Hamster VS. Gerbil: The Battle of the Small Mammals

To some, the hamster is a cute and cuddly creature, while to others, the gerbil may be seen as the cutest of all small mammals. But which one is really the winner when it comes to popularity? The answer might surprise you!

Gerbils vs. Hamsters: Are They Different?

Gerbils and hamsters are two of the most popular small pets. They are both rodents, but they are different in many ways. Hamsters are larger than gerbils, and they have a stocky build. Gerbils are smaller and have a longer tail. Hamsters live for about 2 years, while gerbils can live for 3 or 4 years.

Physical Differences

Hamsters and gerbils are both small rodents that are popular as pets. They are both members of the family Cricetidae, but they have a few key differences.

Tail:

The most obvious difference is in their tails. Hamsters have short, stubby tails, while gerbils have long, slender tails. This difference is due to the different ways they use their tails. Hamsters use their tails for balance and to help them steer as they run, while gerbils use their tails for balance and to help them keep their balance when they stand on their hind legs.

Face:

Though they may look similar, there are some key structural differences between these two creatures.

Hamsters have a large head in comparison to their body, while gerbils have a more proportionate head size. Hamsters also have bigger eyes and ears than gerbils.

These anatomical differences reflect some of the behavioral differences between hamsters and gerbils. Hamsters are more solitary animals who like to hide away in their homes, while gerbils tend to be more social and active.

Body:

Hamsters are typically larger than gerbils and have a stockier build. They come in a range of colors, including brown, black, white, and golden. Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so they like to sleep during the day and play at night.

Gerbils are smaller than hamsters and have a more slender build. They come in a variety of colors as well, including tan, beige, light brown, and black. Gerbils are diurnal animals, which means they’re active during the day.

Hamsters typically require a bigger cage than gerbils do.

Behavioral Differences

One of the most noticeable differences is their behavior.

Hamsters are nocturnal and like to hide in dark places. They can be shy and can be scared by loud noises or movement. Gerbils, on the other hand, are diurnal and like to be out in the open. They are not as easily scared as hamsters and will often come out to greet people or explore their surroundings.

Another difference between hamsters and gerbils is their diet. Hamsters mainly eat seeds, fruits, and vegetables, while gerbils eat a lot of hay and grains.

Temperament

When it comes to temperament, hamsters and gerbils could not be more different. Hamsters are nocturnal animals that like to be left alone, while gerbils are active during the day and love to play and socialize. If you're looking for a pet that will keep you company, go with a gerbil; if you're looking for an animal that will mind its own business, go with a hamster.

Care Needs

When it comes to caring for a small mammal, there are a few things you need to consider before making your decision on which pet to get. Hamsters and gerbils are two of the most common small mammals kept as pets, but they have different needs.

Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so they need a lot of time to sleep during the day. They also need a lot of exercise, so provide them with a large enough cage with plenty of toys to play with. Hamsters can be very active and can easily escape from an undersized cage.

Gerbils are diurnal animals, which means they are active during the day. They don't require as much sleep as hamsters and don't need as large of a cage. Gerbils also enjoy playing and climbing, so provide them with lots of toys and places to climb.

Diets

When it comes to diets, there is a big difference between hamsters and gerbils. Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. Gerbils, on the other hand, are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. This means that a diet for a hamster should include both meat and plant-based foods, while a diet for a gerbil should only include plant-based foods.

Lifespan

Hamsters and gerbils are both popular small pets, but there are some key differences in their lifespans. Hamsters typically live for around 2 to 3 years, while gerbils can live for up to 6 years. This difference is largely due to the fact that hamsters have a shorter lifespan overall and also tend to have more health problems as they get older. Gerbils are generally healthier and longer-lived than hamsters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hamsters and gerbils are both popular small pets. They are both easy to care for and have a long lifespan. However, there are some key differences between the two. Hamsters are nocturnal animals, while gerbils are diurnal animals. Hamsters also have a tendency to hoard food, while gerbils typically do not. Ultimately, the choice of which pet is right for you depends on your individual preference.