Is a Gerbil better than a Hamster?

Question

I want to buy a gerbil or a hamster. Which one is cheaper? Which one is better??

Answer 1

In my opinion, neither one is better than the other. I have two gerbils, and I love them to pieces. They're wonderful, and I wouldn't trade them in for any other pet. Hamsters can be great pets, too. It all comes down to what you're looking for in a pet.

Gerbils are social and should be kept in same s*x pairs. Please keep this in mind if you decide on a gerbil. Lone gerbils tend to live shorter, less healthy lives. Gerbils are awake throughout the day and night. They love digging and chewing, so the ideal housing for them is a large tank with a mesh lid for them to run around and play in. For a pair, I'd recommend a 15-20 gallon tank. 10 gallons is okay, but not ideal. You'll find that after you add things to the tank, there isn't much room for them to run around. They're active and curious. They'd much rather run around than be held. They're NOT cuddly. They are entertaining, though, and are handleable.

Syrian hamsters are solitary animals, meaning only ONE per cage. Dwarf hamsters are more social and can be kept in same s*x pairs if they're from the same litter and gotten at the same time. Syrian hamsters tend to be easy to tame. Once tamed, they stay that way. Dwarf hamsters tend to be more nippy, but they can be tamed. They're more for watching than handling. Hamsters tend to be nocturnal.

Both can be great pets. It's really up to you to research and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle, the care you can provide, and what you're looking for in a pet. If you'd like more information, feel free to e-mail me. I'd be happy to help answer them.

Answer 2

Gerbils are better

1. they are diurnal, and so are awake in the day and at night

2. they are tame from day 1 (I have kept many gerbils, all have been very tame)

3. More fun than a Hamster (I have also kept Hamsters..... only had 1 tame one, only awake at night)

4. You can have 2, 3 or 4 gerbils all living together.  Hamsters are solitary, except the dwarf ones, which do not like to be handled.

Answer 3

there both good it's really up to you what you want

Answer 4

well, do you go to school? if so, i would buy a hamster. they are nocturnal so they would wake up a few hours after you come home. here is a link to hamster info.

http://www.hamster-club.com/

Answer 5

I think hamsters are better but I never had a gerbil.  

Answer 6

There are about the same price,

If your getting a gerbil it will need to be keep in a same s*x pair

Gerbil are the less smell of all robents

Answer 7

Hamsters and Gerbils are very different creatures and it depends on what you are looking for in a pet.

Gerbils:

fast

not cuddly

awake throughout times in the day and night

active

playful

escape artists when they feel like it

Hamsters:

Cuddly and love to play with you

nocturnal so won't wake until evening times

occasionally up in the mornings and early afternoons

typically won't escape as fast as a gerbil but always close the cage door.

Playful at times

Answer 8

If you loved it that much you really wouldn't care.I have had 2 other hamsters and my new one is great.There only 8 pounds!Gerbils are lovely too,ive had 2 of them aswell.But syrian hamsters are the most friendly and charming.Gerbils and Hamsters are not toys,their animals.The thing is,Their both hard work to care for like all animals.You have to be responsible and clean it out reguarly.If you've never had a rodent,read up on both gerbils and hammys and decide which one you'd give more of a commitment.Also when you buy a rodent,leave it 2 or 3 days so it can adjust to it cage before picking it up or touching it,unless you want to get bitten of course,and the bit realllly hurt!

Answer 9

yess! Gerbils are cutier then hamsters! If you get the homecoming kit then gerbils are 3.99 each.