There are many animals out there that may or may not be the right choice for you. In some cases, you might want a dog but may not have the ability or availability to own one. This could be due to many reasons, such as work schedules, living arrangements, etc.
On the other hand, if you want a low-maintenance animal that will not take up so much of your time but still provide you with plenty of entertainment throughout the day, you have come to the right place. You may be searching for different rodents to pick and have narrowed it down to a chinchilla or guinea pig. Which is the best fit for you and why? We will discuss all you need to know down below.
There are many differences between a guinea pig and a chinchilla, but the main differences are lifespan and appearance. Still, both of these animals are low-maintenance, meaning they only require a little of your attention and time. This makes them the perfect pet for a busy household and helps you fit your lifestyle more easily.
This article will cover multiple topics, including these animals’ housing needs, diet, lifespan, size, and more. We encourage you to continue reading for more information if you are on the verge of deciding which animal to get.
What Is the Difference Between a Guinea Pig and a Chinchilla?
As mentioned above, there are a few differences between the two animals. This article covers many different areas, so let’s explore them!
| Lifespan | Size | Diet | Social | Activity levels | Grooming | |
| Guinea pig | 5 to 8 years (give or take) | 8 to 10 in long | 1.5 to 2.4 lbs | Hay, pellets, fresh fruit & veggies | Needs a companion, likes being held | Active day & night, need stimulation | Nail trim, bathed every so often, brush hair |
| Chinchilla | 8 to 10 years (give or take) | 9 to 14 in long | 1 to 1.5 lbs | Hay, pellets, dried fruit & root veggies | Needs a companion, likes being petted | Primarily active at night, needs stimulation | Needs a sand bath, cannot be bathed, potentially nail trim |
1. Lifespan
The first subject we will discuss is their lifespan. This is important because you need to expect how long your animal will live with you.
Guinea Pig
A guinea pig’s typical lifespan is between five to eight years. However, some cavies have been known to live much longer depending on how pampered they are.
For example, a guinea pig that does not maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet may not live as long as one that does. Their cages should also be cleaned regularly, as living in unhealthy conditions might cause potential health issues later don
Chinchilla
There are a few types of chinchillas. A long-tailed chinchilla lives roughly ten years, and a short-tailed chinchilla lives approximately 8 to 10 years. Still, just like guinea pigs, they can live longer depending on how well they are treated. Some chinchillas are known to live up to 20 years, so ensure that if you invest in one, you invest in them for a long time!
2. Size
The next topic we will discuss is the size. Size may not matter to some people, but it gives you a grasp on how things may be, especially if you have young children running around or even a larger animal, like a cat or dog.
Guinea Pig
These little critters can grow to be anywhere between 8 and 10 inches long. Thankfully, they are not so small that you can’t find them and not so big that they will never be in your way.
It also helps that these critters remain in an enclosure. A guinea pig weighs between 25 and 39 ounces or 1.5 to 2.4 pounds. Males are typically larger than females.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are slightly larger than guinea pigs and have long bodies. These rodents are between 9 and 14 inches long and have 3 to 6 inches of bushy tails. They weigh anywhere between 1 and 1.5 pounds, give or take. Males are smaller than females.
3. Diet
What do a guinea pig and chinchilla eat on a day-to-day basis, you might ask? The answers might not be as different as you think.
Guinea Pig
Firstly, guinea pigs eat mostly hay with added fruits, vegetables, and pellets. Guinea pigs require vitamin C, so they should eat food that contains vitamin C. However, their pellets should sustain them in that area. Still, a guinea pig must always have access to hay (Timothy hay, orchard grass hay, or ryegrass) and require 1/8 cup of pellets daily.
Guinea pigs need roughly a handful or cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Some food you can give them are oranges, kiwi, strawberries, dark greens, parsley, peas, peppers (not hot peppers), etc.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas eat very similarly to guinea pigs, but the main difference is the fresh vegetables and type of pellets given. Chinchillas require a high-fiber diet, so offer them low-calcium grass hay like Timothy hay, botanical hay, meadow hay, oat hay or orchard grass. Make sure to provide them with hay freely each day without any limitations.
In addition, chinchillas require 1 to 2 tablespoons of pellets per day. For treats, ensure you provide them with dried fruits and root vegetables, such as carrots, raisins, sultanas, dill, parsley, lettuce, etc. Avoid high-sugar vegetables like peppers, carrots, and other fruits.
4. Social Behaviors
One of the many questions you might ask is, what will your pet’s social behaviors look like? Would your little fur baby like to cuddle or be left alone? This is important and will determine how much time you should spend with them daily.
Guinea Pig
These little critters are very social animals, so keeping at least two of them together is wise. Sometimes, they might end up fighting, so you can have them next to each other if that is the case. However, the guinea pigs will be less likely to fight if you introduce them at a younger age. Make sure to separate males and females to avoid any unwanted babies.
Also, guinea pigs love to be held and crave human interactions. They will happily sit in your lap or your hands if handled correctly. Letting your cavy out of its cage daily is extremely wise, providing a better bonding experience between you and your little pet. Plus, it provides them with different stimulation, which we will go over momentarily.
Chinchilla
Contrary to guinea pigs, chinchillas enjoy being petted but not so much being handled. When picked up, they often struggle and want to be put down.
Another thing to consider is that chinchillas like having another companion. Providing them with another friend will make them less lonely and more socialized.
