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What Are The Differences Between A Gerbil And A Hamster?

Hamsters and Gerbils are similar in many ways, yet they are so very different. Even though they are both mammals and are very popular as pets, they are completely different species.

At first glance, you might think they both look the same. Yeah, they are both adorable and make good pets but that is where all the major similarities end.

In order to decide which furry rodent is a perfect match for you, you have to totally understand the differences between them.

Understanding these differences beforehand is greatly going to help you make decision about the best individual choice so you don’t have a slightest regret later on down the road.

Here, we are going to look at both physical and behavioral differences between hamsters and gerbils. If you want to read the summary of the differences side by side, don’t forget to check out the infographic – The Major Differences Between Gerbils And Hamsters.

So, let us get started on it.

PHYSICAL  DIFFERENCES:

Length:

On average gerbils are slightly smaller. They can get to 5 – 6 in (12.7 – 15.2 cm), not counting the tail. However, Great gerbils get to 8 in (20.3 cm) without counting the tail.

On average, majority of hamsters are only 3.1 – 4.7 in. Syrian hamsters can get slightly bigger at 6 – 7 in (15.2 – 17.7 cm). Roborovski, on the other hand, can only get to 2 in long.

Mass:

The average adult gerbil weighs about 2.5 oz (70 g or 0.15 lbs). Popular adult pet gerbil, fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi) has a mass of 0.04 kg (0.088 lbs).

Mass of some popular adult pet hamsters is as follows:

> Chinese hamster: 0.066 – 0.099 lbs

> Roborovski hamster: 0.044 – 0.055 lbs

> Chinese striped hamster 0.037 – 0.068 lbs

Tail:

Gerbil’s tail is usually 3 – 4 in long with a tuft of hair at the end. Adult Fat tailed gerbil’s tail is 5 cm (2 in) long. Mongolian gerbil’s tail is slightly longer at 8 – 10 cm (3.1 – 3.9 in).

Hamsters have short and stubby tail. Adult Chinese hamsters and Chinese striped hamsters have tail that is approximately 2 – 3.6 cm (0.78 – 1.41 in) long.

Snouts:

Gerbils have longer, pointed snouts like that of rats whereas Hamsters have a relatively short nose/snout.

Legs:

Gerbils have long hind legs which they love standing on. On the other hand, Hamsters have short and stocky legs, with wider feet.

Lifespan:

The Fat tailed gerbils (Duprasi) have the lifespan of 5 – 8 yrs in captivity. Great Gerbils have the lifespan of 2 – 4 yrs. Mongolian Gerbils have the lifespan of 3 – 5 yrs.

In general when Gerbils are kept alone, they have a shorter lifespan. So, clean environment, adequate food, exercise and company of other gerbils are essential for them to live happier and longer.

Hamster’s lifespan is usually shorter; 2 – 5 yrs. On average, Syrian Hamsters live from 2 – 2.5 yrs, Campbell Dwarf Hamsters and Winter White Dwarf Hamsters live 1.5 – 2 yrs, Roborovski Hamsters live to about 4 yrs in captivity and 3 yrs in the wild and Chinese Dwarf Hamsters live 2 to 3 yrs.

Varieties:

More than 110 species of gerbils live throughout the African, Indian and Asian deserts. However, only Fat tailed, Mongolian and Pale gerbils are more popular as pets.

Due to selective breeding, the Mongolian breed has several varieties including the Golden agouti, Black, Burmese, Light red fox and Schimmel.

Fat-tailed gerbil’s coat colors can vary from apricot, to grey, through to a buff brown or even speckled yellow and gray.

Hamsters come in more varieties of patterns and colors then gerbils do.

Syrian (Teddy Bear, Panda Bear, Black Bear, Standard, Golden, Fancy, Short Haired, Long Haired), Dwarf Campbell (Djungarian, Dzungarian, Russian),  Dwarf Winter White Russian (Djunarian, Siberian), Roborovski Dwarf (Mongolian), Chinese striped hamster, Hairless hamsters are some of the pretty popular varieties of Hamsters.

BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES:

Energetic:

Gerbils are generally more curious, energetic and fun whereas Hamsters are usually laid back but they both love running the wheel.

Biting:

Gerbils very rarely bite. They are friendly, curious and love being held, making them great pets for children.

Hamsters, on the other hand, tend to bite more often, even if you had them for a long time.

When Active?

Gerbils are diurnal but in captivity can be active during day or night. They take naps whenever they feel like taking one.

Hamsters are nocturnal, usually sleep during day and are active during evenings and nights. This means they are likely to keep you awake at night, especially if your hamster is situated in your bedroom.

