Gerbil Vs. Hamster
When it comes to exotic pets, the gerbil vs. hamster battle gets even tougher and many people are left confused as to which one would make an ideal pet. If you are one of them, finding out what is the difference between gerbil and hamster will make your choice easier.
Even though both are rodents that are quite popular as pets, gerbils and hamsters do have some striking differences which separate the behavior of the two species to a great extent. For instance, gerbils are social creatures, while hamsters exhibit solitary behavior. Not many people are aware of the differences between gerbil and hamster, and hence, they tend to make a wrong choice and end up with a pet they don't want. It is important to know the differences between these two, in order to decide which one would be more suitable for you. Before we move on to debating on gerbil vs. hamster, let's take a brief look at some of the basic facts about each of them.
Gerbil Facts
A gerbil is a small burrowing rodent, typically, characterized by strong hind legs adapted for leaping. It is found in various countries including, China, India and Turkmenistan etc. Gerbils are also exported as exotic pets to European and American nations. There are around 110 sub-species of this rodent. On an average, gerbil species can grow to a length of 6 to 12 inches, and weigh approximately, 2 to 3 ounces. Though, most of the gerbil sub-species are diurnal in nature, some of them do exhibit crepuscular traits. They are social animals, which are found in groups, in the wild. Although they are regarded as pests in many countries, some species of gerbils, such as the Clawed Jird, are quite popular as pets.
Hamster Facts
Hamsters are small burrowing rodents, typically characterized by large cheek pouches and a short tail. These rodents are crepuscular in nature, which means, they are most active at dusk and dawn. They spend the entire day burrowing in the ground, in order to avoid being caught by predators. There are around 25 sub-species of hamsters. Being omnivorous in nature, hamsters generally, feed on vegetables, nuts, berries, fruits etc., as well as some insect species such as, crickets and meal worms. As they are very easy to breed, hamsters are used as lab specimens in various countries. Hamsters are also quite popular as pets in various parts of the world.
Gerbil Vs. Hamster
As we said earlier, gerbils and hamsters differ from each other to a great extent, as far as socialization is concerned. Solitary hamsters seldom prefer company and if two hamsters are kept together as pets, they are bound to engage in a struggle. On the other hand, gerbils, which are social, can be kept in each others company. However, keeping a male and female gerbil together wouldn't be a nice idea if you don't want a family of gerbils. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures who like to spend the entire day sleeping, while gerbils are diurnal creatures active during the day. With such sleep pattern differences between the two, gerbils would be a better choice as a pet over hamsters, who wouldn't like being disturbed during the day.
Their appearance plays a major role, when it comes to gerbil vs. hamster comparison. The gerbils sport a long, soft tail, while the hamster is virtually tailless. Owing to their long snout, gerbils resemble rats more than hamsters. Though, both the rodent species require daily exercise, gerbils tend to be more active than hamsters. Ideally, you will have to provide your pet, whichever is your choice, a wheel in the cage to stay healthy. Gerbils can get dehydrated in high temperatures, and hence, you will have to provide your pet gerbil with necessary surroundings. Pet gerbils seldom bite, but pet hamsters do bite, especially if woken during the day.
In the battle of gerbil vs. hamster, gerbil is undoubtedly the winner as a pet. However, not everyone will think the same. For people, who would like to keep a small pet, a hamster would be the right choice. You will have to take in all the differences between hamsters and gerbils mentioned above, in order to decide which animal will make an ideal pet for you - a gerbil or a hamster.
Gerbil Facts
A gerbil is a small burrowing rodent, typically, characterized by strong hind legs adapted for leaping. It is found in various countries including, China, India and Turkmenistan etc. Gerbils are also exported as exotic pets to European and American nations. There are around 110 sub-species of this rodent. On an average, gerbil species can grow to a length of 6 to 12 inches, and weigh approximately, 2 to 3 ounces. Though, most of the gerbil sub-species are diurnal in nature, some of them do exhibit crepuscular traits. They are social animals, which are found in groups, in the wild. Although they are regarded as pests in many countries, some species of gerbils, such as the Clawed Jird, are quite popular as pets.
Hamster Facts
Hamsters are small burrowing rodents, typically characterized by large cheek pouches and a short tail. These rodents are crepuscular in nature, which means, they are most active at dusk and dawn. They spend the entire day burrowing in the ground, in order to avoid being caught by predators. There are around 25 sub-species of hamsters. Being omnivorous in nature, hamsters generally, feed on vegetables, nuts, berries, fruits etc., as well as some insect species such as, crickets and meal worms. As they are very easy to breed, hamsters are used as lab specimens in various countries. Hamsters are also quite popular as pets in various parts of the world.
Gerbil Vs. Hamster
As we said earlier, gerbils and hamsters differ from each other to a great extent, as far as socialization is concerned. Solitary hamsters seldom prefer company and if two hamsters are kept together as pets, they are bound to engage in a struggle. On the other hand, gerbils, which are social, can be kept in each others company. However, keeping a male and female gerbil together wouldn't be a nice idea if you don't want a family of gerbils. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures who like to spend the entire day sleeping, while gerbils are diurnal creatures active during the day. With such sleep pattern differences between the two, gerbils would be a better choice as a pet over hamsters, who wouldn't like being disturbed during the day.
Their appearance plays a major role, when it comes to gerbil vs. hamster comparison. The gerbils sport a long, soft tail, while the hamster is virtually tailless. Owing to their long snout, gerbils resemble rats more than hamsters. Though, both the rodent species require daily exercise, gerbils tend to be more active than hamsters. Ideally, you will have to provide your pet, whichever is your choice, a wheel in the cage to stay healthy. Gerbils can get dehydrated in high temperatures, and hence, you will have to provide your pet gerbil with necessary surroundings. Pet gerbils seldom bite, but pet hamsters do bite, especially if woken during the day.
In the battle of gerbil vs. hamster, gerbil is undoubtedly the winner as a pet. However, not everyone will think the same. For people, who would like to keep a small pet, a hamster would be the right choice. You will have to take in all the differences between hamsters and gerbils mentioned above, in order to decide which animal will make an ideal pet for you - a gerbil or a hamster.
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