Hamster / Gerbil

Fun and friendly, hamsters and gerbils are easy to care for. Often chosen as pets for children, they are both of a similar size, although hamsters tend to be slightly larger – unless you have the tiny dwarf variety, which isn’t recommended for kids, as they run too fast to be handled.

Hamsters are naturally nocturnal, while gerbils tend to be awake during the day.

In the wild, gerbils are community animals, so it’s better to keep two of the same sex together for company. Hamsters tend to be solitary creatures, so keeping two together is not recommended, as they may fight.

Treat your hamster or gerbil to a tasty food mix that will help maintain their good health. Add treats, such as mineral licks, vitamin drops and natural hay snacks, to ensure a balanced diet.