Both gerbils and hamsters can make excellent pets, but they have different care requirements and temperaments. Consider your preferences and lifestyle before choosing between them.
Key Takeaways
- Gerbils are more active, social, and engaging pets compared to hamsters.
- Gerbils are easier to tame and enjoy human interaction, while hamsters may be more skittish and take longer to trust humans.
- Gerbils require a larger cage with plenty of space for exercise, while hamsters can be kept in smaller cages due to their smaller size.
- Gerbils have a longer lifespan, are generally healthier, and have a higher tolerance for heat compared to hamsters.
Temperament Differences
When it comes to temperament, gerbils and hamsters differ in several ways, making either one a better fit for your lifestyle.
Gerbils are generally more active and inquisitive than hamsters. They often enjoy interacting with humans, and can be taught to do simple tricks. They also tend to be less territorial than hamsters, making them a good choice for families with children.
Hamsters, on the other hand, are more independent and can often be skittish around people. They enjoy exploring their environment, but may not be as sociable as gerbils. They’re also more likely to bite if provoked.
Care Requirements
When it comes to care requirements, both gerbils and hamsters have their own unique needs.
Gerbils require a more varied diet, while hamsters need more opportunities for exercise.
To determine which pet is best for you, it’s important to consider these differences.
Diet Differences
Have you considered the diet differences between gerbils and hamsters when deciding which one to get as a pet?
Gerbils are omnivorous and need a varied diet of both plant and animal matter, while hamsters are mostly herbivorous and require mostly plant-based diets. Gerbils also need more protein than hamsters, and more care must be taken to ensure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients.
Both animals will enjoy occasional treats, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits, but it’s important to remember that treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their diet. Hamsters tend to be pickier eaters and may not eat as many different types of food as gerbils.
Additionally, hamsters need more fiber than gerbils, so their diet should include plenty of fresh vegetables and hay. Ultimately, you should choose the pet that has the diet that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Exercise Needs
You’ll need to consider both gerbils’ and hamsters’ exercise needs when deciding which one to get as a pet.
Gerbils are highly active and need plenty of space to run around. They also need a wheel to help them stay in shape. To keep them entertained, provide plenty of toys and hideaways.
Hamsters are also active, but they don’t need as much space as gerbils. They can get their exercise from running around in a ball or in an exercise wheel. They also enjoy playing with toys.
Both types of pets need time outside of their cages every day to explore and exercise. Make sure to supervise them while they’re out to ensure their safety.
Consider your lifestyle and how much time you can commit to providing exercise for your pet before making your decision.
Size and Activity Level
Gerbils are larger than hamsters and much more active. They require more exercise and larger enclosures, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a low maintenance pet.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an active and engaging pet, gerbils might be the perfect choice.
Gerbils: Bigger
Compared to hamsters, gerbils tend to be bigger in size and more active, making them better suited to larger homes. Gerbils tend to be twice as long as their hamster counterparts, ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
Their larger size also means they’re more active and require more space to explore and exercise. They’re also more social creatures and enjoy interacting with their owners.
If you have the space and time to dedicate to a gerbil, they’ll definitely make a great pet. Gerbils can live for up to four years, so you’ll have plenty of time to bond with your new companion.
Gerbils: More Active
You’ll find that gerbils are more active than hamsters due to their larger size. This means that they’re better able to explore their environment, which is beneficial to their health and wellbeing.
They also have the ability to go further distances in a shorter amount of time. Gerbils can also be more fun to watch, as their larger size allows them to move quicker and explore more. They’re also more interactive than hamsters and can be trained to do tricks.
On top of that, gerbils aren’t nocturnal like hamsters, so they’re more likely to be up and about during the day. This is especially beneficial for those who enjoy interacting with their pets frequently during the day.
Hamsters: Easier Care?
Although smaller, hamsters aren’t necessarily easier to care for than gerbils due to their activity level. They’re nocturnal and require exercise wheels to stay healthy and active. This means they may be more active at night, disturbing your sleep.
Hamsters also need to be handled carefully as they can be skittish and may bite if scared. They also require more frequent cage cleaning than gerbils.
On the other hand, they’re relatively easy to feed, as they eat a variety of food. They’re also usually friendlier than gerbils and can be trained to do simple tricks.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when deciding between gerbils and hamsters.
Diet and Nutrition
You’ll need to provide different diets for gerbils and hamsters to keep them healthy and happy.
Gerbils are omnivores, meaning they require a balanced diet of both plant and animal products. A good gerbil diet should include seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits, and a small amount of meat.
Hamsters, on the other hand, are primarily herbivores. Their diet should consist mainly of grains, vegetables, and fruits, with very little meat.
It’s important to supplement both gerbils and hamsters with vitamins and minerals as part of their diets.
You’ll also need to provide clean, fresh drinking water for both animals.
Finally, be sure to clean out their food and water dishes daily.
Gerbils and hamsters have different nutritional needs, so be sure to find the right balance to keep them healthy and happy.
Cost of Ownership
Calculate the cost of owning a gerbil or hamster before deciding which one is best for you.
Both animals require a cage, food, bedding, and toys. Although they may seem pricey at first, they’re both relatively inexpensive pets to keep.
Depending on the type of hamster you choose, their cages can cost anywhere from $20-$50. Gerbils require more space than hamsters so their cages are usually pricier, ranging from $50-$100.
Bedding, food, and toys are also necessary for both animals and can range from $15-$30. If you have your heart set on a particular breed, you may have to pay more for a gerbil or hamster than the average prices.
Ultimately, it’s important to determine whether you can afford to take on the responsibility of caring for a new pet.
Lifestyle Considerations
Considering your lifestyle is key when deciding whether a gerbil or hamster is right for you.
Gerbils are more active than hamsters, so if you’re looking for a pet that likes to explore, a gerbil is a better option.
If you’re away from home a lot, it may be easier to care for a hamster since they’re more independent.
Additionally, both gerbils and hamsters need different types of cages, with gerbils requiring a larger space and more accessories than hamsters.
In terms of temperament, gerbils are more social and can form strong bonds with their owners, while hamsters are solitary animals.
Finally, gerbils live longer than hamsters, up to three years, so you’ll need to be prepared to make a longer-term commitment.
Ultimately, the right pet for you’ll depend on your lifestyle and preferences.
