hamster or gerbil

[algor]

My dd wants a small rodent pet for her birthday, my dh insists gerbils make better pets whereas my friend insists hamsters are superior. My dd cant decide. I have no knowledge of either so please help and tell me the pros and cons of both!

thanks.

I would say hamsters are more cuddly. The gerbils I ve come in contact all seemed a bit skittish, but okay if you just wanted to watch them. All our hamsters used to get passed along for a cuddle at telly time, then go for a little ramble along tbe back of the sofa. Love watching them stuff food into their pouches too. I feel hamsters are more interactive, and become mini family members.

We've had many of both over the years, but hamsters get my vote every time - they're much calmer and easier to handle. Cuter too!

Think the idea that hamsters are more calm and good to handle may swing it. thanks

Definitely hamsters. Important to handle them a lot from the start. I think that male hamsters are meant to be more docile. Gerbils are more like wild animals, and too small.

gerbils aren't cuddly, too fast! We chose them over hamsters though as they smell less, need cleaning out less and make less noise.