I asked for a rat or guinea pig for Christmas because my hamster died and I wasn't sure which one was better for a pet.
( I might get it for my b-day in January instead of x-mas )
2007-12-23 05:52:40 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
guniea pigs are neat pets/ I use to have them
Rats are rats-uckkkkkkkkkkkkk choose the guniea pig
2007-12-23 05:58:39 · answer #1 · answered by drumcatblue 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Our multi-species family has both & although we really love our guinea pig I've got to say that rats are *much* more affectionate & interactive. The piggie is usually more interested in us if food is involved but the rats obviously love us for *us* & usually climb all over me when I open their cage-- how sweet is that? Also, the rats *definately* know their names, but we're not 100% sure if the guinea pig does.
Guinea pigs & rats do require regular care & interaction with you. Both guinea pigs & rats are happier if you have more than 1 (of the same sex). They both need a spacious cage, but since rats are smaller their cage won't take up as much room if that's an issue. Also, rats love to climb so their cage can be tall instead of just wide.
The advantage of guinea pigs is that they have a considerably longer life-span. Also, they make lots of cute sounds, although this might not be an advantage in some homes--ours sounds off every time someone opens the fridge, rattles a bag or the kitten (who he loves) walks by without stopping to visit.
Good luck with whovever you decide to adopt, & happy birthday next month (mine's in Jan, too).
2007-12-23 08:25:46 · answer #2 · answered by Catkin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i love both my guinea pig is cleaner then any of my rats ever were...they do requier a bit moer care more of a variety of food (hays, grasses pellets) not to big of a deal, you will have to keep there nails trimmed they love affection mine doesn't bite, and if a guniea pig is well handeled it won't same with rats or any other animal... rats don't need to have their nails trimmed like guniea pigs need chew toys or blocks. will need mineral and salt licks suprisenly they take up about the same amount of space (provided you handle your guinea pig daily let him run) guinea pigs don't need that much space a rat will require a cage where it can run constantly a wheel and will need to climb and explor they are a great deal more active while guinea pigs are very calm both can use a excersise ball (different sizes duh) which are great when you clean there cages and can't focus on keeping them from chewing and biteing things, and they get to explore. though i have heard that rats are permanently incontinent, and from my experience if that isn't compleatly true there is a great deal of truth to it, my rats always went anywhere and everywhere, where as a guinea pig can be trained to eliminate in one spot. i love both and am looking foward to when i get a bigger place to getting a rat and maybe a mouse or two just cause they are so energetic and hyper. i currently have a male chocolate guinea pig (chocolet refers to the coat and nail colour) and a parakeet.
at your local pet store you can by care manuels that will give you all the info you will need before you get that animal or if you already have one, they are great for helping to decide which animal you want...or talk to a small animal associate they can give you the pros and cons, of each and you can watch the animals they sell play and interact and see their behaviors...ask a lot of questions....get the one that suits you best, (though i recomend adopting instead of buying if you can) they maybe small but they are not insuignificant, so don't make your decision lightly.
2007-12-23 06:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by dejavu 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would say that they both have the same responsibilities becuse you've got to pick up the poop, feed them the right amount of food and water, and sometimes even take them for walks (which I have done with my guinea pig-but she was inside a roller ball thing). Some people just dont like rats because of their long hairless tails. they have to chew a lot to keep their teeth from growing too long, too. Guinea pigs are delightful and usually gentle pets. i remember my kindergarden teacher keeping two guinea pigs in our room and when we had break time, we'd get to hold them. sometimes, if they're nervous, they peed on us. not a pretty sight- nor smell! but anyways, i'd go with a guinea pig rather than a rat. Rat are just sometimes- blah-ew-eeck!!
I hope you'll get what you want for christmas- or you're b-day!!
2007-12-23 06:13:26 · answer #4 · answered by Em&M 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have had both but I must say that rats are the way to go because they are a lot more affectionate,smarter and are really active and likes to play games while guinea pigs tend to be less social and less active. But rats are actually harder to take care of because they need at least a full hour worth of play time with HUMANS and should be given some free roam time supervised of course. Rats can also learn tricks like dogs. Also beware you should have same sex pairs because they are really social. Some rats are so smart that they can open there cage doors. And also PEOPLE WHO HAVE SAID BAD THINGS ABOUT RATS ARE IGNORANT AND THEY ARE AFRAID OF THEM AND NEVER RAISED ONE.
2007-12-24 08:03:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have 2 boy rats now and i luv them to death. i had a guniea pig once and it didn't do anything but sit in the same spot and make noises. once i put it on the floor (the pig) and half hour later it was in the same place. rats are much more lovable and social.
2007-12-25 12:05:16 · answer #6 · answered by N M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I personally would not get a guinea pig, they are so anti social. i had a guinea pig and it was so dumb. now i have rats, they r smart cute and very clean. also u can keep rats inside where as guinea pigs u hav to hav them inside.
hope u get either one.
remember the choice is up to YOU
2007-12-23 10:09:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
GUINEA PIGS!!!! I have 5 and I could not love them more! I got them about 6 months ago and I am so happy I did. They are so loving and are very much worth buying. They love to be with you and are a joy to have around.
I hope this helps with your decision. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
2007-12-23 06:31:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Deffinatly Guinea Pigs.
They are so cool. They are better because they are all different instead of Rats that all look the same.
2007-12-23 08:42:29 · answer #9 · answered by æd∆n 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i will go whith guinea pigs cuz they are much much cleaner than rats did you know that rats live in sewers and eat alot of poo,yuuuuuuuk
2007-12-26 05:25:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