What is the Difference Between Hamster and Guinea Pig

The main difference between hamster and guinea pig is that hamster has a small, rounded body whereas guinea pig has a comparatively big, longer body. Furthermore, hamster uses its front paws to hold food while guinea pig always stays on four legs. Moreover, the hamster is an omnivore while guinea pig is a herbivore. 

Hamster and guinea pig are two types of rodents that belong to the order Rodentia. Both are family pets. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. Hamster
     – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior
2. Guinea Pig
     – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior
3. What are the Similarities Between Hamster and Guinea Pig
     – Outline of Common features
4. What is the Difference Between Hamster and Guinea Pig
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Coprophages, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Nocturnal, Social Behavior, Sounds 

Hamster – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior 

Hamster is a small rodent that makes an irresistibly adorable pet. The approximate length of a hamster is 5-6 inches. There are around 25 hamster species living on the earth, including the famous Golden hamster. 

Figure 1: Hamster

There are two main behavioural features that should be considered when taking hamsters as pets. They are their solitary and nocturnal nature. Hamsters prefer to live alone and they compete for food when in groups. On the other hand, they are active at night and sleep during the daytime. 

Guinea Pig – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior 

The guinea pig is a type of completely domesticated rodent. It has a long body that grows up to 8-12 inches. When considered as a pet, the guinea pig is a very expressive, social, and docile animal. It prefers to live in groups of the same sex. Guinea pigs are not specifically active during the night. However, they produce loud screams, shrieks, and other squeaky sounds.  

Figure 2: Guinea Pig

One of the main characteristic features of guinea pigs is that they are coprophages that eat their own faecal matter, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients. This type of faecal matter develops inside the caecum. 

Similarities Between Hamster and Guinea Pig 

• Hamster and guinea pig are two types of rodent that serve as family pets. 
• Both belong to the order Rodentia. 
• Moreover, both have comparatively small bodies covered with fur. 
• They have four legs. 
• Their teeth are masticating and always develop. Also, teeth are piercingly sharp. 

Difference Between Hamster and Guinea Pig 

Definition 

Hamster refers to a solitary burrowing rodent with a short tail and large cheek pouches for carrying food, native to Europe and North Asia while guinea pig refers to a domesticated tailless South American cavy, originally raised for food. It is no longer found the wild and is now typically kept as a pet or for laboratory research.  

Body 

Their body size is the main difference between hamster and guinea pig. A hamster has a small, rounded body while a guinea pig has a comparatively large, long body. 

Legs 

Moreover, hamsters use their front paws to hold food while guinea pigs always stay on four legs. 

Genus 

Genus is another difference between hamster and guinea pig. Hamster belongs to several genera under the subfamily Cricetinae while guinea pig belongs to the genus Cavia. 

Relationship to Mice 

Furthermore, hamster is more related to mice while guinea pig is less related to mice. 

Feeding Habits 

Hamster is an omnivore that eats meat, insects, and vegetables while guinea pig is a herbivore and a coprophage. 

Activity Behavior 

Hamster is more active during the night while guinea pig has no specifically active time. This is another major difference between hamster and guinea pig.

Domestication 

Although hamsters are domesticated, they are also found in the wild. However, guinea pigs are fully domesticated and are not found in the wild. 

Social Behavior 

Hamsters are less social while guinea pigs are more social. Therefore, hamsters prefer more to live alone while guinea pig prefers to live in groups or pairs. 

Sounds 

The sounds of hamsters are not too loud while the sounds of guinea pigs are loud. 

Offspring 

A hamster gives birth to 6-12 pups per time while a guinea pig gives birth to 2-4 piglets. The pups are born without sight and hair while the piglets are well-developed at birth. 

Life Expectancy 

Hamsters live up to 2-3 years while guinea pig lives up to 5-7 years. 

Conclusion 

Hamster is a small, rounded rodent that is active in the night. Another significant feature of hamsters is the use of front paws to hold their food. On the other hand, the guinea pig is a comparatively large rodent with a long body. It is a completely domesticated animal. Both are taken care as pets. The main difference between hamster and guinea pig is their body size and behaviour. 

Reference:

1. “How to Care for Gerbils, Hamsters and Guinea Pigs Stories to Read.” HelloKids, 7 Apr. 2015, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “hamster-pet-animal-small-cute-fur-690108” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Little guinea pig enjoys the day” By Rikki’s Refuge (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr