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What's the difference between a gerbil and a hamster?

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Gerbils and hamsters are both small rodents often kept as pets, but there are some key differences between the two animals:

  1. Size: Gerbils are generally larger than hamsters, with gerbils typically measuring around 4-6 inches in length, while hamsters are usually about 2-4 inches long.

  2. Tail: Gerbils have long, thin tails compared to hamsters, which have short, stubby tails.

  3. Social behavior: Gerbils are social animals and do well when kept in pairs or groups, while hamsters are more solitary creatures and are usually best kept alone.

  4. Activity levels: Gerbils are known to be more active and energetic than hamsters, often running on wheels and exploring their environment more actively.

  5. Lifespan: Gerbils generally have a longer lifespan than hamsters, with gerbils living around 2-4 years and hamsters typically living 1.5-2.5 years.

Overall, while gerbils and hamsters may look similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in terms of size, social behavior, activity levels, and lifespan.

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