Rabbits and guinea pigs are popular small pets known for their friendly and gentle nature. Both species make great companions but require specific care to thrive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you provide the best care for your furry friends.
Choosing Between Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Before bringing home a rabbit or guinea pig, it’s important to consider which pet best suits your lifestyle and space. Each has unique characteristics and care needs that might align differently with your household.
Rabbits are generally more independent pets. While they can form close bonds with their owners, they may not always enjoy being held. Rabbits are active animals that love exploring their surroundings and can even learn simple tricks, making them a good match for someone who has the time and patience to engage with them in creative ways.
Guinea pigs, on the other hand, are social animals that typically enjoy being held and handled. They are known for their vocalizations, often communicating with a variety of sounds, and they thrive in pairs or small groups. Their friendly and interactive nature makes them a great choice for families or individuals looking for a more hands-on pet experience.
Housing and Environment
To provide both rabbits and guinea pigs with a happy, healthy life, their environment must be safe, spacious, and clean. These small animals thrive in settings that cater to their natural behaviors and needs. A large, sturdy hutch or cage is essential. If they’re housed outdoors, ensure their enclosure protects them from extreme weather conditions and predators. The Bono Fido Loopy Cottage Rabbit Hutch K120 is a premium option, offering a spacious and luxurious home with a dual-level design. Its open base lets rabbits and guinea pigs graze, while the enclosed upstairs area provides a cozy resting spot. The pull-out tray makes cleaning a breeze, and its mobility ensures access to fresh grass all day. Another excellent option is the Bono Fido Rabbit Hutch Cavie 90 K122w, a double-storey home with kiln-dried wood construction, blending durability with style.
If keeping pets indoors, provide a spacious enclosure with ample ventilation. Add soft, absorbent bedding like Premium Wood Shavings, which control odour naturally and are screened to remove dust, ensuring comfort and cleanliness.
Litter and Hygiene
Rabbits can be litter trained, which helps keep their environment tidy and hygienic. Use a litter box filled with safe, non-toxic materials like Catmate, an eco-friendly, organic litter that’s gentle and safe for small animals. For added convenience, consider the Living World Small Animal Toilet, a corner-shaped litter box with a high back to minimize mess and a compact design that fits perfectly in enclosures.
Nutrition
Both rabbits and guinea pigs have specific dietary needs that are essential for their digestive health and overall well-being. Ensuring a balanced diet not only supports their nutritional requirements but also keeps them active and healthy. Here’s a detailed guide with product recommendations:
The primary component of a rabbit's diet should be high-quality hay, such as Oxbow’s Western Timothy Hay or Alfalfa King Timothy Hay. These hays are packed with nutrients, support digestion, and help wear down a rabbit's ever-growing teeth. Timothy hay, in particular, is the #1 vet-recommended hay for small herbivores due to its sweet aroma and high fibre content.
In addition to hay, offer fresh leafy greens daily. Vegetables like romaine lettuce, parsley, and cilantro provide essential nutrients. For supplemental nutrition, choose a premium rabbit pellet like Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit, which is made with fibre-rich Timothy hay, antioxidants, and prebiotics to promote digestion and whole-body health.
Like rabbits, guinea pigs require a constant supply of hay. High-quality options such as Oxbow Western Timothy Hay or Alfalfa King Timothy Hay are ideal, providing the fibre they need for digestion and teeth maintenance. In addition to hay, guinea pigs must have a diet rich in Vitamin C, as they cannot produce this nutrient on their own. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, leafy greens, and broccoli are excellent sources. Fruits can be offered occasionally as a treat, but in moderation due to their sugar content.
For pellets, select a guinea pig-specific formula like Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig, which is fortified with stabilized Vitamin C, prebiotics, and high fibre to support digestive and whole-body health. As with rabbits, provide fresh water in a bottle or bowl at all times to keep them hydrated.
