Why gerbils??
You’ve stumbled across my site and if you aren’t familiar with gerbils, you are probably asking “why gerbils?” Well I could spend a long time answering that questions, but I’ll try to keep it short. :)
Gerbils, are one of the most friendliest, sociable, bite size, smartest, most curious, un-smelliest, cutest, most charming rodents you can get. Not to mention all that and more when you’re comparing them to other pets! A gerbil could very well indeed be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made when it comes to choosing a pet!
Gerbil in the ring;
Gerbil VS. Hamster-
Hamsters, while very popular and adorable with their puffy little cheeks, aren’t always child friendly, or for that matter, just friendly in general. They tend to bite, hide, prefer to live alone, and only come out to play at night. Gerbil is far less inclined to bite (especially one hand tamed and purchased from a breeder), very curious, social among their species (though they do need special introductions! Please do not just plop an adult gerbil into another gerbil’s cage without researching the proper way to introduce them!), and are diurnal, meaning they are up during both day and night, taking short naps in between. I have found that most gerbils tend to change their schedules to match their owner’s schedule (up when you’re up, asleep when you’re asleep or gone, etc. ).
Gerbil VS. Mouse-
Mice tend to creep most people out. I think they are adorable, and wouldn’t mind owning 2 or 3 (if my parents would allow it). Mice are another one of those pets who are best seen and not played with. While some mice can be very friendly and social (not to mention smart!) other mice tend to be a lot like goldfish- MUCH happier in their cage/tank! I’ve also heard that mice can be escape artists, causing a lot of damage when they are out, and nearly impossible to capture again!
Gerbil VS. Rat-
Some of you are appalled, I’m sure, as to why on earth anyone would want a pet rat! Well, for many reasons- They are adorable (but I’m sure that’s not many people’s opinions), very smart, and bond very closely with their masters. They are lazier than gerbils, and are happy sitting in your hoodie pocket for hours at a time. I’ve heard of many people who bring their rats to school, and their rats are perfectly okay with it, and they never get caught. Now, I don’t advise this, of course (but it sounds like something I would have attempted, had I owned a rat) but just goes to show you their laid back nature. Gerbils are more active, and there’s no way you could bring your gerbil to school in your hoodie and not get caught, as they are constantly looking for new places to explore, and move about rather fast-like. Really, either a rat or a gerbil are the most appealing of the rodent family to me. Rats can be a little more expensive to take care of and provide for though (bigger cage, more bedding) and they do stink a lot more than gerbils. Actually, rats pretty much reak. So really, choosing between rats or gerbils (both are social and do best living with a buddy of their own kind) depends on personal preference (and of those who live with you, for example- I am perfectly okay with rats, my mother, not so much).
Gerbil VS. Guinea Pig
Ah, the adorable guinea pig! While very cute and fat, the guinea pig is not the most social, nor the cheapest pet to own. Your child may be disappointed upon bringing his new guinea pig home, that his guinea pig is so hostile to him, and would much rather be alone. Guinea pigs are another social animal, and do best in pairs as well. Guinea pigs usually range about 25-30 bucks a piece, which is almost 60 for two. Then you have the cage, and to get a proper cage (a C&C cage) you would have to spend quite a bit, do quite a bit of exploring to find all the materials, and then spend a lot of time putting it together, and then buy everything else. Usually spending about $150 on everything (piggies included) if you’re lucky. I’ve wanted guinea pigs in the past, and after doing a LOT of research, I came to the conclusion that gerbils are much more for me. It’s also rumored that guinea pigs can stink, quite a bit. But, once again, probably a matter of personal preference.
Overall, the gerbil is a very hardy, healthy, fun, adorable, cheap, amusing pet. I’ve only begun to cover the basis of the gerbil, and I do hope that you will do some more research on whether or not gerbils would be right for you and your family!