Gerbils and hamsters are so common. Have you seen their tiny faces or these pin-size critters in motion?

On the surface, they have a range of similarities, including ever-growing incisor teeth, short claws that give them the pleasure to dig and burrow, and a protein craving with additional nuts, fruit, and vegetables.

So let's examine what renders each of these animals unique and what suits your household and lifestyle best.

Physical Variations

The hamster is short and has a stubby tail, a short nose or snout, and short, sturdy legs. On their short legs, hamsters have a preferred plodding waddle while moving.

Gerbils are typically longer than hamsters. They have longer, pointing, rat-like noses, long hind legs, and longer tails. They enjoy standing.

Another vital difference is the spacious inner cheek pouches of the hamster. This is where small hoarders stuff food and take it to their handmade underground storage holes.

Hamsters have expansive cheek pouches where food can be kept, but gerbils don't. Some claim that the cheeks of hamsters are double the diameter of their heads! 

Size of the animal

Size is essential if you have little ones, for those little hands will hold on to a bigger animal securely better than a smaller one.

The typical gerbil ranges from 3 to 4 inches and weighs 2 to 4 ounces per adult, with an average of 5 to 6 cm long.

The most popular pet hamsters vary from dwarfs of between 2 and 4 inches (about 1.5 oz) to Syrian hamsters, measuring between 5 and 7 inches long and weighing between 4 and 8 oz.

Color Variations of hamsters and gerbils

Hamsters and gerbils have various colors. Hamsters can vary in texture and pattern.

They have short or long hair in several colors including white, cinnamon, brown, gray, and black. Most hamster fur can be satin sheen, while others can be wavy.

Some are adorned in the center of their backs with a black strap, and others have white fur. Even though male long-hair is much longer and fluffy, both species are long-hairy. There's also a hairless choice if you're not a lover of fur. The gerbil's fluffy, thick fur comes in a diverse spectrum of colors, ranging from 40 to 50.

Many of the gerbil varieties have dark marks on their heads, and a few develop spots of white or buff furs behind their ears. "Underpants" vary from green, tan, brown, and reddish-brown to white and gray. Hamsters have long tails, typically the same color as the gerbil. They are both wrapped with fur, resulting in a brushy tuft like a paintbrush.

Behavioral Differences

The attachment of a pet to the family may be a crucial aspect of choice. Gerbil owners consider them sensible, adventurous, and energetic creatures.

They like observing all you do and love being left in rooms with the most activities. They can also amuse themselves by digging, rattling, and shredding nesting equipment.

It is essential to monitor them out of their cages since gerbils leap and climb. They do not care if you wake them up and are still primed for action. They make fascinating burrows and waste a lot of time re-arranging the 'chambers' in their shelter if given adequate bedding.

Particularly at night, hamsters may take considerable time constructing their habitat before sleeping. Hamsters love to make discoveries at night, so early morning and in the evening. Experts believe that is the perfect time for interaction and communication.

Their owners should guard against shocking or awakening them early, as they might be very grumpy. Hamsters also love building burrows with chambers to nest and store their food crops while they are busy.

Gerbil

The Teeth

Unless they are attacked or afraid, hamsters don't bite. If you have a delicious fragrance on your hands, they may try to taste them, so washing your hands is a terrific idea before holding or touching them. Gerbils that are appropriately raised, especially during the crucial ages ranging from 18 to 35 days, never bite or nip.

Maintenance

Both gerbils and hamsters require a tidy, well-ventilated shelter with an extensive floor, lots of nesting bedding, a bottle of water, toys to chew, and a workout wheel. Experts believe that an 8-inch wheel is the best size to help them work out.

For the cage, use at least five tons of aquatic tanks enclosed by a mesh lid because gerbils can chew on anything (and to eat it). Since gerbils create very little urine with tiny hard pellets, you need to clean the tank each fortnight and adjust.

For hamsters, the unbroken floor area should be at least 3 meters long. For the cage, the nest can be surface cleaned, and a complete clean-up should only occur 4 to 5 weeks at a time.

Meals

Hamster and gerbil proteins differ throughout their diet of greens, berries, and nuts. A combination of 18 to 23% of proteins is the recommended diet for hamsters.

Also, poultry products may be consumed by hamsters. Few gerbil owners incorporate crickets and mealworms into their pets' feeds. Check for 14-15% protein and a combination of grain forms in commercial foods.

Lifespan

Sadly, the two animals do not live for too long. The lifespan of hamsters is two years, while the lifespan of gerbils is three.

Also, the two animals may age over four years old, although it is uncommon. You can only have a couple of years with your hamster or gerbil, but watching over these little animals is a fun activity for the coming years.

Other Questions

Are Gerbils More Friendly Than Hamsters?

Since gerbils are not active at night or diurnal, they are closely linked to human behaviors and recognize household routines.

These two animals need to be engaged and controlled regularly. Their social nature is a significant contrast to those common animal rodents.

Most hamsters like fighting to death because they are solitary and protective. Conversely, dwarf hamsters, which are usually born and bred together, successfully and happily live together so long as they have many bottles of water, covers, exercise wheels, and chew toys.

This offers them the ability to interact but still get out to have some moments alone. It delights hamsters to be carried, but only for a couple of minutes.

How Often Should You Play With Your Gerbil?

Gerbils are excellent companions, but they need your care every day like all species. Two times a day, take about 10 minutes to play with them and let them also play alone, at least for 25 minutes in a playpen twice a week.

Let the gerbil identify with you. A deliberate and incremental discovery of the gerbil's mannerisms allows the gerbil to familiarize itself with the movements of its master. 

Sit by the cage or walk about quietly, so the gerbil will capture your appearances and speech. Keep hoping it doesn't bite or scratch you. Avoid pushing your hand into its cage or grab it unexpectedly in the early connecting processes.

Don't take it by the tail—it hates that. Instead, let the gerbil choose to know you, come closer to you, trust you, and make your feel and scent known. Ensure your gerbil works out thrice a week for about an hour each.

Should I Cover My Gerbil's Cage At Night?

Apart from a bird's cage, it doesn't help to cover a gerbil cage at night while it sleeps. Gerbils are active day and night, so the darkness does not serve as a sign to sleep.

The gerbilarium can help to muffle any noise from inside. It will make the night better.

For your gerbil's enclosure, use a towel or blanket. Leave a small space so that airflow becomes possible. Instead of a rough board, it may help to put a gerbilarium on a carpet or rug. There's not anything else to do when the gerbils are still too active. Gerbils are inherently active at night, after all, and that is their nature.