Gerbil vs. degu for college student?

Question

i'm a college student looking for a pet to keep with me in the dorm. after having done some research on degus, gerbils and hamsters, i'm having trouble deciding which to get. i'm looking for an intelligent and inquisitive pet who enjoys being handled often and is clean with very little odor. i would love to hear opinions from people who have had experiences with any of the three. thanks!!

Answer 1

I would ignore the hamster option, personally. In comparison to the other two, they are hard to handle and sleep alot; they also smell more.

Degus need a large cage (a good size chinchilla/rat/ferret cage is your best bet). They are very smart and active, but you do need that space for them, since they are naturally throwing themselves around and overexcited.

Gerbils need a smaller cage or tank (I'd advise a tank with a 'cage topper') which doesn't take up too much space. They don't smell at all unless they get the runs- which is good you can smell it, because them getting it is really bad- and they love being handled as they are very curious animals.

Either are great animals, but degus require that bit more space which in a college dorm you may not have.

Answer 2

Degus are much more expensive than gerbils, and need a lot more space.

My opinion is a pair of same s*x gerbils- both animals need to be kept in pairs, since they are social by nature.

Degus seem to be more attracted to humans, but gerbils can be raised to be the same way.

Answer 3

If you're looking for an animal that enjoys handling, I'd exclude hamsters. They are more the "tolerates handling" type, and then only if you tame and handle them a lot.

Just remember that while hamsters should be kept solitary, both degus and gerbils /need/ same s*x companions. It's not fair to keep them alone as they are highly social.

More information on both:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/links/smal...

http://www.petinfopackets.com/degus/degu...

http://www.petinfopackets.com/links/smal...

Answer 4

I personally would go with Gerbils. I've had four myself and never had any problems with them. They like being handled little and often and don't require too much cleaning out- (every 2-3 weeks depending on cage size). They eat a small amount and as long as you get a pair, don't need constant attention, like a dog. They are very inquisitive and entertaining to watch. They will play for ages in cardboard boxes or tubes in their cage. Degu's require much more space and are more messy. Gerbils don't tend to smell-unless you leave them for monthes obviously-so i'd go with Gerbils =]

Answer 5

well ive experienced the gerbil and the hamster.

my friend used to have gerbils. cute animals!

my sister bought a hamster last year. he is very cute and intelligent. But the only negative thing about him is that he sounds a lot during night.