i've SOMEHOW never had guinea pigs but degus make some similar vocalizations and it's adorable! they can be snuggly like rats, although that's less common even if they're still friendly. on average, they live a lot longer than rats, which is a major plus point. i can't begin to count how many times rats have broken my heart. ;__; degus are a lot less stinky than rats but they're also a lot messier, lol
to compare degus' longevity with rats: the oldest degu i had (Chappu) lived to about 8 years old. Deanna's about 6 now. Diego and Charlie were the most rat-like in temperament, but ironically and sadly the similarities even extended to both of them each suddenly dying young (≤2 years), but i suspect that was bc of genetic fuckery due to inbreeding. :<
The short lifespan of rats is why I can't have another :( Too much heartbreak in a short span of time. My late piggy lived to 5 years. I'm glad some pet rodents can live a decently long time.
to compare degus' longevity with rats: the oldest degu i had (Chappu) lived to about 8 years old. Deanna's about 6 now. Diego and Charlie were the most rat-like in temperament, but ironically and sadly the similarities even extended to both of them each suddenly dying young (≤2 years), but i suspect that was bc of genetic fuckery due to inbreeding. :<
The short lifespan of rats is why I can't have another :( Too much heartbreak in a short span of time. My late piggy lived to 5 years. I'm glad some pet rodents can live a decently long time.