Hamsters versus guinea pigs

Hamsters and guinea pigs are two of hamsters versus guinea pigs most popular small animal friends coveted by kids, so let's get to know more about their history, what makes each of these critters special and decide which might be best for your family and current lifestyle. These often chatty yes, they can oink! Guinea pigs are actually rodents with tiny tails that originated hundreds of years ago in South America's grasslands, hamsters versus guinea pigs, forests, and rocky terrain.

Hamsters and guinea pigs are very different creatures, and so which suits you as an owner requires some careful thought. Some of the most important things to consider are:. Hamsters are little animals, who need a much smaller home than guinea pigs, and a lot less food. Hamsters are great pet, and will bond strongly with their owners. These little creatures will be your companions for two or three years.

Hamsters versus guinea pigs

Both have for many years been popular choices around the world as family pets. But they are completely different although related animals. They are both from the rodent family but Guinea Pigs are a domesticated animal that belongs to the Cavia genus whereas Hamsters include some 25 species including Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters, hand hamsters in the Cricetinae genus. In general terms, hamsters are more closely related to mice than Guinea Pigs. The most obvious difference is size. Guinea Pigs weigh between to grams and their bodies measure from 20 to 32cms whereas Hamsters are around half that size. Other details that will help you distinguish between a Guinea Pig versus Hamster is that Guinea Pigs tend to have a more rounded stubby appearance large round head and rump and a stumpy neck and are tailless. Hamsters have much more rodent-like features. Hamster babies pups are born hairless and blind whereas Guinea Pigs produce well-developed young piglets. Both Hamsters and Guinea Pigs display a broad range of colourations. Hamsters, on the other hand, are omnivores and will eat plant material as well as insects and worms.

Guinea pigs do not carry food in their cheeks! Unlike their piggy pals, hamsters can eat a selection of different foods like seeds, hamsters versus guinea pigs, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as animal-based proteins like insects. Anyone who imports or keeps hamsters as pets without a special import licence may face significant fines and even imprisonment.

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The Dodo spoke to Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with Hepper , to find out the main differences between guinea pigs and hamsters and what factors a pet parent should consider before adopting one for themselves or their child. Guinea pigs are part of the Caviidae family, like wild cavies and capybaras, while hamsters are part of the Cricetidae family. There are other differences between them, too. An easy way to tell guinea pigs and hamsters apart is by looking at them. Guinea pigs are much bigger than hamsters — around three times bigger, Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. Guinea pigs typically can live to be between 5 and 7 years old, but they can get up into the double digits in some cases.

Hamsters versus guinea pigs

Both hamsters and guinea pigs belong to the order Rodentia. Guinea pigs are bigger and heavier compared to hamsters, which is an important aspect when determining how much space you will need for your new pet. On average, a guinea pig lives between 5 and 8 years, whereas a hamster usually lives 2 to 3 years. The oldest guinea pig ever was almost 15 years old before it died in The life expectancy of these small and adorable pets is important when considering which of these two rodents to adopt. Both hamsters and guinea pigs have their unique personalities so make sure to get to know your new pet. Also, never keep male guinea pigs with female guinea pigs unless you are hoping for a new litter of cute guinea pig babies.

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Keep in mind that whether you should get either pet is less about whether it is easier to take care of a hamster or a guinea pig, and more about which fits your lifestyle better. Subscribe to Love, Dodo. Join the Kavee Kommunity! Ask the Wild Bird Experts. In contrast, a guinea pig tends to wolf their food down in one go and then wheek for more! Hamsters usually only get to be around 2 to 3 years old. Back to login. Guinea pigs do not carry food in their cheeks! Remember that they still have their own unique wants and needs that you should be able to provide for. You should always make sure that your piggy has enough room to roam around and forage, as well as some outdoor space to exercise in a natural, grassy environment.

Both have for many years been popular choices around the world as family pets.

Comments Mckenzie, 21 April I like this article. You will also need to provide a hutch and a run, keep these animals in pairs, and provide them with fresh vegetables on a daily basis. Size and Appearance The most obvious difference is size. Clearly a guinea pig is nothing like a hamster and there are a lot of differences between the species listed above , so the fact that people muddle them up is somewhat perplexing. Guinea pigs do not carry food in their cheeks! Difference Between Guinea Pigs and Hamsters. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with Hepper , to find out the main differences between guinea pigs and hamsters and what factors a pet parent should consider before adopting one for themselves or their child. Powered by youtube embed video generator. Expert advice is that no child should be given the main responsibility for looking after a pet. Guinea Pigs are Great Kids Pets. Join Jordan on this exciting journey, exploring the wonderful, furry world of pets! Guinea pigs need extra vitamin C added to their diets because their bodies can't produce it in the same way as other mammals. A litter is typically around pups.