Are Dwarf Hamsters and Gerbils Omnivores or Herbivores?

Question

answers needed for science fair project and cant find definitive answers online elsewhere. Also do Gerbils prefer being single or colony living?

Answer 1

I think they're omnivores... when i was 7 my hamster ate it's babies

Answer 2

Pet gerbils usually are not fed meat or meat products, but you can give them crickets or meal worms, for extra protein if you like. Some gerbils will hunt and consume these others will look at you as though you've gone nuts.

Gerbils are definitely social animals and do well in pairs. They need to be raised together, introduced as babies, or introduced as adults carefully and gradually with a "split cage". http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/adopt.html#split

Dwarf hamsters can also live in pairs as long as you get two sisters or two brothers from the same litter.

Answer 3

In the wild / natural environment, they are omnivores as they eat small grubs, insects, eggs etc. As pets, most people prefer to keep them to a diet which then classifies them as herbivores.

Gerbils prefer to live in colonies that consist of their 'immediate' family. A lot of inbreeding occurs between gerbils. It is very rare for gerbils, of the same species but from different litters to mate and live together.