The Main Differences (With Pictures) – MeowMyBark (2024)

Undoubtedly two of the commonest animals purchased as first-time pets for youngsters, each hamsters and gerbils are lovable, excitable, and entertaining. Regardless of their equal cuteness, the variations between hamsters and gerbils may be fairly important.

Hamsters are barely bigger and fuller than gerbils and are typically solitary animals, whereas gerbils are extra social, preferring to be in pairs or small teams. Gerbils additionally are likely to have a barely longer lifespan.

On this article, we’ll inform you every little thing it is advisable find out about these pleasant rodents, together with their sleeping habits, traits, personalities, and care wants, so you’ll be able to determine which is greatest for you.

Visible Variations

At a Look

Hamster Overview

These nocturnal little rodents are recognized for his or her fluffy, spherical look, lovable cheek pouches, and playful nature. Relying on which breed of hamster you select, they are often as small as 2 inches in size (Roborovski dwarf hamster) or as massive as 7 inches in size (Syrian hamster). They arrive in varied coat colours, starting from gold and tan to white, grey, black, or brown.

Character

Hamsters are prey animals, so that they are typically shy and skittish while you first convey them dwelling. With persistence and coaching, nonetheless, most hamsters will get used to being dealt with and might even be skilled to come back to you.

It’s price noting that hamsters are nocturnal creatures. To keep away from predators, these tiny rodents sleep through the day and get up at night time. When they’re awake, nonetheless, these pets are energetic and may be very entertaining.

The very last thing it’s best to find out about pet hamsters is that they don’t seem to be naturally social animals! They’re solitary creatures, preferring to be alone. Most hamsters will desire to have the cage to themselves, and whereas Dwarf hamsters might get used to sharing a cage, Syrian and Chinese language hamsters, specifically, can get aggressive if they’re housed in pairs or teams.

Coaching

After bonding along with your hamster, you’ll be able to prepare it to face, leap, and even roll over! Coaching a hamster takes time, persistence, and persistence, however your pet will love the additional consideration and psychological stimulation.

An vital consider coaching a hamster is studying to not startle them! Hamsters are near-sighted, so sudden actions near their face can frighten them. Equally, loud noises are prone to scare them. Use a peaceful, quiet voice and keep away from sudden or jerky actions when coaching your hamster.

For optimistic reinforcement, use hamster treats akin to a contemporary slice of cucumber, sunflower seeds, or high-quality, store-bought hamster treats.

Well being & Care

Hamsters are low-maintenance pets, however you’ll nonetheless want to make sure that you present them with a clear, secure, and acceptable cage. You’ll want to make use of dust-free bedding akin to paper-based, hemp, or bedding. Whichever materials you employ, go for unscented bedding, as fragrance can block your hamster’s airways.

Your pet hamster’s bedding will want altering one to 2 instances per week, although keep in mind that this is determined by the dimensions of your hamster cage and what number of hamsters you’ve got. With smaller cages, you could want to vary the bedding extra typically.

Along with altering their bedding, you’ll want to clean and dry your hamster’s cage a couple of times per thirty days.

A hamster’s dwelling isn’t nearly bedding. Pet hamsters have loads of power, which they should burn off—often at night time. Hamster wheels are excellent for this, however you also needs to contemplate including tunnels and toys, akin to ladders and deal with balls.

Appropriate For:

Hamsters are excellent first-time pets for youngsters aged 8 and older. Caring for a hamster can train a baby accountability, however they may nonetheless want supervision when handling their pet. Keep in mind that hamsters will sleep for almost all of the day, so young children might not get to see them being very lively.

Gerbil Overview

Gerbils are notoriously playful. These little rodents are extremely social and thrive when grouped with different gerbils. They’re additionally outwardly affectionate in the direction of household or group members they’re bonded with, typically taking part in collectively, chasing one another round, grooming each other, and cuddling.

Not like hamsters, gerbils are diurnal creatures, which implies they’re lively through the day, although it’s best to notice that they do have durations of relaxation through the day, and equally, most gerbils have durations of exercise through the night time.

Character

Due to their inquisitive and affectionate natures, gerbils rapidly burrow into their homeowners’ hearts. Gerbils are extremely social animals and might be a lot happier in a pair or group. In reality, gerbils ought to by no means be stored alone, as they’ll rapidly grow to be depressed from loneliness!

As social animals, gerbils depend on speaking utilizing non-verbal indicators that you could be taught to be careful for. These pets wink at their pet guardian to indicate contentment, purr when comfy, greet different gerbils of their household by touching noses, and thump their hind legs to sign concern.

Coaching

As clever, food-driven pets, gerbils are excellent for coaching. Gerbils could also be shy while you first convey them dwelling, however when you’ve bonded, you can begin educating them tips, akin to coming to you when referred to as, standing on their hind legs, spinning, and even leaping into your hand.

Step one in coaching your gerbils is to get them to belief you. Acquire your pet’s belief by holding them day by day till they really feel comfy with you. When coaching, pair the trick or conduct you need your gerbil to be taught with a transparent auditory command and use a tasty deal with for optimistic reinforcement once they get it proper.

Well being & Care

Like hamsters, gerbils are very low-maintenance pets. You’ll want to search out an appropriately sized gerbilarium or tank with a lot of house, lined with unscented paper-based bedding, permitting them to dig, burrow, cover, and run round. Along with meals bowls and water bottles, Gerbils want a pot of sand that they’ll use as a mud tub to wash themselves.

Gerbils are recognized for being clear animals. They don’t produce as a lot urine as hamsters, however you’ll nonetheless want to vary the bathroom space of their bedding as soon as per week. Relying on the variety of gerbils you’ve got, you could want to vary the bedding extra typically. The excellent news is that gerbils have a tendency to make use of the identical space to go potty.

Make sure to present your gerbils with toys, together with hides and little wood homes, tubes, tunnels, wheels, and climbing toys.

Appropriate For:

Gerbils make nice first-time pets for youngsters, as they’re awake through the day, are fairly social, and are unlikely to chew. They’re appropriate for households trying to get a couple of pet, as you’ll must get not less than a pair of gerbils, if not a gaggle! Gerbils have a 3–4-year lifespan, and with a couple of pet, you ought to be ready to look after them for some time!

Which Pet Is Proper for You?

When deciding between gerbils and hamsters, there are a number of elements to think about. If you happen to’re trying to get only one pet, then a solitary hamster will suit you better. Alternatively, in case you’re in search of a pair or a gaggle of pets, it’s greatest to go for gerbils, who love being social.

Gerbils are typically awake extra through the day and can probably get used to the exercise routine of their family, whereas hamsters will spend a lot of the day sleeping after which come out through the night time. For young children who’re prone to sleep earlier than a hamster wakes up, gerbils could also be extra attention-grabbing.

But it surely’s not simply youngsters who can profit from a hamster or gerbil companion. Each choices could make entertaining, low-maintenance pets for adults and {couples}. So long as you’ll be able to present a secure atmosphere to your pet, preserve their cage and bedding clear, and provides them the eye they want, each animals are fantastic options.

Featured Picture Credit score: (L) Anastasia Solovykh, Shutterstock | (R) Kurit afshen, Shutterstock