Hamster and guinea pig difference

The Dodo spoke to Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian with Hepperto 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, hamster and guinea pig difference, like wild cavies and capybaras, while hamsters are part of the Cricetidae family.

Have you ever been curious about the differences between guinea pigs and hamsters? Look no further; in this blog we'll be going over the differences in detail! Watch this short video for a short summary:. Guinea Pig vs Hamster. If you are currently debating whether to get a guinea pig or a hamster, read this article to get a better understanding of which one will be more suitable for you! Or, maybe you just want to know the difference between guinea pigs and hamsters and settle the hamsters vs guinea pigs debate once and for all.

Hamster and guinea pig difference

If we had a pound for every time we heard the phrase "How are your hamsters? It's frankly astounding how many people confuse the two. Yes, they are both small furries with two eyes and a nose, but you wouldn't call a dog a cat, so why do people do it?! Just before Christmas we got some fabulous coverage in the Sunday Times which resulted in the article we were featured in being talked about on BBC Breakfast News. In it, the guest analyst discussed the latest trends in pet products, with consumers looking for higher quality, luxury products for their pampered pets. Well, we just had to laugh, here we were again, confronted by another case of mistaken identity. Could it just be ignorance? Admittedly, a baby guinea pig does look fairly similar to a hamster when you squint your eyes while chopping onions but surely there are a few telltale signs that give us a clue They are furry. Can't argue that one unless it's hairless breed like a Skinny Pig! They have little round eyes on the side of their heads. Yep, both the same on this score. They have four legs. OK, got to state the obvious now, but yes, they do have the same number of legs.

Beyond this, Jordan's expertise and unique insights are sought after in numerous pet industry magazines, blogs, and columns, making them an influential figure in the world of pet lovers. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are vegetarian.

One major thing that differentiates hamsters and guinea pigs is lifespan. Hamsters have shorter lifespans than guinea pigs, generally living for 2 to 4 years. This is because they are small and have metabolisms that work much faster than their guinea pig cousins. Guineas generally live from 5 to 8 years, with some individuals reaching 10 years. Another key difference between the two is their size. As we mentioned above, hamsters are much smaller than guinea pigs, with the average size being in the region of cm.

One major thing that differentiates hamsters and guinea pigs is lifespan. Hamsters have shorter lifespans than guinea pigs, generally living for 2 to 4 years. This is because they are small and have metabolisms that work much faster than their guinea pig cousins. Guineas generally live from 5 to 8 years, with some individuals reaching 10 years. Another key difference between the two is their size. As we mentioned above, hamsters are much smaller than guinea pigs, with the average size being in the region of cm. Even the smallest guinea pigs are larger than the biggest hamsters, with the average guinea being cm long.

Hamster and guinea pig difference

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Click to Skip Ahead. Are you looking to add a new furry friend to your family but are caught up in the decision of being unable to choose between a hamster and a guinea pig? Both little rodents can be excellent companions, but before going for one of them, you should consider which aligns better with you, your lifestyle, and your personality.

Friends like these sandals

Did you know guinea pigs can actually watch TV! If you were hoping these rodent pals could become the best of friends - think again. We were able to learn a lot from Victoria. Lonely guinea pigs have even been known to die when left in isolation for too long. Guinea pigs, in particular, are incredibly social animals who love to play with their hoomans. This factor — and their handy habit of sleeping at night — can make them the superior choice for children who want to play with their pets. Today's pet hamsters are said to have originated from Syria in the s. Hamsters, on the other hand, are solitary and are often more aggressive and territorial. Before taking the plunge and bringing one of these furballs home, there are a few questions you should ask yourself to better understand how your furry friend will fit into your lifestyle. Hamsters don't need extra vitamin C! But they don't share the same family; guinea pigs are members of the Caviidae or Cavi family while hamsters are members of the Cricetidae family. The most popular Golden aka Syrian hamster breed tops out at palm-size as an adult.

Have you ever been curious about the differences between guinea pigs and hamsters? Look no further; in this blog we'll be going over the differences in detail!

Subscribe to Love, Dodo. There are other differences between them, too. Join the Kavee Kommunity! Sleeping patterns Another major difference between hamsters and guinea pigs is their sleeping habits. This is because they are small and have metabolisms that work much faster than their guinea pig cousins. This means that they eat their own faecal matter to access additional vitamins especially vitamin B and K and nutrients. Guinea Pigs can become quite fearful and agitated if not used to the contact. This was a great article! Hamsters are tiny, making them harder to handle and easier to lose if they escape. Hamsters usually only get to be around 2 to 3 years old. Vendor HayPigs! They ultimately belong to different families, with cavies hailing from the Caviidae clan and hamsters coming from the Cricedidae tribe. The dietary requirements of hamsters and guinea pigs are probably the most significant difference between the two species.