Guinea pigs or rabbits? The big comparison
The decision between guinea pigs or rabbits occupies many families who are choosing small animals for the first time. Both species have loyal followers and are considered ideal pets for children and adults. But which animal is better suited to you and your living situation? This question is justified, because although guinea pigs and rabbits are similar at first glance, they differ considerably in their needs, care and behavior.
Around 250,000 small animals live as pets in Switzerland, with rabbits and guinea pigs being the most popular species. The decision between these two should not be made spontaneously, but should be based on sound information. Factors such as available space, time for care, financial means and expectations of the new family member all play an important role. In this comprehensive comparison, you will learn all about the differences between guinea pigs and rabbits to help you make an informed decision about your future pet.
Basic differences between guinea pigs and rabbits
Although both species are popular pets, guinea pigs and rabbits come from completely different animal families and have developed different characteristics as a result.
Biological basics: Guinea pigs belong to the family of guinea pig relatives (Caviidae) and originally come from South America. Rabbits, on the other hand, belong to the hare family (Leporidae) and are native to Europe. This different origin explains many differences in behavior.
Physique and size:
- Guinea pig: 20-35 cm long, weighing 700-1200g, stocky build
- Rabbit: 20-50 cm long, weighing 800-5000g (depending on breed), elongated build
Life expectancy:
- Guinea pigs: 6-8 years (up to 10 years with optimal husbandry)
- Rabbits: 8-12 years (dwarf rabbits often longer)
Important note: Both animal species are pure herbivores, but require different nutrient compositions in their food.
Social behavior: Guinea pigs are extremely social animals and should never be kept individually. In Switzerland, it is even illegal to keep them alone. Rabbits are also group animals, but can be kept individually in exceptional cases if intensive human contact is guaranteed.
Housing requirements: Space, hutch and equipment
The housing requirements differ considerably between guinea pigs and rabbits and should definitely be taken into account when making a decision.
Space requirements in comparison:
Housing requirements differ considerably between guinea pigs and rabbits. For two guinea pigs, a minimum hutch size of 120x60 cm with a height of at least 40 cm is required, while rabbits need more space: 150x60 cm floor space and at least 60 cm height for two animals. Guinea pigs need at least 2 m² for daily exercise, whereas rabbits need at least 4 m². Guinea pigs need a moderate amount of exercise, whereas rabbits have a strong urge to move and like to hop and jump. There are also differences in climbing ability: guinea pigs only have limited climbing skills, while rabbits can climb well and use ramps and floors.
Hutch equipment for guinea pigs:
- Houses with at least 2 entrances per animal
- Hay rack at an appropriate height
- Heavy food and water bowls
- Hiding places and tunnels
- Flat floor (no grids)
Hutch equipment for rabbits:
- Several hiding places
- Elevated places and ramps
- Toilet corner with cat litter
- Nibbling opportunities (branches, wood)
- Sufficient headroom
Indoor vs. outdoor housing:
Keeping guinea pigs:
- Indoor: Ideal at constant temperatures between 18-22°C
- Outdoor: Possible all year round with an insulated, draught-free hutch
- Particularly sensitive to cold at temperatures below 15°C
Keeping rabbits:
- Indoor: Need more space as they are more active
- Outdoor: Very robust, also tolerate low temperatures
- Can live outside all year round with appropriate acclimatization
Tip: Both species need daily exercise outside their hutch. Allow at least 2-4 hours.
Behavior and character traits in detail
The behavior of guinea pigs and rabbits differs significantly and influences the daily interaction with the animals considerably.
Guinea pig behavior: Guinea pigs are very communicative animals with a distinctive sound repertoire. They "squeak" when they are happy, "bark" when they are unhappy and "whistle" loudly when they expect food. These vocalizations can become quite loud and should be taken into consideration when keeping them indoors.
