Whether it’s the furry body or their enthusiasm for running around, gerbils and mice are two popular pets that have captivated owners of all ages for many years.
But there’s more to consider than just their popularity when making a decision about which pet is right for you.
It pays to understand the key differences between a gerbil and a mouse, such as lifespan, needs, behaviors, and cost.
Both may look appealing from the outside but what lies beneath can have drastic effects on your decisions when it comes to picking the best pet solution for you.
Table of Contents
Comparing a Gerbil and a Mouse
Gerbils and mice are small rodents that share many similarities.
Both species have a long tail, small ears, and four legs.
Gerbils are native to Mongolia and China, while mice are found all over the world.
Gerbils have hair on their tails and dig deep burrows in the wild, while mice do not have hair on their tails and prefer to live in dark places like walls or cabinets.
Gerbils tend to be more active than mice and enjoy running on wheels or playing with toys. Mice are more sociable than gerbils and prefer living in pairs or groups.
The Main Differences between a Gerbil and a Mouse
Appearance:
Gerbils have a more slender body shape than mice, with longer hind legs that allow them to stand upright.
They usually have a light brown coloration with white or cream-colored bellies and dark patches on their backs.
Mice tend to be darker in color, ranging from gray to black, and they lack the long hind legs of gerbils, so they don’t stand up as often.
Lifespan:
Mice typically live for 1-3 years while gerbils can live up to 4 years. This is something to consider when choosing a pet based on lifespan.
Nocturnal vs Diurnal:
Mice are nocturnal animals which means they are active at night and sleep during the day, while gerbils are diurnal animals which means they’re active during the day and sleep at night.
Noise Level:
Gerbils are generally quiet animals compared to mice, rats, and hamsters and produce a wide range of sounds.
Distribution:
Gerbils and mice are both small rodents that can be found in a variety of habitats around the world. Gerbils are native to Mongolia and China, while mice are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Gerbils typically inhabit deserts, grasslands, and scrublands, while mice prefer more temperate climates such as forests, meadows, and agricultural areas.
Both species have adapted to living in close proximity to humans and can be found in urban areas as well.
Burrows:
Gerbils and mice are both small rodents that enjoy burrowing, but there are some key differences in the way they construct and use their burrows.
Gerbils tend to build complex burrow systems with multiple tunnels and chambers, while mice typically create simpler tunnel systems.
Additionally, gerbils use their burrows for nesting and sleeping, while mice may use them as a refuge from predators or to store food.
Gerbils also tend to be more active than mice when it comes to burrowing behavior.
They often change their burrow system from day to day, digging new tunnels and abandoning old ones. This activity is beneficial for gerbil health as it provides exercise and mental stimulation.
Mice, on the other hand, usually don’t make any changes to their burrows once they have been established.
Overall, gerbils and mice have different approaches when it comes to constructing and using their burrows.
While both species enjoy digging tunnels in the ground, gerbils tend to be more active in this regard and build more complex systems with multiple chambers for nesting or sleeping.
Colors and breeding:
Gerbils and mice come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them popular pets for people who want to customize their look.
Gerbils are typically brown, tan, or white with black markings, while mice can be grey, white, black, or even spotted.
Breeding characteristics between the two species also differ; gerbils are social animals that prefer to live in pairs or small groups and will often groom each other.
Mice on the other hand are solitary creatures and do not usually interact with one another outside of mating.
When it comes to breeding, gerbils have a gestation period of about 24 days and can produce up to eight pups per litter.
Mice have a slightly longer gestation period of around three weeks and can produce up to twelve pups per litter.
Both species require plenty of food and water during pregnancy as well as a safe environment for their young to thrive in.
Usage in research:
Gerbils and mice are both widely used in research due to their small size, low cost, and short lifespan.
They are also relatively easy to handle and breed in captivity. Gerbils have a number of unique physiological attributes that make them particularly well-suited for certain types of research.