Smell:

Since Gerbils are desert animals, they produce very little waste. In turn, the housing areas do not stink as much and stays cleaner longer.

Hamsters on the other hand, can be stinky and their tanks have to be cleaned very frequently.

Feeding:

Gerbils eat sunflower seeds, seeds of various grasses, bulbs, range of leaves, herbs, small quantity of fruits (pear, melon, apple, oranges) and vegetables (cucumber, carrot, pumpkin, fennel). Be careful not to give them grapes or rhubarb as these are poisonous to rodents.

Hamsters can be fed a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Give them a small piece of fruit or vegetable daily. Don’t give them citrus fruits or onions as these foods are very acidic and give them upset stomach.

Both hamsters and gerbils are omnivores and love mealworms and crickets every now and then.

Food Hoarding:

Gerbils do not show food hoarding behavior as they do not have cheek pouches to store and transport food.

On the contrary, Hamsters show food hoarding behavior as they are equipped with cheek pouches to store and transport food.

Housing:

Gerbils are more social so can be housed together. Adult Gerbils get in the fight with newcomers so split cage method has to be implemented until they get accustomed to each other.

Since they are more social, it is best to keep a pair in order to prevent sadness and loneliness. If they don’t have friends in their cage, they will die.

It is good to keep two male Gerbils if you don’t want babies. The females in both species are more aggressive to each other.

Hamsters are more solitary and territorial, get into fights more often and can hurt each other.

Having said that, some dwarf hamsters like Campbell dwarf and Chinese dwarf can be kept in groups as they are less likely to fight. They usually are solitary so don’t really need a pair when kept as pets.

Temperature:

For Gerbils, approximately 65 to 75°F with a low humidity of about 30 to 50% is appropriate. If temperature goes below this limit both these species can go into hibernation, which could be very deadly.

Approximately 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit is also ideal for Hamsters. For both species, housing should be located away from strong heat sources such as direct sunlight, wood stoves, or fireplaces. Cage should be well ventilated for both the species as well.

Gestation:

Gerbil’s gestation period on an average is 25 days.

If the female is bred while nursing earlier litter, the gestation period can be longer than 25 days, up to 42 days.

It is a good idea not to remove daddy gerbil in gestation period since his presence can be very comforting to the mother.

With the Hamsters, gestation period varies. On an average, gestation lasts 16 to 18 days for Syrian hamsters, 18 to 21 days for Russian Dwarf hamsters, 21 to 23 days for Chinese hamsters and 23 to 30 for Roborovski hamsters.

Litters:

You can expect between four and six little gerbils (pups) in a single litter. Constant reproduction (a litter every month) is how gerbils form colonies in the wild, but that’s probably not something you want going on in your house.

The average litter size for Syrian hamsters is about 7 pups, but can be as great as 24. Campbell’s dwarf hamsters tend to have 4 to 8 pups in a litter, but can have up to 13. Djungarian, Chinese & Roborovski tend to have slightly smaller litters.

So there we go, those are the differences.

The differences between a hamster and a gerbil are ample however, they both can be great pets if you are a responsible pet owner.

Here is an infographic summarizing the differences:

Note: Click on the image to view the complete Infographic.

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Are there any other differences that you know of? Share your thoughts and insights in the comment below.

Also don’t forget to share this article in your favorite social media outlets:

8 thoughts on “What Are The Differences Between A Gerbil And A Hamster?

  1. My hamster has only bitten once in his 2 1/2 years of life and it’s only because he got excited over food, I’d expect a gerbil to be more nippy since they’re so hyper.

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  3. […] they’re not as affectionate as a pet rat. You may also be interested in learning about the differences between hamsters and gerbils to see which is a better match for […]

  4. […] For more details on the difference be sure to check out What Are The Differences Between A Gerbil And A Hamster? […]

  5. I fit a pair of gerbils as babies, and they did great together! I trained them early to crawl into my hand when I put it on the cage floor. They got out once (my fault), and when I put my hand on the floor, they hopped right on. Great little pets!

  6. I have had hamsters, they were very social and loved playing with their people. Even when loose in the house, they’d seek me out. Some can learn their name and come when called. Squeekers even liked climbing all over our family dog! Pet stores tell you to not handle for days or weeks. Do NOT listen!!! If you bond right away, they will NOT be biters, and will not be skittish..they will not know fear. They really are attention seekers. Smell? Not really, litter box train and just empty the litter box as needed. You can purchase clumping litter at the pet store. Works great.

  7. Thanks for this. I never really knew the difference, but have always wanted a hamster as a pet.
    Olivia Williams recently posted…10 Best Hamster Cages in 2017My Profile

  8. I didn’t realize gerbils bite less and don’t smell – I think I’d rather have a gerbil!

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