A gerbil is a small mammal of the subfamily Gerbillinae in the order Rodentia. Once known as desert rats, the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents, including sand rats and jirds, all of which are... Wikipedia
Gerbils and hamsters can be great pets, but they have some basic requirements that need to be fulfilled by their owners. Unlike some hamsters (such as those of the Syrian species), gerbils cannot be kept alone. They're very social animals who need the company of their own kind in order to be happy.
If you are not going to let them out to have a run around the floor it's cruel to keep Gerbils they are highly intelligent and love playing and exploring (unlike hamsters who are as thick as pig crap), they love company, they are not nocturnal or diurnal, they sleep at randon times and get up at random times.
Most gerbils will not bite, so you should not worry unnecessarily. However, if you are concerned about being bitten but want to interact with your gerbils, you can try wearing gloves the first few times you handle them. Their teeth are less likely to penetrate your skin if you are wearing gloves and they bite you.
Gerbils Vs Hamsters: The Conclusion
As you can see, both hamsters and gerbils have their specific strengths and weaknesses. It would be wrong to say that either pet is necessarily “better” than the other. Overall gerbils seem to offer rather more than hamsters, and so make for a rather more enjoyable pet.
A gerbil is a small mammal of the subfamily Gerbillinae in the order Rodentia. Once known as desert rats, the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents, including sand rats and jirds, all of which are adapted to arid habitats.
Mongolian gerbil · Pouched gerbil · Great gerbil · Indian gerbil
Family: Muridae
Order: Rodentia
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Mammalia
Sep 16, 2019 · Gerbils are hardy, easy to care for, and fun to watch. Learn the basics of caring for a pet gerbil and how to play with your special pet.
How to Tame a Pet Gerbil · Decoding Gerbil Behavior · Toys for Gerbils
Adult Size: Body is about 4 inches long, and the tail adds another 4 inches
Life Expectancy: 2 to 3 years on average, but they can live up to 8 years
Common Name: Mongolian Gerbil
Scientific Name: Meriones unguiculatus
Gerbils are wide, sleek rodents with large black or pinkish eyes. Their ears are wide and whiskers are quite dominant. The front paws are wide, but sensitive, ...
Gerbils are easy to look after, gentle, hardy and seldom bite, unless handled roughly. They make a great pet for older children who have mastered proper ...
During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping; healthy gerbils may or may not be running around. A listless gerbil could be ill or depressed, especially ...
These desert dwellers are native to several parts of the world. The gerbil type most commonly kept as a pet is the Mongolian Gerbil. Gerbils are available in a ...
Gerbils and hamsters are different species, and although some aspects of their care are similar, others vary quite a bit. Below we've listed some of the similarities ...