Which makes a better pet a gerbil or a hamster ?

Question

Why and how? Btw, I'm getting 2 new pets today.

Answer 1

You should do a little bit more research before purchasing a pet you may end up being unhappy with.

I have over 100 hamsters and around 40 gerbils. To pick one over the other is hard. It really depends on what you're looking for as a pet. Gerbils are more active, playful and entertaining. They are friendly and easy to hold. They will not sit and be pet for extended periods of time in your hands though. Gerbils do best if kept in same sex pairs so plan on getting two.

Syrian hamsters must be housed separately. Dwarf hamsters can live in same sex pairs but will need to be separated if they start to fight, some do, some don't.

There are five hamster species commonly kept as pets. I assume that you are referring to Syrian hamsters in your usually incorrectly called "Teddy Bears", "Panda Bears", "Black Bears", etc. Syrian hamsters do not have the activity level that gerbils do, but I wouldn't call them inactive. Male Syrians tend to be more laid back than females. Most of my males will sit quietly in my hand being pet for a long time. If you're looking for one to cuddle, get a Syrian. I'd recommend a male and I'm very fond of the longhaired ones.

I recommend you search for hamster or gerbil breeders in your area. They are easy to find with an internet search. Animals from a breeder will have much better health and temperaments than pet store animals.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 2

I would go with the gerbil, here is why:
1. Hamsters are nocturnal, so they sleep all day. Gerbils on the other hand, are on a standard 24 hr clock and they tend to be awake during the day and sleep at night, although they may take naps.
2. Hamsters' cages tend to to get very stinky, very quickly. Gerbils are desert animals and they produce less waste.
3. Hamsters tend to bite, while gerbils rarely bite if they are handled from a young age.
4. Hamsters are solo pets. They don't get along with other hampsters. Gerbils do well in pairs.
5. Hamsters run in a wheel and waddle around. Gerbils are athletic and love to run, climb and jump....they use wheels too but they are more likely to play with toys.

Good Luck

Answer 3

My personal preference is gerbils. i have had both and have not had much luck with hamsters. The gerbils rarely bite, but the hamsters almost always do. i guess someone suggested that you get a rat...well, i would also recommend the rat. They are very smart, sweet and well mannered. They do mess up their cages faster than gerbils though. Best wishes!

PS...gerbils can be caught more easily than hamsters if they get away because they have that "ratty tail". ;)

Answer 4

I have never in my life met a nice hamster!! Even the ones who are very socialized... Hamsters are the devil, lol!! I much prefer gerbils. I also think they are much cuter than hamsters (my personal opinion). But they're very similar in care... What other pets are you getting? Do you have kids? Small animals usually don't like small children and can bite them. Just something to think about... Good luck!

Answer 5

Hamsters are nocturnal and solitary by nature. Gerbils make much better pets, as the are more social and are active during the daytime.

Answer 6

I would advise to chose hamsters over gerbils. We have had pretty good luck with hamsters, but the gerbil we bought destroys everthing in his cage. The lady at petsmart sez that they get bored and become destructive. He has eaten numerous gerbil-toys, water bottles, food bowls, and basically anthing in his cage that is chewable, including an expensive plastic cage. Hamsters can have attitudes, but they don't do as much physical damage.

Answer 7

Well one tiny robo isn't gonna smell as bad as 2 gerbils do, but honestly neither of them do smell so long as their cage is kept clean. Also, robos prefer to live in groups. I guess gerbils are slightly easier to tame, but both are really fun to watch. Smell really shouldn't factor into the choice, do some more research on both of them before you make a choice.

Answer 8

get two same sex gerbils at the store. two hamsters will eventually fight and have to be kept separately. hamsters are cuter but gerbils are better pets i think.

Answer 9

I like Hamsters! Gerbils have those ratty tails, hamsters dont!

Answer 10

I've never had a gerbil, but hamsters are crabby and they bite. IMO, rats are the best rodent pet.