Gerbil vs. Hamster: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Pet
Match care needs, activity levels, and social habits for a happy furry companion.
Gerbil vs. Hamster: Which Small Pet Is Right for You?
If you’re considering a small, furry companion, gerbils and hamsters are two of the most popular and widely loved options. Both are compact, fascinating rodents adaptable for apartment living and family homes, but they differ in important ways that can influence your experience as a pet owner. This guide provides a side-by-side comparison of their physical traits, care needs, personalities, and what to expect when bringing one (or a pair) into your life.
Table of Contents
- Gerbil vs. Hamster: Appearance
- Gerbil Size vs. Hamster Size
- Personality & Social Needs
- Energy and Activity Levels
- Housing & Enclosure Requirements
- Diet and Nutrition
- Cleanliness and Odor
- Lifespan and Health
- Bonding and Handling
- Which Pet Is Best for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Gerbil vs. Hamster: Appearance
The first noticeable differences between gerbils and hamsters are in their looks. While both species are undeniably cute, their features and build are distinct.
- Gerbils: Have a lean, elongated body, a long, hairy tail (sometimes with a tuft at the end), and a narrow, almost rat-like face. Their back legs are long, allowing them to stand upright and jump with agility.
- Hamsters: Are compact and rounded, with short, stubby tails barely visible under their fur. They are recognized for their adorably chubby cheeksâwhich they use to stuff food and bedding materialsâplus short legs and a smooth, rotund form.
Gerbils tend to look more streamlined and quick, while hamsters resemble tiny, furry balls. Both come in a variety of colors and coat patterns, thanks to selective breeding.
Gerbil Size vs. Hamster Size
Although both pets are small, their size can vary significantly based on species and sex:
| Pet | Common Species | Body Length (inches) | Tail Length (inches) | Average Adult Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerbil | Mongolian | 4â7 | 4â7.5 | 50â60 |
| Hamster | Syrian | 6â7 | <1 | 110â140 |
| Hamster | Winter White Dwarf | 2â4 | <1 | 70â90 |
| Hamster | Campbell’s Dwarf | 2â4 | <1 | 40â60 |
| Hamster | Roborovski Dwarf | 1.5â2 | <1 | 20â25 |
| Hamster | Chinese | 4â5 | <1 | 40â45 |
Key Takeaways: Gerbils have longer bodies and tails but often weigh less than Syrian hamsters. Dwarf hamster breeds are the smallest of the lot.
Personality & Social Needs
An animalâs personality determines much of your day-to-day pet experience. Gerbils and hamsters are both playful, curious, and intelligent, but they approach social situations differently.
- Gerbils are highly social in the wild and do best in pairs or small groups of the same sex. Keeping a gerbil alone can lead to boredom and stress. They interact with their cagemates through grooming, play, and cuddling.
- Hamsters, in contrast, are overwhelmingly solitary animals, especially the larger species like the Syrian hamster. Two unfamiliar hamsters put together will often fight fiercely, sometimes to the death. Only some dwarf hamsters, if raised together from a young age, can successfully share a cage.
What others are reading
If you want multiple pets living together, gerbils are typically a better bet. However, if you prefer a single animal, a hamsterâs preference for solitude could be a major advantage.
Energy and Activity Levels
The daily rhythms of gerbils and hamsters differ, affecting when youâll see them at their most active.
- Gerbils are diurnal or crepuscular, meaning theyâre primarily active during the day or at dawn and dusk. They have frequent, short bursts of energy and love to dig, tunnel, and jump.
- Hamsters are nocturnal: They wake in the evening and run, burrow, eat, and play all night. If placed in a bedroom, their after-dark wheel-running and chewing can disturb light sleepers.
Gerbilsâ more flexible sleep habits often fit better with family life, especially if children want to observe or handle their pets during daylight hours.
Housing & Enclosure Requirements
Space
- Gerbils: Need space to dig, climb, and jump. Opt for a large glass aquarium (minimum 20 gallons for a pair) with a secure mesh lid. Deep bedding (at least 6 inches) allows for natural burrowing behavior.
- Hamsters: Require a minimum of 450â600 square inches of unbroken floor space. Syrian hamsters especially need roomy enclosures to avoid stress. Wire cages or modified aquariums work, but should include a solid base for digging and hiding.
Main Enclosure Features
- Multiple levels and tunnels for enrichment
- Chew toys and gnawable items for dental health
- Quiet exercise wheels (11â12 inches for Syrians; smaller for dwarfs)
- Hideouts and nesting materials
Because gerbils and hamsters both love to chew, avoid cages made from plastic, as they may gnaw through and escape. Gerbils are expert diggers, so the ability to create tunnels is especially critical for their wellbeing.
