When it comes to finding a pet to bring into your home, it can be hard to decide which furry friend is the right fit for you.
If you’re stuck between gerbils and hamsters, you’re not alone! Both of these small rodents make great pets, but they each have their own unique traits and characteristics.
To help you make the best decision, let’s explore the pros and cons of gerbils and hamsters.
From physical appearance to exercise and cage space to lifespan, we’ll cover it all.
So if you’re considering gerbils or hamsters as a pet, read on to find out which one is right for you!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Gerbils and hamsters can both make great pets.
Gerbils are usually more active than hamsters and are more social, so they may be better for people who want a livelier pet.
Hamsters, on the other hand, tend to be more solitary and nocturnal, so they may be better suited for people who can provide them with more quiet time.
Gerbils are also better diggers and are better suited to larger cages and more space, whereas hamsters are more content in smaller cages.
Ultimately, it comes down to preference, but both can make great pets.
Physical Appearance
When it comes to physical appearance, gerbils and hamsters have several similarities.
Both are small, furry rodents with short tails and big eyes.
They come in a variety of colors and have short, whiskery noses.
However, there are also some key differences between the two.
Gerbils have long, slender bodies, while hamsters have shorter, rounder bodies.
Gerbils have long, thin tails, while hamsters have short, stubby tails.
Gerbils also have long hind legs, allowing them to jump and run quickly, while hamsters are better suited for burrowing and climbing.
Additionally, gerbils have larger ears than hamsters, and their ears are often erect, whereas hamsters ears tend to be more floppy.
Personality Differences
When it comes to personality differences between gerbils and hamsters, there are a few key distinctions.
Gerbils are far more active and social than hamsters, and they generally enjoy interacting with their owners.
This makes them easier to handle and more suitable for households with children.
Hamsters, on the other hand, tend to be more solitary and territorial, and they can become easily stressed out if handled too much.
They also have a higher risk of biting their owners, which can make them less suitable for households with young children.
Gerbils also tend to be much cleaner than hamsters, and they are less likely to make a mess of their cage.
Finally, gerbils can live in groups, while hamsters typically prefer to live alone.
Handling and Cleanliness
When it comes to handling and cleanliness, gerbils and hamsters have some distinct differences.
Gerbils are generally easier to handle, and they are less likely to bite than hamsters.
This makes them ideal for pet owners who are not used to handling small animals.
Gerbils are also very clean creatures and do not require much maintenance when it comes to their cages.
On the other hand, hamsters are more likely to bite and can be difficult to handle.
They also require more frequent cage cleanings than gerbils, as they are messier creatures.
Ultimately, the decision between a gerbil or a hamster depends on the owner’s lifestyle and preferences.
If you are looking for a pet that is easy to handle and requires minimal maintenance, a gerbil is likely the better choice.
However, if you are looking for a pet that is more playful and active, a hamster may be the better option.
Exercise and Cage Space
When it comes to exercise and cage space, gerbils and hamsters differ in their needs.
Gerbils are highly active and require a large enclosure to accommodate their need to move around.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to cage size is at least four times the size of the gerbil.
This means that a single gerbil should have at least 12 square feet of space in its cage.
Hamsters, on the other hand, do not need as much space, and a cage of about four square feet is usually sufficient.
Gerbils are also typically more active and energetic than hamsters and need more time outside of the cage to exercise.
Gerbils are known to be quite the adventurers, and they will often explore their surroundings with gusto.
Hamsters, on the other hand, are more content to stay in their cages and dont require a lot of exercise.
Additionally, gerbils are social creatures and enjoy the company of other gerbils, while hamsters are more solitary and prefer to be alone.
Its important to note that both gerbils and hamsters need regular handling and exercise outside of their cages.
Both animals need regular playtime and human interaction to stay healthy and happy.
Additionally, both gerbils and hamsters need access to a wheel in their cage to allow them to exercise, regardless of how active they are.
Ultimately, when it comes to exercise and cage space, gerbils require more space and active playtime than hamsters.
However, both animals need regular handling and playtime outside of the cage to stay healthy and happy.
Socialization
When it comes to socialization, gerbils and hamsters have vastly different needs.
Gerbils are social animals that do best when kept in pairs or small groups.
They are very interactive with each other and enjoy playing and cuddling with their companions.
Gerbils also enjoy interacting with their human caretakers and can be easily trained to come when called.
On the other hand, hamsters are solitary animals and should not be kept in groups.
They are much less interactive with their human caretakers than gerbils, and are more prone to biting if they feel threatened.
While hamsters may not be as social as gerbils, they can still make great pets for those looking for a more independent pet.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, gerbils generally have a longer life than hamsters.
On average, gerbils can live for around two to three years, while hamsters typically live for around one to two years.
This makes gerbils a great pet for those who dont want to commit to a longer-term pet.
Gerbils are also known for being hardy animals, meaning they are more likely to survive in less than ideal conditions.
This means they are less likely to get sick and can live longer than hamsters that are not properly cared for.
In addition, gerbils can live in groups, while hamsters are more solitary creatures.
This means that if you purchase two or more gerbils and raise them together, they can live in the same cage and provide each other with companionship and social stimulation.
Hamsters, on the other hand, tend to be territorial and dont do well with other hamsters in the same cage.
If hamsters are kept in the same cage, they may fight and even kill each other.
Ultimately, the decision between a gerbil or a hamster depends on the owner’s lifestyle and preferences.
If you are looking for a pet that is hardy, requires less maintenance, and can live in groups, then a gerbil may be the right choice for you.
If you prefer a pet that is more independent and doesnt require as much attention, then a hamster may be the better option.
Pros and Cons Summary
When it comes to choosing between a gerbil or a hamster as a pet, there are both pros and cons to consider.
Gerbils are generally more active and social than hamsters, making them ideal for people who want a more interactive pet.
They are also cleaner and easier to handle, as they have less of a tendency to bite than hamsters.
Additionally, gerbils need more space to move around, and they can be kept in groups, unlike hamsters.
On the downside, gerbils tend to have a shorter lifespan than hamsters.
Hamsters, on the other hand, are usually solitary and territorial, making them better suited for people who want a more independent pet.
They also require less space in their cage than gerbils.
However, hamsters can be prone to biting and need more frequent cage cleaning due to their tendency to create messes.
Ultimately, the decision between a gerbil or a hamster depends on the owner’s lifestyle and preferences.
Gerbils are better suited for those who want a more interactive pet, while hamsters may be a better choice for those who want a more independent pet.
Regardless of which pet you choose, both gerbils and hamsters can make great companions.
Final Thoughts
Gerbils and hamsters may look similar, but they have several key differences that potential pet owners should consider.
Gerbils are more active and social, while hamsters tend to be more solitary and territorial.
Gerbils are also cleaner and easier to handle, while hamsters can be more prone to biting.
Finally, gerbils can live in groups and typically live longer than hamsters.
Ultimately, the decision between a gerbil or a hamster should be based on the lifestyle and preferences of the owner.
Before making a decision, take the time to research each animal to make sure they are the right fit for you.