To add enrichment and variety, rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy the Oxbow Simple Rewards Baked Treats with Apple & Banana, which are made with real fruit and Timothy hay, offering a wholesome, sweet snack.
Always ensure your small animal has access to fresh, clean water at all times, whether in a sturdy, tip-proof bowl or a water bottle. The Pet One Deluxe Drinking Bottle is an excellent option, offering a steady supply of clean water through its stainless steel nozzle. It easily attaches to enclosures and features a convenient top-fill lid for effortless refilling. For an eco-friendly alternative, the Living World Glass Bottle is made from recycled glass, ensuring durability and easy sterilization to keep water contaminant-free. Its drop-proof spout with a double-ball bearing mechanism prevents leaks, making it a reliable choice for rabbit and guinea pig enclosures.
Health and Grooming
Maintaining the health of your rabbit or guinea pig involves regular grooming, dental care, and health monitoring to prevent common issues. Both animals require grooming routines that suit their coat type, dental maintenance, and overall health checks to ensure they stay in peak condition.
Rabbits shed frequently, particularly during seasonal molts, so regular grooming is essential. Brush your rabbit weekly to reduce shedding and prevent mats, with long-haired rabbits requiring more frequent grooming. The Euro Groom Mini Bristle Brush is a great option for this task, featuring soft nylon bristles that remove loose hair gently. For tangles, the Euro Groom Mini Shedding Comb can be used to untangle hair and promote healthy coat growth.
Like rabbits, guinea pigs require grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Short-haired guinea pigs need minimal grooming, while long-haired varieties require brushing at least once a week.
Rabbits and guinea pigs also need their teeth and nails regularly maintained. Their teeth grow continuously, so providing chew toys and hay is crucial to prevent dental issues. The Living World Nibblers Fruit and Veggie Mix helps improve dental health by offering safe chews to wear down their teeth. The Pet One Salt Lick is a great way to satisfy their natural gnawing instincts while helping to maintain dental health. The mineral chews also offer a source of calcium and sodium, further benefiting your pet's well-being.
Both animals can benefit from an occasional bath to maintain healthy skin and coats. Fido's Bunny Bath Shampoo and Conditioner is a mild, soap-free option designed for small animals, leaving your pet’s coat clean and soft with a light scent. Regular nail trimming is also necessary, and Pet One Small Animal Nail Clippers are a good choice for precision.
Socialisation and Mental Stimulation
Rabbits and guinea pigs are both highly social animals that thrive with companionship and regular enrichment. They enjoy spending time with their owners and need mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
For rabbits, bonding with their owners is essential. While rabbits can initially be shy, with consistent interaction, they begin to trust their owners and enjoy attention. Daily playtime and gentle petting can help develop this bond. To ensure your rabbit’s happiness, providing enrichment toys is a must.
Toys like tunnels, chew toys, and boxes are perfect for entertaining and keeping them mentally stimulated. The Pet One Veggie Rope Chew Carrot is an excellent choice, as it supports dental health while satisfying their natural chewing instincts. Some rabbits also enjoy puzzles or toys that dispense treats, offering additional engagement.
Rabbits are social animals and do best in pairs or small groups. If you only have one rabbit, consider adopting a second to keep them company. This companionship helps prevent loneliness and provides an opportunity for them to bond and interact.
Similarly, guinea pigs also require the company of other guinea pigs, as they thrive in pairs or small groups. These social animals should ideally be housed with a compatible friend to avoid isolation. They are more receptive to handling than rabbits and can benefit from daily gentle interaction to build trust.
To keep guinea pigs entertained, provide them with tunnels, chew toys, and other engaging toys to prevent boredom. The Pet One Rabbit Burrow is an ideal choice. This extendable, bendable tunnel allows you to create a fun environment for your guinea pig, and you can even connect multiple tunnels to expand their play area.
