[mtjam]

Which one of these would be the best for a toddler? Do they smell? How many times do you have to clean their cage?

[luvdanes]

I think either would be good for a toddler. Hamsters are more entertaining, I think. I had both when I was younger. I have never been bitten by a guinea pig; I have been by a hamster, though, and it hurts!

You'd probably want to clean their pen at least once a week, especially in the summertime to keep the smell down and also flys are definitely attracted to their pens.

Be careful that they have a secure top to their cage, though, because they can make a mess and chew everything if they get out... I know from experience.

[attagirl]

Hamsters are definitely my first choice of the two. Although Guinea pigs are bigger you can take hamsters out and put them in the ball and watch them run around. Your toddler would have more fun with it.

Cleaning is once a week.

[designspl]

I would choose a Guinea Pig because for one reason I have never been bitten by one. I think if you have a toddler then they will be wanting to pet/touch the pet and you would want something that would be safer for her to pet.