Diet and Nutrition
Both gerbils and hamsters are omnivores, so their dietary needs are similar:
- Staple diet: A high-quality commercial pellet or lab block formulated for small rodents supplies proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Seed/grain mix: Used as supplemental variety and enrichment, but should not be the main food source due to potential nutritional imbalances.
- Fresh vegetables and leafy greens: Given sparingly a few times per week.
- Minimal fruits: Only as rare treatsâespecially for hamsters prone to diabetes.
- Occasional treats: Oat, millet, flax, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried mealworms.
Clean, fresh water should be provided at all times. Avoid sticky or sugary snacks, as well as foods high in fat or artificial ingredients.
Cleanliness and Odor
- Gerbils: Are known for being very clean pets. Their dry desert origin means they produce less urine than hamsters, and they quickly bury waste, so their enclosures tend to smell less. Frequent cleaning is still required to prevent ammonia and promote health.
- Hamsters: Produce more urine and are less neat. Their cages should be spot cleaned weekly and fully changed every 1â2 weeks, depending on the enclosure size and bedding depth. Strong odors can arise if cleaning lapses.
With deep bedding and good hygiene, both species are manageable in most homes. Sensitive noses may prefer gerbilsâ lower odor profile.
Lifespan and Health
- Gerbils have an average lifespan of 2â4 years, with the record among well-cared-for individuals being about 5 years.
- Hamsters live, on average, 1.5â3 years, with Syrians typically on the lower end and dwarf breeds sometimes living a bit longer.
Proper diet, exercise, and cage hygiene prolong life and reduce risk of domestic illness. Both animals may face dental problems (due to ever-growing incisors), respiratory infections (from dust or ammonia), and obesity if not monitored and managed properly.
Bonding and Handling
- Gerbils are very social with each other and, when gently handled from a young age, become friendly and interactive with humans, especially if treats and patience are involved. Their curiosity makes them more likely to approach hands or climb onto laps without biting. However, they dislike being woken up suddenly.
- Hamsters can become tame and trusting, but many are naturally shy and prefer minimal disturbance. Hamsters are more likely to nip, particularly if startled or woken during the day. Consistent, gentle handling from an early age can help avoid this.
Gerbils generally make better âwatch me playâ pets, while hamsters, particularly Syrians, may be suitable for older children or adults who understand their solitary and nocturnal needs.
Which Pet Is Best for You?
Your ideal small pet depends largely on your lifestyle, patience, available space, and whether you want one animal or a pair. Here is a quick summary comparison:
| Feature | Gerbil | Hamster |
|---|---|---|
| Social Needs | Pairs or groups | Solitary |
| Activity | Diurnal/Crepuscular | Nocturnal |
| Odor | Minimal | Moderate |
| Handleability | Curious, friendly | Shy, can nip |
| Space Needs | Large, deep bedding | Large, floor space |
| Best For | Families; people wanting pairs | Those preferring one pet |
Consider observing both animals in a pet store or rescue before committing. Each has its charm, and being prepared for their unique needs ensures a happier, healthier petâno matter which you choose!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which is easier to care for: gerbil or hamster?
A: Both are relatively easy to care for if their specific needs are met. Gerbils may be easier due to less odor and a more flexible activity schedule, while hamsters require solitary housing and can be harder to handle for young children.
Q: Can you keep gerbils and hamsters together?
A: No. Gerbils and hamsters should never be housed together. They are different species with very different social and territorial requirements, and fights will almost certainly occur.
Q: Are gerbils or hamsters better with kids?
A: Gerbils are often recommended for families with older children due to their interactive nature and lower risk of biting. Hamsters can be suitable with proper supervision and gentle handling.
Q: Do gerbils or hamsters bite more?
A: Hamsters are more likely to bite, particularly if startled or handled incorrectly. Gerbils, while able to nip, are generally less inclined to do so if socialized from a young age.
Q: Which small pet is less smelly?
A: Gerbils are typically much less smelly than hamsters, due to their minimal urine output and fastidious habits.
Q: How much do they cost?
A: Both gerbils and hamsters are affordable to buy or adopt (often $10â$25) but owners should budget for appropriate housing, bedding, quality food, and occasional vet visits.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a gerbil and a hamster involves considering lifestyle, cage space, and whether you want one or several pets interacting together. While both rodents share similarities in care, their social dynamics, habits, and personalities make each unique. With diligent research and preparation, your new pet will thriveâdelighting you for years to come!
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
