Gerbils and Hamsters: A Comparison
Are you considering getting a small rodent as a pet but can’t decide between a gerbil and a hamster? Both of these animals are cute and make great family pets, but they have many differences. In this article, I’ll compare gerbils and hamsters in terms of appearance, behavior, and care, helping you make the best choice for your needs.
I. Introduction
Gerbils and hamsters are both small rodents originally from Asia and Africa, later introduced as pets in other regions. They have a petite size, generally not exceeding 15 centimeters, with a weight around 100 grams. Adorned with soft fur and round ears, they exhibit an adorable appearance. Being omnivores, they enjoy a diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables. With continuously growing incisors, they need to chew on hard objects regularly. Both species are burrowers, creating complex tunnel systems in their natural habitat for shelter and food storage.
II. External Differences
While gerbils and hamsters share the small rodent category, they differ in several aspects of appearance:
Tail: Gerbils have long tails, typically half the length of their bodies, with fur that aids in balance and temperature regulation. Hamsters, on the other hand, have short, almost invisible tails without fur, lacking any special function.
Facial Features: Gerbils have elongated faces with small eyes and noses, along with pointed mouths. This facial structure helps them navigate through narrow tunnels easily. Hamsters have rounder faces with larger eyes, noses, and wider mouths, facilitating food storage in their cheek pouches.
Body Shape: Gerbils have a slender body, distinct in color between their darker backs and lighter bellies, adapted for dry and warm environments. Hamsters have a more rounded body with fur colors blending on their back and belly, suitable for colder and moister conditions.
Legs: Gerbils have longer hind legs and shorter front legs, enabling them to jump and run, with furry paws preventing burns and slips. Hamsters have shorter hind legs and longer front legs, allowing them to use their paws for gripping and biting, and their paw pads lack fur.
Size: Gerbils are slightly larger, ranging from 10 to 15 centimeters and weighing between 60 to 130 grams. Hamsters are slightly smaller, measuring 6 to 12 centimeters and weighing between 30 to 120 grams.
Color: Both gerbils and hamsters come in various colors, including black, white, gray, brown, and yellow. Varieties and genetics influence their color and patterns, but in general, gerbils have deeper colors, while hamsters have lighter hues.
III. Behavioral Differences
Gerbils and hamsters exhibit distinct behaviors:
Activity Time: Gerbils are diurnal, active during the day for feeding and playing, with a rest period around noon. Hamsters are nocturnal, active during the night and early morning, preferring to rest during the day.
Social Behavior: Gerbils are social animals that thrive in groups, forming close bonds and engaging in various interactions such as nose-touching, tail-thumping, and vocalizations. Hamsters are more solitary, maintaining distance from their kind, with interactions limited mostly to mating and occasional aggression.
Temperament: Gerbils are known for their docile nature, less prone to being scared or aggressive, and are generally less likely to bite. They easily build trust and friendships with humans and can coexist with other pets. Hamsters tend to be more irritable, easily frightened or angered, and may bite. Building trust with hamsters requires more time, and they may not be as comfortable with other pets.
Agility: Gerbils are agile, capable of jumping, running, climbing, and digging quickly, adapting well to various environments. Hamsters are less agile, primarily walking and using their paws and teeth, less suited for complex environments.
Learning Ability: Gerbils show a higher learning capacity, capable of learning new skills and knowledge through observation and imitation. They can be trained to perform simple tasks, such as pressing buttons, navigating mazes, or finding food. Hamsters have a lower learning capacity, relying more on instinct and memory for survival, making them less trainable for tasks like button-pressing, maze navigation, or food searching.
IV. Care Differences
Gerbils and hamsters have distinct care requirements:
Housing: Gerbils need large, sturdy cages, providing ample space for jumping and running, as well as materials for digging and storing. Their cages should have dense metal wire or glass to prevent escape or injury, avoiding wooden or plastic cages with gaps. Hamsters have less stringent housing needs, requiring smaller cages with wheels and tunnels for walking and biting. Wooden or plastic cages with gaps are suitable for hamsters.
Social Needs: Gerbils thrive in pairs or groups, needing at least two same-sex companions to prevent loneliness. It’s best to raise gerbils together from a young age to establish stronger bonds and trust. Hamsters are more solitary and should be kept alone to avoid conflicts and injuries. It’s preferable to start raising hamsters as adults to prevent unnecessary breeding and complications.
Cost of Upkeep: Gerbil upkeep costs are slightly higher due to the need for multiple individuals and larger, more robust cages and toys. Gerbils also consume more food and water. Hamster upkeep costs are slightly lower as they require only one individual and smaller, less sturdy cages and toys. Hamsters have lower food and water consumption.
Food Preferences: Both gerbils and hamsters can be fed specialized rodent pellets and enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay. However, preferences and aversions differ; for example, gerbils may dislike citrus fruits, while hamsters may avoid onions and garlic. When feeding them, it’s crucial to avoid harmful foods such as chocolate, grapes, and milk.
Lifespan: Gerbils generally have a longer lifespan, ranging from 3 to 5 years, with some reaching up to 6 years. Hamsters have a shorter lifespan, typically living 2 to 3 years, and some may only survive for 1 year.
In conclusion, while gerbils and hamsters share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics and requirements. If you seek a sociable, gentle, agile, and trainable pet, gerbils might be the better choice. If you prefer a solitary, irritable, less agile, and less trainable pet, hamsters could be more suitable. Regardless of your choice, providing them with sufficient care and attention is crucial for their happiness and well-being.
