Hamsters and gerbils are both fun dearie , but also pretty unlike . If you ’re look to prefer between the two , it ’s of import to learn about each one to make the just choice for your home . hamster and gerbils have different grade of resilience , caparison needs and , of course , appearing . ( Though they ’re both stinkin ’ cute ! )
Which is Which? Hamster vs. Gerbil Appearance
At first glance , gerbilsand hamsters look somewhat like , but there are some key differences that ’ll avail you tell them apart . Hamstershave rounder and chubbier bodies . Gerbils have a more sleek flavour , with thin bodies and more pronounced faces . Probably the thing that stomach out most about hamsters is the seemingly endless cheek pouches that hamsters material food into . gerbil do n’t have these , but do have a long , tufted tail that stands out against the hamster ’s stubby fiddling rear end .
If you have diminished child , gerbils are slightly less fragile , but rough - housing still poses a serious risk of harm to both .
Both Offer an Array of Color Combos
When you think of hamster , you might envision the Graeco-Roman golden hue of the Syrian hamster , but they also total in shade like cream , sable , black , and more . Some even have singular traffic pattern , like bands or patches . midget hamsters might show off colors lay out from grey - brown to sandy , commonly with ashen bellies .
gerbil also come in a variety of colors and can have patches of white . The most mutual , the agouti gerbil , has a rich dark-brown coat with individual hair tipped in black and a white paunch . Gerbils can also frisk colors like black , gold , and even gamey .
When Do You Want to Interact? Hamster vs. Gerbil Sleep Cycles
gerbil move around on a diurnal docket . This means they ’re awake during the daytime hours . This is commodious if you ’re look for a small pet to interact with during daytime hour — like families who have children .
On the flip side , hamsters are creatures of the night . They come awake in the main in the evenings , which is bang-up if you ’re a first shifter and you ’re willing to add some social time to the evening . It could , however , gravel a challenge for those who hit the sack ahead of time . The squeaking running game wheel has kept many a hamster possessor at night , so hamster - lovers plausibly want to put their hamster houses outside of the bedroom . If you ’re willing to make this fragile change , hamsters could be a good option .
Is Two Better Than One? Gerbil vs. Hamster Socialization
If you choose a gerbil , you ’ll need to get two to keep them content . gerbille are incredibly social and can become dispirited if they ’re left alone for too foresightful . Alternately , hamsters are solitary and often get into fights when they ’re put up together .
hamster may press to the death if left together in the same habitat .
Bonding With Humans
Hamsters and gerbils have different slipway of bonding with humans . Hamsters , being nocturnal , can sometimes be a bit nippy , especially if woken during the day . Some hamsters cherish their prison term alone and may not need any human interaction . Gerbils are diurnal , piddle them alive and mental object during the day . This can make daytime fundamental interaction and play easy .
Gerbils are naturally curious and are often less bite - prone than hamsters . They enjoy exploring their surround and can be quite societal with humans , particularly if someone has softly handle them from a young eld . Both can make fun pets , but you necessitate to decide if you ’re looking for a small fauna that enjoy and seeks being held or one that ’s more for reflection . v
Where Should They Live? Hamster and Gerbil Housing Requirements
gerbil enjoy dig which mean they should be placed in a habitat with deep bedding . commonly the best pick is an aquarium to keep the bedding deep down rather than out , but it ’s crucial to keep them fresh to prevent respiratory issues . Bedding and impure environments can induce health challenges for gerbil , so it ’s authoritative to researchhow to set up and pick your gerbille ’s cageregularly .
As far as hamsters go , you have probably seen those full-strength coop with all the tunnels that travel place to home . Those cages are designed for hamsters to roam around in and stretch their legs . hamster can benefit from clean and careful frame-up as well , solearn more about supplies available for hamster housingbefore you dive into add up a hamster to your house .
Both the hamster and gerbil should be bring home the bacon plenty of opportunities for exercise to continue happy and healthy .
How Long Do They Live? Hamster vs. Gerbil Lifespan
When you ’re take between two pets , their life expectancy will play a factor . hamster have change lifespans , depending on their specific strain . Syrian hamsters , the most common type , usually live 2 to 3 years . Dwarf hamsters have a similar life , averaging 2 years , though some can survive longer . Gerbils live between 3 to 4 yr , and sometimes even up to 5 with appropriate caution .
But Which To Choose? A Personal Decision
Deciding between a hamster and a gerbil can be unmanageable , specially with both play so much to the board . While hamster have their cute fluffy bodies and cheeky pouches , gerbille come with daytime activeness and a spark of curiosity . It really boils down to what you ’re face for in a pet . If you want a darling to keep an eye on explore through the coloured tunnel of fun , a hamster is a undecomposed pick . But if you ’re more concerned in holding and bonding with your dearie , a gerbil could be the idealistic option .
