goes out of town. Know what you will be getting into before doing it w/out checking things out.

Answer 4

Rabbits are a lot of maintenance, but cool. They need a lot of room to roam, like a huge hutch and floor space. Guinea pigs are decnt too. They take up less space and can be just as friendly. I had one for 8 years (no lie!) and she was the greatest. Depending on the ages of the kids, if they're younger, I'd say guinea pigs. If they're older and more responsible, I'd say go for the rabbit.

Answer 5

Lordy lordy! I don't know about people sometimes. Guinea pigs, if you're caring for them properly, should NOT smell. If you have a big enough cage (that you can make yourself cheap - check out www.cavycages.com) and use an absorbant, safe bedding like Carefresh (comes in different colors which can be fun for kids) then they won't smell. I have three in a two-bedroom apartment, I completely change out the bedding once a week, bathe them once every one or two months, and they're odor-free! And please DON'T feed them lettuce (iceburg that is), it's too watery and will upset their stomach. Anyway, I vote guinea pig. Responsibility is involved, but less than for rabbits. To show you a bit about what having one is about, I, being the true dork that I am, have made a website for my piggies (no...really) that will show you a bit about their lifestyles:
http://www.secondstarillustrations.com/threepigs.htm
Check out the "gallery page" link as well for some close-up shots of cage set-up, etc and how creative & fun you can get with their habitat. Mine certainly make ME feel like a kid =)

I also recommend perusing, again, www.cavycages.com, as well as www.guinealynx.com to learn more about what's involved with keeping a piggie or two. Good luck!

Answer 6

I will say guinea pigs they make great pets. I'm sure your kids will love their present BUT make sure to get two guinea pigs of the same gender because they need company but you don't want them to breed. When we got our guinea pigs one broke it's leg because it fell off our lap he's fine now so make sure you supervise your kids untill they have a great bond and know how to propperly hold them (one hand under the bottom and one hand under the tummy) I own both a rabbit and two guinea pigs and I love them all but I recomend the guinea pigs because they're more placid and don't struggle were as rabbits temd to kick. Guinea pigs eat vegeatables such as lettuce (not to much they get the runs), carrot, tomato, parsley and guinea pig mix. Their cage needs to be changed once a week.

Good luck and have a merry Christmas

Answer 7

I've never had a rabbit, but guinea pigs are very sweet. They will come to the edge of their cage and squeak at you if they're happy to see you or they need food. They are very cute.

However, guinea pigs don't like to be held very much. They LOVE to be talked to but not picked up. Their cages have to be changed pretty often. I would recommend that grayish litter made out of recycled paper because it lasts longer. Get food that is especially made for guinea pigs because they can't make vitamin C, and if they don't get it they die.

Answer 8

I think rabbits are better than guinea pig, and if you do get a rabbit i suggest getting a dutch because there small and short hair, and get a male because there nicer than the females most of the time.

Answer 9

My advice, unless YOU want a Guinea Pig or a rabbit, don't buy one. Get a nice fish tank with some goldfish. Lower maintenance.

Answer 10

The only thing with animals like that, along with like hamsters and mice or whatever, they do smell. It doesn't matter how often you clean them or the cages, it just smells. They are also a lot to care for, and if you're gonna do that, you might as well buy a little dog. But depending on their age, you will wind up taking care of them yourselves...no matter how much they say they'll do it...it'll last a few weeks! Just make sure it's something the whole family will love and enjoy!!