Rodents are often considered pests but they can be great pets. Some rodent species, such as the domesticated rat and guinea pig, are intelligent and affectionate. However, not all rodents behave the same. These two species have major differences.
Let’s take a look at what makes each one so you can choose the right rodent for your family.
Visual Differences
A Glance
Guinea Pig
- Adult average size: 8-11 inches
- Average weight (adult): 5-2.6 pounds
- Life expectancy: Maximum 8 years
- Exercise for 3-4 hours per day
- Grooming: Moderate
- Yes, it is family-friendly
- Other pet-friendly options: Depends
- Trainability: This is very trainable, but it takes practice and patience.
Rat
- Adult height: 4-3.75 inches
- Average weight (adult): 5-1.5 pounds
- Life expectancy: 2 to 3 years
- Exercise for 4+ hours per day
- Grooming Requirements: Very low
- Family-friendly
- Other pet-friendly options: Depends
- Ability to train: Very intelligent and easily trained
Overview of the Guinea Pig
A guinea pig is a cute, cuddly pet that won’t grow too large. Although they are rodents, they can be very affectionate and have lots of spunk. They are unique among rodents in their personality. These furballs can be anything from full-fledged divas to couch potatoes.
They are actually quite hardy creatures. They can live up to eight years if they are well cared for. This is a longer life span than many dog breeds. They don’t get sick as often as other dogs. They are most likely to get scurvy and respiratory infections. Make sure they get enough vitamin C.
Guinea pigs require more care than other rodents. Although rats and hamsters can self-groom their cavy, it’s going to take some effort to do the same for your Guinea pig. Brushing short-haired pets should be done at least twice per week. Longer-haired varieties may require daily maintenance. It is important to remember that it is bonding time between you, and your loved one.
Personality/Character
Although they may be small, Guinea Pigs have a lot of personalities. Each one is different. Some guinea pigs are timid and shy, and will only cuddle up with their owner. Others are great hams, though. They will happily play and visit with anyone who allows them.
Before you decide on your guinea pig, take some time to get to know them. Before you buy, you’ll be able to determine their personality. If you are looking for a guinea pig to cuddle up with, avoid one that is outgoing or active. They will be more interested in active play than companionship.
Training
Although it may sound strange, you can train Guinea Pigs. Guinea pigs can learn many tricks and are very intelligent. It is easiest to get them to respond to your name. When you socialize with them, use their name severally and when they respond, give them a treat.
It’s not enough to show off your guinea pig. It will be necessary to teach them how to use the potty, which can prove to be quite difficult. This takes patience and good timing. With enough practice, your guinea can use a litterbox just like a cat. This will save you time and effort when cleaning up poop and urine from the guinea pig’s cage.
For:
Guinea pigs are wonderful family pets, especially for children in elementary school who are learning about caring for a pet.
Guinea pigs are sturdy and more resilient than rats less fragile than rabbits and less skittish than hamsters or gerbils. Although they are a wonderful option for your child to get acquainted with, it is important to have some knowledge about how to properly care for them. You should make sure you have enough time to take care of them.
Overview of Domesticated Rats
While we don’t deny the fact that rats can be a nuisance, there is an initial “eww factor” when you get them as pets. Urban rats can be prone to disease, filth, and squalor. Domesticated rats, however, are exactly the opposite. Domesticated rats can be clean, obedient creatures if they have access to water and food.
Rat owners often refer to them as “low-maintenance dogs”. Rats are loyal to their masters, and they are affectionate and friendly. Rats are social animals and can live happily with other rats if they were raised together. Bullying and excessive stress can result from the introduction of a new rat.
Rats, like cats, are very meticulous about their hygiene. A clean and tidy environment is preferable to a messy one. Urban rats and wild rats will only live in filth as it’s easier to find food and shelter. Domesticated rats, however, show the rodent’s true nature.
It’s not some dreadful disease or plague that can kill humans, but rats are the most common cause of death. It is pneumonia and chronic respiratory diseases. Wild rats can spread pestilence easily, but domesticated rats have a lower chance of contracting it.
