When deciding whether to get a guinea pig, it is important to keep in mind that these two animals have some similarities. While guinea pigs can easily be mistaken for hamsters, they do require different care. Guinea pigs have cheek pouches and are used to eating their fecal matter to access nutrients. These two pets have different tolerance levels for physical contact and require daily care.
guinea pigs have a shorter patience threshold than hamsters
Hamsters and guinea pigs are both adorable rodents. While they are both classified as rodents, they do have a few differences that make them ideal pets. For one, hamsters prefer the dark to guinea pigs’ light, and guinea pigs like the daytime more. Both species like to sleep and recharge their batteries at night.
Guinea pigs do not require as much space as hamsters, but hamsters thrive in larger environments. There are studies to support this correlation, and bigger cages mean longer life for hamsters. Most pre-built hamster cages are too small for guinea pigs, so make sure to choose one that meets minimum size requirements.
Guinea pigs have a lower tolerance for frustration than hamsters, so it’s important to give them plenty of time to settle down and relax. While hamsters are more likely to bite, guinea pigs are less prone to biting. Their long ears are also better adapted to handling than hamsters. And since guinea pigs’ spines are not flexible, they are not ideal pets for those with short attention spans.
Guinea pigs eat their faecal matter to access nutrients
Many people are unaware that guinea pigs eat their fecal matter to access essential nutrients. The fact is that many small mammals eat their fecal matter to obtain the necessary nutrients in their diet. You may notice your pet curling into a ball as it consumes cecotropes. This is a normal part of the guinea pig’s daily diet and is essential to its health.
When guinea pigs eat plant matter, the fiber content of the fecal matter can be traced back to the food. The caecal matter is light in color and sticky. It contains nutrients the piggie cannot absorb, and they eat it directly from their bottoms. They will dip their hind legs into the cecal matter and pop it up. It may appear grainy and odorless, but it does not smell bad or linger in the environment.
Guinea pigs have cheek pouches
While guinea pigs don’t have cheek pouches, they don’t tend to hoard their food, either. Guinea pigs aren’t like hamsters and are unlikely to stuff their pens or sleeping areas with food. That said, if your guinea pig starts to have puffy cheeks, there may be a problem. Keep reading to learn more about these little cuties.
First, a guinea pig’s nipples are tiny and covered in fur. As a result, a guinea pig’s nipples can be enlarged during a pregnancy or breeding period. If you’re considering bringing a cavy home, be aware that guinea pigs’ nipples will grow larger, as they’re less sensitive than their human counterparts.
Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs’ fecal matter is rich in vitamins and minerals. It develops in the caecum, which is located at the base of the snout. Both types of pigs are small and furry and solitary. They spend most of their day inactive, except for periods when they eat. Despite their size, they do share similar characteristics and can be misidentified as hamsters, but their main difference is in the way they feed.
Guinea pigs need daily care
Your guinea pig needs special care and attention daily. In addition to a proper diet, guinea pigs need suitable living space. Their habitat should be dry and warm, with plenty of bedding. In the colder months, you may need to provide additional bedding and shelter. If you cannot provide these basic requirements, you may want to invest in pet-safe heat mats. Place them under the bedding with a cover to keep the animal warm. If you have to leave your guinea pig for extended periods, consider having a separate room for the animal, with a warm place for your guinea pig.
Besides feeding, guinea pigs also need to be groomed and checked for signs of illness. If your guinea pig’s coat is rough, it’s probably deficient in Vitamin C. It might also be unwilling to walk or show signs of diarrhea. Also, check for signs of pregnancy-related illnesses. Finally, check for signs of disease like lethargy, irregular bowel movements, and skin rashes.
