Differences Between Hamsters & Rats

Hamsters and rats belong to the largest group of mammals known as the Rodentia order. In addition to hamsters and rats, this diverse order includes beavers, porcupines, woodchucks, chipmunks, squirrels and prairie dogs to name a few. Members of this order of omnivores can spend their entire life span above or below ground. Although there are several similarities, hamsters and rats have very distinct differences in biology, life span, eating habits and reproduction.

  1. Hamsters: Biology &Diet

    • Worldwide, hamsters are pets and research animals. They weigh between about 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 ounces and are a bit more than 5 inches in length. Their eyes are small, ears large and tails short. Hamsters also have the ability to run backward. The hamster's diet includes seeds, nuts and insects such as ants, wasps and cockroaches. Hamsters don't eat everything at once. They store food in their cheek pouches so they don't run out.

    Hamsters: Reproduction

    • Hamsters will only ovulate when exposed to light for a long time. The female will continue giving birth every month if light is sufficient. Her average litter will be 10. Hamsters have a life span between one and a half and two years. They can live up to four years in captivity. However, hamsters are extremely territorial. A to Z Animals says a hamster will fight to the death if another hamster invades its space. The only time another hamster will be admitted is to mate.

    Rats: Biology &Diet

    • According to A to Z Animals, rats are considered pests and scavengers found mostly in rural and urban areas. Rats have large ears, large, sharp front teeth and tails longer than their bodies. They weigh between 2 1/2 and 10 1/2 ounces and can be 6 to nearly 9 inches long. They feed on fruit, grain, cereals, eggs and vegetation such as corn. They're considered a menace to farmers.

    Rats: Reproduction

    • Rats will reproduce anytime and anywhere all year. However, Animal Diversity says summer and autumn are the peak breeding seasons for rats. The average rat litter is eight. The life span of a rat is between two and five years. It can live up to one year in the wild and up to four years in captivity. Rats can live in groups or alone. Dominant males in a group mate more often than subordinate males.