For example, gerbils are susceptible to bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens that affect humans and other mammals, making them ideal for studying infectious diseases.
Gerbils have been found to be able to resolve frequencies below 1 kilohertz better than mice, making them useful for studying hearing loss or auditory processing disorders.
Mice are often preferred for research involving genetic analysis because they have a larger genome than gerbils.
They can also be used in studies of structural changes that occur in bones due to aging or disease processes.
Mice can be bred with specific genetic mutations that allow researchers to study the effects of those mutations on behavior or physiology.
Overall, both gerbils and mice offer unique advantages when it comes to laboratory animal research.
By understanding the differences between these two species, researchers can choose the best model organism for their particular study.
Can Gerbils and Mice Live Together?
It is not recommended to keep gerbils and mice together as pets for several reasons.
Gerbils and mice are both rodents, but they are sufficiently different that they cannot breed. Gerbils are larger in size than mice and can become aggressive toward them.
Mice are also very clean animals and tend to get sick more easily because gerbils can be quite messy with their excretions.
The two species have different needs when it comes to diet, environment, and activity levels. If housed together, the gerbil may bully or even kill the mouse due to its territorial nature.
The potential dangers of attempting to house gerbils and mice together include injury or death of one or both animals due to aggression or bullying.
The mouse may also become ill due to exposure to the gerbil’s excretions or lack of proper nutrition if it is unable to compete with the gerbil for food.
For these reasons, it is best not to attempt to house gerbils and mice together as pets.
Does a Mouse or a Gerbil Make a Better Pet?
Gerbils and mice are both popular small pets, but when it comes to companionship, there are some key differences.
Gerbils are more social animals than mice and enjoy interacting with their owners. They can be trained to recognize their owners and will often come to the front of the cage when they hear a familiar voice.
Gerbils also do well in pairs or small groups, making them great for families who want to keep multiple pets together.
Mice, on the other hand, tend to be more independent and prefer not to be handled too much.
They can become stressed if handled too much, so it’s important not to overstimulate them.
Mice also do better in pairs or small groups than gerbils do, as they need companionship from other mice.
Overall, gerbils make better companions than mice due to their sociable nature and ability to bond with their owners.
Both species can make great pets if given the right amount of care and attention.
Entertainment:
Gerbils and mice are both popular small animals that make great pets, but there are some key differences between the two.
When it comes to activity levels, gerbils tend to be more active than mice.
They love to explore their environment and need plenty of stimulation in order to stay healthy.
Mice, on the other hand, are less active and don’t require as much stimulation as gerbils do.
Another difference between gerbils and mice is that gerbils enjoy human companionship and can be trained to respond to their owners.
Mice, however, mostly just like being around other mice.
Overall, both gerbils and mice make great pets for people of all ages but it’s important to know the differences between the two before making a decision about which one is right for you.
Gerbils need more stimulation and attention than mice do so if you’re looking for an animal that will interact with you more often then a gerbil might be a better choice.
Care:
Gerbils and mice are both small, furry rodents that make great pets. They require a certain level of care to ensure their health and well-being.
When it comes to feeding, gerbils and mice should be given a diet of pelleted food, supplemented with small amounts of grain, vegetables, fruits, hay, and fresh water daily.
It is important to keep the food dish three-quarters full at all times. Cleaning is also an important part of caring for gerbils and mice.
The bedding should be removed daily along with droppings and stale food. Water and food bowls should also be cleaned daily as they rely heavily on scent cues.
The cage should be fully cleaned every two or three weeks depending on how many gerbils you have and how quickly it gets dirty.
Finally, medical needs must also be taken into consideration when caring for gerbils or mice. Regular check-ups with a vet are recommended in order to identify any potential health issues early on.
If your pet becomes injured or ill then immediate veterinary attention is necessary in order to provide the best care possible. Overall, gerbils and mice require a certain level of care in order to remain healthy and happy pets.
This includes providing them with a balanced diet, cleaning their cage regularly, and seeking veterinary attention when needed.
