What is the Difference Between Guinea Pig and Hamster?

05/31/2025 • Felipe Moraes

Guinea pigs and hamsters are both rodents, but they belong to different families and have distinct differences. Here are the main differences between guinea pigs and hamsters:

  1. Size and Weight: Guinea pigs are larger and heavier than hamsters, weighing around 1.5 to 2.6 pounds, while hamsters weigh between 1 to 10 ounces.
  2. Family: Guinea pigs belong to the Caviidae family, while hamsters belong to the Cricetidae family.
  3. Lifespan: Guinea pigs have a longer lifespan than hamsters, living for 4-8 years, compared to hamsters' lifespan of 2-3 years.
  4. Diet: Guinea pigs are herbivorous, while hamsters are omnivorous.
  5. Social Behavior: Guinea pigs are generally more sociable and affectionate, while hamsters are more independent and territorial.
  6. Housing: Guinea pigs require more space due to their larger size, while hamsters can live in smaller enclosures.
  7. Temperament: Hamsters tend to have a more temperamental nature and are more likely to nip or bite, while guinea pigs are usually more gentle and better suited for homes with young children.

Comparative Table: Guinea Pig vs Hamster

Here is a table comparing the differences between guinea pigs and hamsters:

Feature Guinea Pigs Hamsters
Social Behavior More sociable, enjoy human interaction More independent, may not crave as much attention
Size Larger, can weigh up to 2.6 pounds Smaller, weigh around 1 to 10 ounces
Cage Size Require more space, minimum 8 square feet for one or two Can do well in a more compact enclosure, minimum 100cm x 50cm x 50cm
Sleeping Patterns Diurnal, active during the day Nocturnal, active during the evening and night
Lifespan Average 4-8 years Average 1.5-4 years
Diet Plant-based, consume more veggies and fruits Omnivores, eat plant and animal matter
Enclosure Social animals, should ideally be kept in pairs Can be kept individually

Guinea pigs are more sociable and enjoy human interaction, while hamsters are more independent. Guinea pigs are larger and require more space, whereas hamsters can do well in a more compact enclosure. Guinea pigs are diurnal, active during the day, while hamsters are nocturnal, active during the evening and night. Guinea pigs have a longer lifespan than hamsters, and guinea pigs are social animals that ideally should be kept in pairs, compared to hamsters that can be kept individually.

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