Gerbils and hamsters are both small rodents often kept as pets, but there are some key differences between the two animals:
-
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.
-
Tail: Gerbils have long, thin tails compared to hamsters, which have short, stubby tails.
-
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.
-
Activity levels: Gerbils are known to be more active and energetic than hamsters, often running on wheels and exploring their environment more actively.
-
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.