Training
Rats are intelligent and can learn many tricks. Rats are very similar to dogs in that you can teach them to sit, stand, fetch, come when asked, shake hands, and even move around. These furry rodents can learn almost everything that other trained animals can.
Your method is the key to teaching your rat new tricks. We haven’t seen any other animal more motivated by food than the rat. Treat-based training is the best method to teach your rat simple and complicated commands.
Breeding
Like other rodents, rats are prolific breeders. It is harder to stop them from breeding than it is to get them to do so. At 5 weeks old, rat sexual maturity is reached. Females can enter heat every 4 days all year!
It is important to keep male and female rats separate, even when they are young. The litter that the female gives birth to is usually quite large. A litter of 10-12 rat pups is the average size. However, this number decreases as the breeding female gets older (normally 18 months).
If you plan to breed rats, it is best to start breeding females around 4-5 months old. If the mother is older, there could be serious physical damage.
For:
Pet rats make great family pets! Pet rats love to spend time with their families and enjoy snuggling on the sofa with them while they watch a movie. Be careful not to squish them. Many rats will even kiss you like they are grooming another member in their rat family.
For the sake of the rats, it is important to be cautious around children. Rats are delicate and small creatures that should be treated with care. Children younger than 6 years old may accidentally squeeze the rat too hard, injuring themselves and/or the animal.
Which pet is right for you?
It can be difficult to choose between a Rat and a Guinea Pig. It all depends on your needs. Guinea pigs will suit you if you are looking for a rodent that is sassy and has a strong personality. A rat is a good choice if you want the loyalty and loveability of a dog.
Although it may be difficult at first, being a rodent parent can be very rewarding. They are just as affectionate as larger pets and can be totally devoted to their owners. It’s not necessary to forget the “rodents can be gross” stereotype.
Will a guinea pig take on a rat?
Rats may be highly territorial, and while guinea pigs might be, they are not as violent as their rodent cousins. If you keep them together, there will almost certainly be some competition for supremacy in the cage, especially if you have males of both animals.
What is the most dangerous predator of guinea pigs?
Mammals such as weasels and birds of prey, as well as domesticated dogs and cats, are the major predators of wild Guinea Pigs in areas where human populations are present.
Do guinea pigs get aggressive?
When guinea pigs fight, it may become fairly violent, with blood drawn. A guinea pig killing another guinea pig is unusual, especially if you intervene and separate them. However, if a battle breaks out while you are not around, a larger guinea pig may attack and kill a smaller or younger guinea pig.
What are the risks associated with guinea pigs?
People can still obtain Salmonella from guinea pigs since the germs can live in these animals even though they appear healthy and clean. Learn about Salmonella from small animals and how people may limit their risk of infection for themselves or their children.
Can Guinea pigs do harm to humans?
In a nutshell, yes, guinea pigs can bite. They usually only bite if they are scared or threatened, however, they can bite. Guinea pigs frequently mouth at items they are exploring, but this is not the same as biting. You’ll know if a guinea pig bites you!
What do guinea pigs fear the most?
Guinea pigs have the ability to generalize their learning, which means they may experience anxiety in settings that remind them of previous trauma or suffering. The most prevalent anxieties are those of toys, people, and loud noises. A guinea pig may acquire anxieties of people for a variety of causes.
Do guinea pigs scream when they are scared?
Guinea pigs will scream when they are scared or in a battle with another animal. If you hear a scream, pay close attention to your pet. Squeal: Some guinea pigs squeal when they are in distress or when they won’t care.
Can guinea pigs tell when you’re afraid?
What causes guinea pigs to bite so much? It is not aggressiveness, but rather curiosity. Guinea pigs only utilize their teeth violently when they are threatened; they are their only form of defense. If your pet actually bites you, it’s because they’re terrified of you.
Is a guinea pig more intelligent than a rat?
Rats are incredibly intelligent and kind. Many people do not consider rats to be bright, however, they are extremely intelligent and simple to teach. They’re smarter than rabbits, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Because of their intelligence, rats are frequently utilized in psychological research to better comprehend human behavior.