Typical guinea pig characteristics:
- Very curious and attentive
- Habitual animals with fixed routines
- Form clear hierarchies in the group
- Popcorning (jumping for joy) when feeling well
- Need time to gain trust
Rabbit behavior: Rabbits communicate mainly through body language and are much quieter than guinea pigs. They are very clean animals and can even be house-trained.
Typical rabbit characteristics:
- Very clean animals (groom themselves extensively)
- Can man-up and perform high jumps
- Mark their territory by rubbing their chins
- Dig instinctively (also in blankets or carpets)
- Can become very trusting and cuddly
Dealing with children: Guinea pigs are often better suited to smaller children due to their size and calmer temperament. Rabbits can cause scratches if not handled properly due to their jumping ability and size.
Care, feeding and health aspects
Daily care and feeding differ between the two species in important ways.
Feeding in comparison:
Guinea pig diet:
- Need vitamin C daily (cannot produce it themselves)
- Hay: Unlimited availability (main food)
- Pellets: 30-50g per animal daily
- Fresh feed: 100-150g per animal daily
- Particularly important: Vitamin C-rich vegetables such as peppers
Rabbit diet:
- Produce vitamin C themselves
- Hay: Main food, unlimited
- Pellets: 20-40g per kg body weight
- Fresh feed: 100-200g per kg body weight per day
- Important: Slow feed changeover when new to the diet
The nutritional requirements of guinea pigs and rabbits differ in important respects. Guinea pigs need 30mg of vitamin C per day as they cannot produce it themselves, whereas rabbits do not need any additional vitamin C. In terms of crude fiber, guinea pigs need at least 20% in their feed, while rabbits need at least 22%. The amount of pellets also varies: guinea pigs get 30-50g per day, while rabbits get 20-40g per kilogram of body weight. For fresh food, guinea pigs receive 100-150g per day, while rabbits receive 100-200g per kilogram of body weight per day.
Special health features:
Guinea pigs:
- Susceptible to vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
- Digestive problems with rapid feed changes
- Dental problems with the wrong diet
- On average 2-3 visits to the vet per year
Rabbits:
- Tendency to digestive problems with carbohydrate-rich food
- Dental problems more frequent (lifelong growing teeth)
- Prone to heat stroke in summer
- Regular vaccinations recommended (RHD, myxomatosis)
Costs and time required: What will you have to pay?
The financial and time investments differ considerably between guinea pigs and rabbits.
Acquisition costs:
Acquisition costs vary considerably between guinea pigs and rabbits. The animals themselves cost CHF 20-50 per guinea pig, while rabbits are somewhat more expensive at CHF 30-80 per animal. For an indoor hutch, you can expect to pay CHF 150-400 for guinea pigs and CHF 200-500 for rabbits. Outdoor hutches are significantly more expensive: guinea pig hutches cost CHF 300-800, rabbit hutches CHF 400-1000. The basic equipment costs CHF 100-200 for guinea pigs and CHF 120-250 for rabbits. In total, the cost of initial equipment for guinea pigs is CHF 420-1290 and CHF 570-1580 for rabbits.
Running costs per year:
Guinea pigs (2 animals):
- Food and hay: 200-300 CHF
- Veterinary costs: 100-250 CHF
- Litter and hygiene: 80-120 CHF
- Total: 380-670 CHF
Rabbits (2 animals):
- Food and hay: 250-400 CHF
- Veterinary costs: 150-350 CHF (incl. vaccinations)
- Litter and hygiene: 100-150 CHF
- Total: 500-900 CHF
Time required daily:
- Guinea pigs: 20-30 minutes (feeding, cleaning, checking)
- Rabbits: 30-45 minutes (including more exercise and activity)
Weekly expenditure:
- Hutch cleaning: 30-60 minutes
- Health check: 15 minutes
- Fresh food shopping and preparation: 30 minutes
Important: Both types of animal need reliable care even during vacations. Plan animal sitting costs of around CHF 15-25 per day.
Decision-making aid: Which animal is right for you?
