The habitats rabbits are sold with are often too small. The same can be said for cages sold for guinea pigs. Make sure to provide a sufficient habitat for your new friends and let them munch on hay.
Space for rabbits
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) states that rabbits should be able to hop, run and stand on their back legs, and so their living space should be at least 10ft x 6ft x 3ft. As for the sleeping area, rabbits should have a hutch that meets the RWAF's minimum standards. The sleeping area should be attached and adjoin all sides of the exercise space. As mentioned earlier, rabbits are very active during the times that owners are not at home, for example, just before and after the owners go to work and sleep.
A standard pet-shop hutch is severely lacking.
Indoor rabbits require the same amount of floor space, rabbit-proofed areas, as outdoor rabbits. You will have to cover/remove electrical cords, protect skirting boards, and move house plants to other locations.
Space for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs don't need a lot of vertical space, as they don't do a lot of climbing and jumping. The UK welfare groups suggest 120cm x 60cm as the minimum space for a cage for a pair. Larger groups and all boars should be given more space. Add hideouts, so that no guinea pig has to share. Place the cage in a draught-free location away from the sun.
Guinea pigs kept outdoors need to be moved to a shed or house on cold days. Rabbits are able to tolerate more harsh conditions, but guinea pigs are able to adapt to some warmer climates.
Diet
Here is an example of the daily diet for each species:
- Hay or grass: always available, about body size of each animal per day.
- Eating a handful of greens and herbs everyday sounds like something that could improve your health and here's why.
- One scoop is a small amount. Don’t give your dog a full bowl!
- Fresh water: provided once daily in a bowl and/or bottle.
Both horses anddragons have similar methods for keeping their digestive systems in order. First, their teeth are constantly growing and wear down from constant chewing.
An adult guinea pig requires vitamin C daily. Feeding them hay with guinea pig pellets and veggies provides them the nutrients they need. Leafy greens and peppers are good sources of vitamin C. Symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency includes scurvy, and symptoms of this include poor physical condition, weight loss and general discomfort.
Foods like muesli mixes can damage your pet’s teeth, and lead to obesity. Fruit and carrots can also be bad for your pet. These things contain a lot of sugar, and should be given as treats.
Company and pairing
Both are social animals and are drawn to their own kind.
When it comes to stable pairings for rabbits, a neutered male is typically paired with a neutered female. The introductions should be slow and done in a neutral location, and a rabbit rescue center may be able to help with the bonding process.
For sows, pairs or small groups usually work best, though a neutered boar with sows is also acceptable. Boars will usually get along with each other unless females are present, in which case they will fight for dominance.
Keep rabbits and guinea pigs separate.
Handling
Rabbits are nervous prey animals that are frightened when lifted off the ground. They are comfortable approaching people at their own pace from a sitting position. To prevent injuring itself, a rabbit can only be picked up if you fully support its hind legs and body.
Handling guinea pigs can be difficult compared to other pets. The best way to pick up guinea pigs is to form a “U” shape with your arms and support their whole body with your arms.
Health checks
Do a quick check each day, and a more thorough check each week.
Teeth: When a dog starts drooling or dribbling, food may be found in abnormal places like the chin. When food isn’t found there, check to see if your dog is chewing less.
Fecal tract blockage: Rabbits or guinea pigs that have stopped producing droppings or stop eating need to see a vet as soon as possible.
F.lystrike (rabbits): Maggots burrow under the skin of rabbits and can kill the rabbit in under 24 hours. Maggots are often found around the rabbit's rear end. Maintaining the bedding of the rabbit and checking the rabbit's rear end at least once a day during warm weather can prevent this. Checking more than once a day is recommended in very warm weather.
Weight Loss: Lose weight monthly using a kitchen scale. Weight loss is one of the first signs of illness.
Vaccinations and neutering
Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and both RVHDs (1 and 2) in the UK. Your vet will have information about vaccinations and boosters. Spaying and neutering is also recommended and helps to prevent uterine cancer in does. Another benefit of spaying does and neutering bucks is it stops them from being able to produce offspring.
In the UK, guinea pigs are not required to get vaccinations.
Lifespan
A rabbit's life expectancy is 8-12 years. For a guinea pig it is 5-7 years. With proper care, they can live longer.