Are Rats Better Than Guinea Pigs?

Rats are better suited to people who want an active pet. Unlike guinea pigs, rats are active only during the night. They require a higher-quality cage to live comfortably. However, they require a little less space than guinea pigs. This means that you should make sure that you have the right size cage for the rat you’re planning to get.

Another advantage of guinea pigs is their high activity levels. Unlike rats and mice, guinea pigs don’t have distinct long periods of sleep. They spend half of their day eating and drinking. In contrast, rats and mice spend 50 percent of their time sleeping.

Rats and guinea pigs are both low-impact meat alternatives. According to Matt Miller, a science writer at the Nature Conservancy in Idaho, eating rodents or small livestock is a good option for both humans and the environment. Rodents and small livestock have fewer negative impacts on the environment than beef, which can cause soil erosion and water pollution.

The lifespan of rats and mice is comparable to that of guinea pigs, although guinea pigs live longer. Unlike humans, rats can be taught tricks and are very social. They also tend to form lifelong bonds with their owners. Rats are easier to train than guinea pigs and are therefore a better choice for children.