is a hamster or a gerbil a better pet?

Question

i need to know because i want to get one but i am not sure which thanx

Answer 1

I have had few of both and to be perfectly honest, I prefer rats much more than either. Males specifically, as they are more personable. Mine all learn there names and come when called. I teach them little tricks too. I just find them to be way more interactive than gerbils or hamsters which only seem to tolerate being handled. The only drawback is the really need to be in a pairs since they are very social. I have 3 awsome hairless ratties snuggled up asleep on my lap while I play on the computer right now

Answer 2

I own over 100 hamsters and around 40 gerbils so I'll be happy to tell what I've observed as differences between the two. To pick one over the other is hard. It really depends on what you're looking for in 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, they like to keep moving. Gerbils do best if kept in same sex pairs so if you decide on a gerbil, get a pair from the same tank.

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. Syrian hamsters are incorrectly called "Teddy Bears", "Panda Bears", "Black Bears", etc. to get more money for them, though they are all the same hamster! (It would be like calling a blonde haired girl a different species than a brown haired girl). 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.

While there's the arguement that hamsters are nocturnal (sleep during the day) and gerbils are diurnal (sleep and awake around the clock), I've never had a problem waking any of my hamsters up to play with during the day. As far as the smell goes, if you don't change the cage once a week, either will smell.

I suggest 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. On top of that, believe it or not, getting one from a breeder will be cheaper! I purchased my gerbils from breeders for $2.50-$7 and the most I've ever seen a hamster breeder sell their hamsters for are $10. I've paid $26 for a hamster from Petsmart before! A breeder will have the experience to answer specific questions you may have.

Just do an internet search and you'll easily be able to find breeders near you.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 3

Hamsters are nocturnal which means they're asleep for most of the day and they run on their wheels at night (which can drive some light sleepers crazy). If you try and wake them up during the day, they may get grumpy and bite you.

Syrian hamsters are solitary animals, coming together only to mate so you should only keep one. Syrian hamsters are slower and easier for kids to manage but the dwarf hamsters will forever move as though they're had way too much coffee.

Gerbils are diurnal (active during the day) so they're more fun to look at. They are social animals (but only one female in a whole group - they're the dominant gender) so you can keep a whole group of males together and watch them interact and build nests.(You'll only understand this if you put cardbox boxes an materials in their cage. They'll chew holes and create tunnels in no time!)

Gerbils also have very interesting habits. They'd all stand on their hind legs to look at danger and even make little thumping sounds with their big feet if they sense danger.

Gerbils are faster than Syrian hamsters but they do not have that offensive rodent pee smell. In fact, it smells like dry grass, which is great for us all..

I've had both of them before but gerbils are my personal favourites. Either way, both the hamster and gerbil make great pets. Good luck!!

Answer 4

ive had both, hamsters are lazy an gerbils aren't. so ask yourself do you want an active pet or one that doesn't move... with gerbil it was always fun to put things into there cage an watch them investigate an see how smart they were an just watch them... my hamster wouldn't move unless you took him out of the cage , then he would just walk around a little

Answer 5

hamsters bite. I don't know much about gerbils. Maybe look into getting a rat, they are awesome pets.

Answer 6

I think a hamster is a better pet because they don't smell as much. Actually, I'm not sure if this is accurate, but oh well. I don't know what else to say.

Answer 7

i like gerbils. i wouldn't get a male gerbil. though, i don't think you can get females anymore. makes me pretty sad.

Answer 8

gerbils are very clean and bite less

Answer 9

Hamster. Less odor, less clean-up, and they're cuter!

Answer 10

hampsters are calmer and more even tempered than gerbils