The choice between guinea pigs or rabbits depends on various personal factors.
Guinea pigs are ideal for you if:
- you have less space available
- You like animals that are communicative (squeak, whistle)
- you are a beginner in keeping small animals
- you have small children (aged 6 and over)
- you prefer to keep them indoors
- you appreciate a calmer temperament
Rabbits are ideal for you if:
- you have enough space for them to run around
- you like more active, playful animals
- you are prepared to invest more time in keeping them occupied
- you are planning to keep them outdoors
- you want an animal that can be house-trained
- You already have experience with pets
Absolute no-gos when making your decision:
- Never keep guinea pigs and rabbits together
- Do not decide on the basis of appearance alone
- Avoid spontaneous purchases
- Single housing is problematic for both species
Checklist for the decision:
- Space conditions: Measure the available space
- Time budget: Realistically calculate your available time
- Budget: Take purchase and running costs into account
- Family situation: Consider allergies and the age of the children
- Future planning: Think about the lifespan of the animals
- Care: Organize vacation care in advance
To summarize: The most important differences at a glance
- Size: Guinea pigs are smaller and more compact, rabbits are larger and more agile
- Space requirements: Rabbits need significantly more space for species-appropriate care
- Costs: Rabbits are more expensive to buy and maintain (vaccinations, more food)
- Communication: Guinea pigs are very loud and talkative, rabbits communicate quietly
- Life expectancy: Rabbits live on average 2-4 years longer
- Care: Both easy to care for, but rabbits need more activity and exercise
- Health: Guinea pigs need vitamin C, rabbits need regular vaccinations
Frequently asked questions about guinea pigs and rabbits
Can guinea pigs and rabbits be kept together? No, this is not recommended. Both species have different forms of communication and needs. Rabbits can injure guinea pigs due to their size and jumping ability.
Which species is better for children? Guinea pigs are often more suitable for younger children as they are calmer and move less quickly. Rabbits are better suited to older children aged 10 and over.
What is the minimum number of animals I should keep? Both species are group animals. At least 2 animals are mandatory. Ideally 3-4 animals for guinea pigs and 2-3 animals for rabbits.
Which animal species is more work? Rabbits need more time for exercise and activity. Guinea pigs are easier to care for, but require more frequent cleaning due to their smaller enclosures.
Can the animals be house-trained? Rabbits can be house-trained relatively easily. Guinea pigs can only be house-trained to a limited extent and go everywhere.
What does a visit to the vet cost? Basic examination: 50-80 CHF. Treatments can cost between 100-300 CHF. Rabbits also need annual vaccinations (80-120 CHF).
How long can I leave the animals alone? A maximum of 2-3 days with sufficient food and water. Longer absences require care by other people.
Which species is more robust? Rabbits are generally more robust and less susceptible to disease. Guinea pigs are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and draughts.
Do both species need vaccinations? Guinea pigs do not normally need any vaccinations. Rabbits should be vaccinated against RHD (Chinese disease) and myxomatosis.
Can the animals run around freely in the home? Rabbits can be kept partially free in the home after a familiarization period. Guinea pigs are less suitable for this as they are not house-trained.
Conclusion: The right decision for your new pet
The decision between guinea pigs or rabbits should be carefully considered and based on your individual circumstances. Both species can be wonderful companions, but have different requirements in terms of keeping, care and activity. Guinea pigs are particularly suitable for beginners and families with limited space who are looking for animals that are communicative and relatively easy to care for.
Rabbits, on the other hand, are ideal for pet owners who have more time and space to invest and enjoy more active, playful animals. They offer a more long-term bond due to their longer life expectancy, but also require more attention and are more expensive.
Regardless of your decision, it is important that you are aware: Both types of animals are long-term commitments and require daily attention, care and love. Inform yourself thoroughly before buying, visit animal shelters or breeders and take your time to make this important decision. A well-prepared start is the foundation for many happy years with your new pet.
