Hamsters and gerbils each have their unique advantages, and choosing which one to keep as a pet depends on an individual's needs and preferences.
Hamsters, especially dwarf hamsters and Syrian hamsters, are small mammals. They are small in size, inexpensive, and easy to care for. They can usually fit in the palm of your hand and are very suitable as pets. Hamsters have short and thick tails and a small body size, which makes them very suitable for living in a smaller space. The lifespan of hamsters is usually 2 to 3 years, but through good care and diet, their lifespan can reach more than 4 years. Hamsters have a mild temperament. Although they may bite due to fear, illness, or rough handling, through frequent handling, they can become tame.
Gerbils, especially Mongolian gerbils, are another popular pet. They are native to desert areas in Africa and Asia, so they have special physiological mechanisms to adapt to dry environments. Their excreted urine and feces are concentrated to save water. Gerbils need a larger living space and a dry environment because they are active and will stand and jump. Gerbils have a longer tail and are highly social, needing companions to play and groom with. The average lifespan of gerbils is 2 to 3 years, but under ideal conditions, they can live up to 8 years. Gerbils are relatively friendly to humans and are not easy to bite, making them very good beginner pets.
When choosing a pet, considering the following points may be helpful:
Space requirements: If you have enough space to provide a larger cage for gerbils, then gerbils may be a better choice because they need more activity space. Hamsters are more suitable for environments with limited space.
Difficulty of care: Both hamsters and gerbils need a proper diet and a clean environment. Because of their social nature, gerbils may need more attention and companions, while hamsters may be more suitable for living alone.
Time and energy: If you have enough time and energy to take care of the special needs of pets, then both hamsters and gerbils can be good pets.
In general, if you are looking for a mild, easy-to-care-for pet that doesn't require too much space, hamsters may be more suitable for you. If you have more time and resources to provide a dry, spacious environment and companions for gerbils, then gerbils may be a better choice.