What are the differences between a hamster and a gerbil?

Answer by  CarolynOsborne (2804)

Both hamsters and gerbils are rodents, but they are different. Hamsters are larger than gerbils while gerbils have a long tail versus the stubby hamster tail. Hamsters also have large pouches in their mouths to carry food. In the wild, gerbils are desert animals who tend to be active during the day, while hamsters are active in the early evening.

Answer by  cutiebee15hotmailcom (129)

The obvious difference is that a gerbil has a long tail and a hampster has a very short stubby tail. Gerbils are usually smaller in size almost like a mouse, hampsters are slightly bigger and fatter.

Answer by  wespeaslee (14)

The difference between hamsters and gerbils are hamsters are nocturnal and gerbils are diumal. Gerbils also like to be in groups unlike the hamster.

Answer by  rube26105 (379)

well, hamsters are smaller that gerbils and are alot more nicer from my experience with them over the years,whiuch isa good 30 some years by the way. gerbils tend to be bigger and more crabber and like to bite ya mre than haspster do.Id pick a hampster over a gerbil over a pet any day of the week

Answer by  djalexis (176)

Their outward appearance is actually quite different. The gerbil has a long tail, and is typically much larger. The hamster's tail is really more of a fuzzy little stub. A character difference is hamsters just like to slightly burrow, and prefer their tunnels pre-made. The gerbil can't live in hamster housing, as they like to make their own tunnels.

Answer by  Jessie124 (1885)

Gerbils are more hyper, plus they are smaller and they like to have company. Always have two because they like to socialize. Hamsters are more solitary and laid back.

Answer by  tamkees (3203)

Gerbils have a tail and a more rodent-like overall appearance. They are diurnal, tend to be more energetic and are more social. Single gerbils can get very lonely and do better with a companion. Hamsters are slightly more likely to bite, do better alone and are nocturnal.