ByIf you’re trying to decide between getting a hamster or gerbil as a pet, there are a few things you should take into consideration. For one, hamsters are nocturnal animals, so they may be more active at night when you’re trying to sleep. Gerbils are diurnal, meaning they’re awake during the day.
This can make them easier to bond with since you’ll likely be awake at the same time. Another thing to consider is that hamsters are loners and do better by themselves, while gerbils are social creatures that need to live in pairs or groups. When it comes to space requirements, hamsters need a larger cage than gerbils since they like to burrow and need room to roam.
Gerbils on the other hand only need a small tank or aquarium-style home.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a pet, such as which animal is right for your lifestyle and personality. If you’re considering a small rodent like a hamster or gerbil, you may be wondering which one would make a better pet. Here’s a look at some of the key differences between these two popular pets to help you decide which is right for you.
Size
One of the biggest differences between hamsters and gerbils is size. Hamsters are much smaller than gerbils, making them more suitable for smaller homes or apartments.
They also don’t need as much space to exercise, so they’re easier to keep in a smaller cage. Gerbils, on the other hand, need more space to run and play. They also tend to be more active than hamsters, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Temperament
Another important consideration is temperament. Hamsters are generally shy and timid animals that prefer to stay alone.
They can be skittish around humans and may even bite if they feel threatened. Gerbils, on the other hand, are social animals that enjoy being around people and other gerbils. They’re usually gentle and easy to handle, making them better suited as pets for children or first-time owners.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, hamsters have the advantage over gerbils.Hamsters typically live 2-3 years while gerbils only have a lifespan of about 4-5 years . This means that hamsters require less long-term commitment than gerbils do, although both animals will need regular care and attention during their lifetimes .
Hamsters VS Gerbils (as pets)
Are Gerbils Better Pets Than Hamsters?
There are a few things to consider when choosing between a gerbil or hamster as a pet. Both are small, friendly animals that can provide hours of enjoyment, but they have some key differences. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of each type of pet to help you decide which is right for you.
Gerbils
Pros:
– Gerbils are very social creatures and enjoy living in pairs or groups.
This means they’re less likely to get lonely and stressed out than hamsters, who prefer to live alone.
-Gerbils are also cleaner than hamsters since they don’t typically store food in their cheeks like hamsters do. This means there’s less risk of your gerbil spreading germs around its cage.
-Gerbils are active during the day and night, so you can watch them play even if you work odd hours. Hamsters, on the other hand, are mostly active at night.
Cons:
– Gerbils need more space than hamsters since they like to run and burrow. This means their cages need to be larger, which can be more expensive upfront.
-Gerbils also require more effort to tame since they’re not as naturally trusting of humans as hamsters are.
However, once tamed, gerbils bond closely with their owners and love being handled gently.
Are Gerbils Or Hamsters More Cuddly?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual gerbil or hamster. Some gerbils may be more cuddly than some hamsters and vice versa. It is important to get to know your pet and see what their personality is like before making a decision on whether they are more cuddly.
What Lives Longer a Hamster Or a Gerbil?
Hamsters and gerbils are both small, rodent-like animals that make popular pets. They have many similarities, but there are also some key differences between these two creatures. So, which one has a longer lifespan?
Generally speaking, hamsters live slightly longer than gerbils. The average lifespan of a hamster is 2-3 years, while most gerbils only live for about 2 years. However, there are always exceptions to the rule and some individual hamsters and gerbils have been known to live much longer (up to 8 years in rare cases).
There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of a hamster or gerbil, including diet, exercise, genetics and care. For example, hamsters who are well-fed and have plenty of space to exercise tend to live longer than those who are neglected or kept in cramped conditions. Likewise, healthy parents usually produce offspring with better longevity than those with health problems.
So, if you’re looking for a pet that will be around for many years to come, a hamster may be the better choice over a gerbil. Just remember to give your furry friend all the love and care they need!
Do Gerbils Bite Like Hamsters?
If you’ve ever been nipped by a hamster, you know that they can pack a surprising amount of bite for their size. But what about gerbils? Do these small rodents also have a nasty bite?
The answer is yes, gerbils can bite. In fact, gerbil bites are actually quite common. While gerbils are not typically aggressive animals, they will bite if they feel threatened or scared.
And since gerbils are so small, their bites can be quite painful.
So why do gerbils bite? There are actually several reasons why these furry little creatures might take a nibble out of you.
Gerbils are naturally curious animals and may bite simply out of curiosity. They may also bite if they feel threatened or afraid. If a gerbil feels like it’s in danger, it may try to defend itself by biting the perceived threat.
Finally, some gerbils may simply have bad teeth and might accidentally bite while chewing on something else.
Whatever the reason for the bite, it’s important to clean any wound thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection. If you’re worried about your gerbil biting again in the future, there are some things you can do to help prevent it from happening again.
Try handling your gerbil more often so it gets used to being around humans and doesn’t feel as threatened by them. You can also provide your gerbil with plenty of chew toys so it has an outlet for its chewing instinct instead of taking a chunk out of you!
Gerbil Vs Hamster Vs Guinea Pig
If you’re considering adding a small mammal to your home, you may be wondering which one is right for you. Gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs are all popular pets, but they have some key differences. Here’s a look at gerbil vs hamster vs guinea pig to help you decide which pet is best for you.
Size
One of the biggest differences between these three animals is size. Gerbils are the largest of the three, with an average adult size of about 10 inches long.
Hamsters are next, averaging around 6 inches in length as adults. Guinea pigs are the smallest of the bunch, typically reaching only 4-6 inches in length as adults.
Life Span
Another important difference to consider is life span. Gerbils have the longest life expectancy of the three animals, living an average of 5-7 years (and sometimes even longer). Hamsters typically live 2-3 years, while guinea pigs have a life expectancy of 4-8 years on average.
So if you’re looking for a pet that will be around for many years to come, a gerbil or guinea pig may be a better choice than a hamster.
Care Needs
When it comes to care needs, all three animals have similar requirements in terms of diet and housing.
However, there are some key differences to keep in mind. For example, gerbils and hamsters are both active burrowers and will need plenty of space to dig and tunnel in their enclosure; guinea pigs cannot dig and do not require as much space overall (though they still need room to run and play). Additionally, gerbils tend to be more social than hamsters and generally do better when kept in pairs; however, hamsters can also do well solo if given enough attention from their owner.
Guinea pigs are also social creatures and do best when kept with at least one other guinea pig; they can become sad and depressed if left alone for too long.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing between a hamster and a gerbil as a pet. Hamsters are generally cheaper, while gerbils require more space. Gerbils also live in social groups, so if you’re considering more than one pet, you’ll need to get multiple gerbils.
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so they may be more active at night when you’re trying to sleep. Gerbils are active during the day and night, so they can be a better choice if you have young children who want to play with them during the day. Both animals require regular cleaning of their cages and exercise outside of their cages.
