Difference Between Hamsters & Gerbils

Both hamsters and gerbils are popular small pets. Both are rodents, both have similarly short life spans of a couple of years and both have teeth that never stop growing. But they do have lots of differences.

  1. Appearance

    • Hamsters have tiny tails.

      Gerbils have long, fur-covered tails that end in a small tuft. Hamsters only have tiny stubs for tails, naked of fur.

    Housing

    • According to the American Gerbil Society, gerbils should never be placed in plastic homes, even if the product is labeled as being good for gerbils. Gerbils will chew out of any plastic home while hamsters will not.

    Temperament

    • Hamsters need to live alone; although some dwarf hamsters will live with another, fights may still occur. Gerbils need to live among their own kind, or they may die.

    Stance

    • Gerbils have much longer hind legs than hamsters. Gerbils will often stand up, using the tail for balance. Hamsters will also sit up on the hind legs, but it takes a lot more effort.

    Legality

    • Although most species of pet hamsters are legal to own in most countries, states and provinces, Sue Fox, author of "Gerbils" (2006) states that gerbils are illegal in many places, including California.