Exercise and Enrichment
Exercise and enrichment are essential for both rabbits and guinea pigs to maintain a healthy weight, prevent boredom, and support overall well-being. Rabbits, in particular, need daily time outside their enclosures to hop, stretch, and explore. A secure, bunny-proofed play area or a room free of hazards like furniture and cables provides the ideal environment for them to engage in natural behaviors. Guinea pigs, while requiring less space, still benefit from regular, supervised floor time in a playpen where they can forage and explore.
Adding tunnels, hideouts, and other enrichment items, like the Pet One Igloo Hideaway Small Animal, helps create a stimulating environment for both species. These hideaways offer a safe retreat where they can rest and relax. By providing ample space and a variety of enriching activities, you ensure that your rabbit or guinea pig stays active, engaged, and mentally healthy.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining a clean environment is essential for the health and comfort of your rabbits and guinea pigs. A clean habitat not only helps prevent illness but also contributes to their overall well-being. Start by removing soiled bedding, hay, and droppings on a daily basis. This simple task ensures that your pets are living in a hygienic space, free from bacteria and unpleasant odors. Additionally, it provides your small animals with a fresh environment to explore, sleep, and relax in.
In addition to daily cleaning, it's important to perform a more thorough deep clean of their cage or hutch once a week. During this deep clean, replace all bedding and disinfect the entire enclosure to remove any lingering germs, bacteria, or parasites. This weekly cleaning routine helps to maintain a fresh and healthy space for your pets, minimizing the risk of any health issues.
Vet Care and Common Health Issues
Regular veterinary visits are vital for the health and well-being of both rabbits and guinea pigs. Just like any pet, these small animals benefit from yearly checkups with a veterinarian who specialises in small animals or exotics. An annual visit ensures that your pet receives a full health assessment, allowing the vet to spot any potential issues early on. It's essential to find a vet who is experienced in caring for rabbits and guinea pigs to ensure your pets receive the best possible care.
For rabbits, some regions require vaccinations to protect against diseases such as myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease. These vaccinations are crucial, so it’s important to consult your vet for region-specific recommendations. Vaccinations help to protect your rabbit from serious, often fatal diseases, especially if they are kept outdoors. Your vet will be able to provide you with the appropriate vaccination schedule and guidance on any additional preventive care needed.
Both rabbits and guinea pigs are prone to common health concerns such as dental problems, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Dental issues in rabbits are particularly common, as their teeth grow continuously, and a lack of proper chewing can cause overgrown teeth, leading to pain and difficulty eating. Regular monitoring of your pet's eating habits, droppings, and behavior can help you spot signs of illness early. Any changes in your pet's behavior, eating habits, or droppings should be discussed with a veterinarian promptly.
To support your guinea pig's health, consider offering Oxbow NS Vitamin C. This supplement contains high-fiber Timothy hay and the stabilized vitamin C that guinea pigs need, particularly during times of stress, illness, or recovery. Vitamin C is essential for guinea pigs as they are unable to produce it on their own, and a deficiency can lead to scurvy.
For rabbits and guinea pigs, deworming is an important part of their health care routine. Aristopet Small Animal Wormer is an easy-to-administer worm syrup that effectively treats and removes roundworms from guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals. This wormer is a palatable option, and administering it every three months helps keep your pets healthy and parasite-free.
Additionally, pests such as mites and lice can cause discomfort for your small animals. Vetafarm Furry Friends Insect Spray is an effective solution that offers instant control of pests. This insecticide also provides residual protection for up to six weeks, ensuring long-term relief from pests. Safe for use on small animals and their environments, it penetrates deep into the coat to kill mites and lice on contact.
Caring for rabbits and guinea pigs involves providing a safe, clean environment, a balanced diet, socialisation, and regular vet care. By understanding their specific needs, you can create a happy, healthy home for your furry friends. At Woonona Petfoods, we offer a range of products for small pets, from bedding and food to toys and grooming supplies, everything you need to keep your rabbits and guinea pigs content and healthy.
Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced pet parent, we’re here to support you in giving your rabbits and guinea pigs the best care possible!