In the wild, they tend to live in groups instead of alone. On the other hand, they might not need another friend if you, as their owner, socialize with them daily. For example, if you work from home, you can interact with them multiple times a day, but if you work outside of home and require a long commute, provide them with another friend.
5. Activity Levels
Suppose your litter critter is a night owl but lives inside your bedroom. In that case, it might be difficult for you to fall asleep. On the other hand, what if you need to get your animal out to exercise and have different stimulation? Let’s find out what these needs are below.
Guinea Pig
These small animals are active during the day and night. They sleep briefly throughout the day and always need access to their water, hiding places, toys, food, and companion guinea pigs. Giving them at least one hour outside their cage daily is wise.
Guinea pigs can become bored, leading to behavioral problems, health issues, and stress. To prevent boredom, provide them with stimulating and enriching activities like these.
Chinchilla
A chinchilla is most active during the evening and nighttime. These small animals need to have an exercise wheel that they access 24/7. Doing so gives them health benefits, such as fighting respiratory infections. Also, chinchillas like to explore areas, so you can invest in a playpen and let them roam around with enrichment toys for a while. This allows you to supervise and observe them safely.
6. Grooming
The next subject we will discuss is your pet’s grooming needs. It is crucial to ensure good hygiene, especially if you need to bathe your pet or brush their fur.
Guinea Pig
Although guinea pigs naturally groom themselves, doing a few grooming practices on your cavy a few times a month is wise. For example, because their nails tend to curl, clip them once a month. Not only that, but long-haired guinea pigs will need a quick brush a few times a week.
Guinea pigs also only need to be bathed if they become soiled, so it might be wise to do this once or every other month. Check them daily for any fecal matter that they may have gotten stuck on their feet. Lastly, ensure they have plenty of toys to chew on as their teeth continuously grow.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas, on the other hand, need dust baths to keep themselves clean. They will naturally take dust baths a few times weekly to wipe the oils from their coats.
It is imperative not to bathe your chinchilla in water, as it can be hard to get their fur to dry and can lead to fungal infections or bacteria. Here is an excellent dust-free chinchilla sand bath. It is 6.6 pounds, so rest assured you will get your money’s worth! In addition, you may need to groom their nails occasionally if they are not naturally wearing down by themselves.
7. Housing Needs
Ask yourself: how large does your animal’s enclosure need to be for one or two animals? Will you have space in the room to accommodate for them?
Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs need plenty of stimulation and hiding spaces. Since they are considered prey, they may get scared easily and need somewhere to feel safe. Investing in some Kaytee igloos might be your best bet, but you can get creative and create or purchase a hammock with a fleece hideout like this one.
In terms of the size of their enclosure, it is wise to get at least 4ft x 2ft for one to two piggies, but it would be wise to invest in the largest enclosure that you can afford to provide them ample room to roam around in.
Some guinea pig cages come in two stories, which might also be ideal. It is wise to clean their cages once or twice a week to ensure it does not get so dirty. This can be a quick clean-up that takes roughly five minutes or a deep clean.
Chinchilla
Chinchilla enclosures are roughly the same as those of guinea pigs. They need plenty of spaces to hide, as they are also a prey species. Their cage needs to be rather large, too. You can put your chinchilla in a secure metal cage with mesh or solid wood floors. Make sure to clean their cage regularly so droppings do not collect.
It is wise to get a minimum of 4ft x 4ft x 3ft, but larger if possible. Typically, a chinchilla cage sold in stores is too small, so it would be wise to get something online like this one. If you are getting two chinchillas, then bigger is best.
8. Health Concerns
The last part of this article discusses the health issues of guinea pigs and chinchillas. It would be wise to consider these, as this is what you can expect from said animals.
Guinea Pig
If taken care of properly, guinea pigs can live a long time, but you will need to be aware of some issues, as they can get some health issues at certain times. One of the biggest concerns regarding guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C, which is called scurvy. This is why it is important to provide them with plenty of it, as they do not produce it on their own.
On top of this, some other health concerns may be as follows:
- Respiratory infections
- Tumors
- Inner ear infections
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Fungal skin infections
- Lice and mite infections
- Urinary problems
- Abscesses due to infections
There are some ways you can tell if your guinea pig is sick. This includes but is not limited to having crusty eyes, sneezing, refusing to eat or drink, wheezing or labored breathing, drooling, or watery stool. Monitor your piggy’s behavior regularly to ensure they are healthy.
Chinchilla
A chinchilla is sensitive to drafts and damp areas, which can lead to colds. In this case, ensure you protect them and strategically place them in the room to keep them healthy. Other standard health concerns a chinchilla may have are as follows:
- Bloating
- Skin issues
- Heat stroke
- Impacted and overgrown teeth
- Reproductive/genital issues
- Bite wounds (potentially from other chinchillas or household animals)
- Gastrointestinal statis
You can tell your chinchilla is not doing well health-wise by its lack of appetite, hunched posture, lethargy, difficulty walking properly, scruffy hair coat, or labored breathing.
Which Animal Is Best for You?
Now that we have discussed all the differences between a chinchilla and a guinea pig, you can decide which animal is right for you. If you like to cuddle with your animals, we recommend getting a guinea pig, but if you live a busy life, having a chinchilla in your life is an excellent option.
Nevertheless, it is your choice and what you prefer and want in life. We hope this article was helpful to you! If you need to learn more about these animals, we encourage you to check out our other articles to ensure you get all the information you need.
