julia
Newborn Piggy
Posts: 1
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Post by julia on Mar 17, 2013 3:07:20 GMT
Hi everyone! I'm actually coming here because I wanted to have your opinion on something. I don't yet own any guinea piggies but I may in the distant future, as in September seventh. However, I am saving up my money and have a few qualms about which animal(s) I should purchase: rats or piggies?
Cost is no deciding point in either, and I have researched each pet thoroughly. If I get piggies, I will own two females, keep them in a C&C cage, have hides, hay, toys, chews, etc. and I am highly educated on rats as well.
I am also posting this on a rat forum so no research just for my cause is needed XD.
I will give them plenty of attention, but I want to know the perks of owning guinea pigs. Most 'guinea pig care' articles just state that they need hay, chews, a large cage, etc. etc. but they don't mention anything about their actual personalities. Why would you recommend a pet guinea pig to someone looking for a pet? And if you say something like "They're great first pets/great pets", can you explain why?
Thank you! In all honesty, I am leaning towards rats but I'm open to other options. I've had experience with both animals before, though I've only pet-sitted them, never owned them. I'm also aware that guinea pigs need more check ups, have a longer life span, etc. but I was hoping for facts specifically about their behavior.
Once again, thank you in advance.
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Post by shewolfsilver on Mar 17, 2013 3:58:50 GMT
Hmmmm I've never owned a rat so I'm not sure how much help I can be. I do know that our guinea pigs are a joy and every member of our family enjoys being around them! They each have their own personalities and little quirks. Sookie is the vocal one and wheeks for veggies when she hears my footsteps! Pinky is the dominant one and goes around rumble strutting trying to look tough. LOL Pinky likes to be held while Sookie gets very fidgety if you hold her for very long. They will both come up to the edge of the edge when you walk by for a scratch on the head. I've only had them for 3 months but they are already Members of the family!
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Post by Kayleigh on Mar 17, 2013 18:42:37 GMT
Both species are very different and having never owned rats i can only comment on the cavy side.
Guinea pigs are all individuals, i have 23 at the moment and each one is very different. The sexes also differ, my boars are extremely laid back and love nothing better than to curl up on my lap and sleep.
Many people get guinea pigs and expect them to be calm and cuddly right away, and when they dont get the desired reaction they sell them on or leave them in their cages and rarely interact with them. Guinea pigs are naturally skittish, but over time and with patience they come around and can be very outgoing.
None of my pigs have hideys, this encourages them to hide from me and i dont want this. They have toys and eachother to entertain themselves and i often let them have floor time, this is usually spent with several of them doing laps around the room etc (i have posted a video in the video section i think)
Most of mine will happily sleep on my lap or on the couch, they all know when its "veggie" time, the sound of a knife chopping, paper bag rustling and even me coming down the stairs at 7am excites them and they all wheek loudly and run to the front of their cages to see whats coming.
Many people go OTT with what they think a pig needs, a guinea pig will be more than happy in a nice sized cage, lots of hay, food and veggies. Theres no need to hideys, tubes toys etc, BUT some do enjoy them. Mine like their comfort, cosy cuddle sacks and such.
Theres no reason a guinea pig should require more vet care/check ups than a rat or hamster etc. They do not require regular worming/vaccinations. I only ever take mine to the vet if i need a POM medication (baytril, septrin)
Guinea pigs are also very smart, they learn "tricks" as such, using food you can train them to turn around, beg and come to you. I had a sow who would live free roam, and when you told her to go home she would waddle all the way to her hutch and sit in it.....
Anything is possible it just depends on the time / patience you have.
If you have any other specific questions ask away.
Kayleigh
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Post by shewolfsilver on Mar 18, 2013 4:19:15 GMT
Wow, that is awesome! I did not know all that about guinea pigs! Awesome post!
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 18, 2013 16:50:56 GMT
Hi Julia and welcome  I've never owned rats either, so I can't say if pigs are "better" but I definitely think they're a great pet. You do need to work with them a fair bit in the beginning, but I'm sure it would be the same with ratties. Pigs are naturally shy animals and it takes a while for them to come around to a new environment and new people. Once they're settled they're generally very sweet, though you will get the odd grump. Their personalities really are quite different. I have some pigs who can't get enough pets and who'll stand for ages getting their shoulders rubbed, etc., and I've others who really aren't into being petted too much at all. I would say the biggest differences are: 1. Lifespan. Piggies will ideally live at least twice as long as rats. That's good in that they last longer and you don't have have to say goodbye to them so soon, but bad in that you have much much longer to get attached. Considering your pig might life to about seven years old, give some thought to whether your circumstances might change where you couldn't take your pigs with you (e.g. going to university or something). 2. Space. Guinea pigs do need a fair bit more space than rats. If you have the space then it's no problem, but think about where your cage will go. 3. Noise. Guinea pigs can be really noisy. Not so much that they'll annoy your neighbours, but they're certainly more vocal and louder than rats. It's something that most people love, but think about whether you want that. Maybe visit a pet shop at feeding time to get an idea of how noisy they can be! |
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bliss
Newborn Piggy
Posts: 12
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Post by bliss on Mar 19, 2013 0:30:48 GMT
Hello, and welcome to the forum! That is a tough decision between rats and guinea pigs! I have owned 4 rats and currently have our fifth. They are loving and are so cuddly and cute. They love to run around and play with you. I have taught my rat to run up our staircase (with is a long staircase) with his food in his mouth and he is able to go into the room by himself to his cage. I adore rats so much, they are one of my favourite types of rodents. Guinea pigs I find are just as cute and adorable. The one thing that I have a bit of trouble with is that my two female pigs aren't very playful and would just rather cuddle up with you and maybe eat some food while watching television. They are both beautiful and graceful creatures and I love them both but it is all up to you on what you would like. If you need anymore help with knowing my opinion on the critter then you can just message me and I can help. I know some of guinea pigs but I know quite a lot about rats. So I would suggest that you listen to the more experienced guinea pig owners here about pigs. I hope your decision turns out well!
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Post by cavyqueen on Mar 22, 2013 20:13:14 GMT
i have had a rat before and now i own peanut my cavy they are both great pets but if you are looking for a very intelligent pet get a rat
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