Lifespan:
Gerbils have an average lifespan of 3-4 years, with some living up to 8 years. Wild gerbils usually only live 2-3 years due to the dangers they face in the wild.
To ensure your pet gerbil lives a long life, it’s important to provide them with proper nutrition, exercise, and a clean environment.
Keeping gerbils together can help them live longer as they are social animals and thrive in pairs or small groups.
Mice also have a relatively short lifespan compared to other pets, usually living 1-2 years on average. However, some mice can live up to 4 years with proper care.
Just like gerbils, providing your mouse with good nutrition and a clean environment is essential for their well-being and longevity.
Overall, gerbils and mice make great pets but their lifespans are much shorter than other animals such as cats or dogs.
It’s important to be aware of this before adopting one of these small creatures so you can be prepared for when the time comes that you must say goodbye.
Overall, both gerbils and mice make great pets for people of all ages. Gerbils need more stimulation and attention than mice do but they also enjoy human companionship and can be trained to respond to their owners.
Mice are less active overall but still require a certain level of care in order to remain healthy, such as providing them with a balanced diet, cleaning their cage regularly, and seeking veterinary attention when needed.
The average lifespan of gerbils is 3-4 years while the average life span of mice is 1-2 years.
Ultimately, which species makes a better pet depends on your lifestyle and how much time you have available for caring for your furry friend.
Conclusion: Gerbil vs Mouse
Gerbils and mice are both small, furry rodents that make great pets.
They have many similarities in terms of their dietary needs and requirements for care; both should be given a diet of pelleted food supplemented with small amounts of grain, vegetables, fruits, hay, and fresh water daily, and their cages should be cleaned regularly.
When it comes to choosing the right pet for your home, it’s important to understand the differences between gerbils and mice.
They may look similar, but they have distinct needs and personalities that make them either a better or worse fit for certain homes.
Gerbils are social animals that require more stimulation, attention, and physical.
We would like to invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences about Mongolian gerbils and mice as pets.
Having a small pet can be rewarding, but it’s important to understand the needs and personalities of each species before making a commitment.
Whether you have had success with a gerbil or mouse, or have encountered challenges along the way, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading this article we hope it has helped provide some useful information on the differences between gerbils and mice as pets. Happy pet-owning! 🙂
FAQ
Is a Gerbil a Rat?
Are gerbils and rats the same? The answer is no. Gerbils and rats are both rodents, but they are not the same species. While they share some similarities, there are also many differences between them.
Gerbils are smaller than rats, with an average size of between 60g to 100g compared to 350g to 650g for fancy rats.
Gerbils have a more slender body shape while rats have a more rounded body shape. Gerbils also have longer tails than rats, which can be up to twice as long as their bodies.
In terms of behavior, gerbils tend to be more active and social than rats. They love to explore their environment and can often be seen running around in circles or playing with toys.
Rats on the other hand tend to be more clingy and prefer spending time with their owners rather than exploring their environment.
Are Gerbils Rodents?
The answer is yes! Gerbils are members of the rodent group, alongside other pets such as mice and rats. Rodents are a group of mammals of varying sizes, ranging from small to large.
Gerbils belong to the subfamily Gerbillinae which includes other species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents such as sand rats and jirds.
They have several unique anatomical and physiological features that make them different from other rodents like rats and mice. For instance, mature gerbils are smaller than rats but larger than mice.
Gerbils are also very intelligent animals and they can be kept as pets in many households around the world. They don’t usually bite unless they feel threatened or scared.
In conclusion, gerbils are definitely part of the rodent family and they have many unique characteristics that make them stand out from other animals in this group.
Sources:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – Gerbils
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – Mice
- PetSmart – Gerbil Care
- PetSmart – Mouse Care
- Petco – Gerbil Care Sheet
- Petco – Mouse Care Sheet
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Mice
- Wikipedia – Gerbil
- Wikipedia – Mouse
- University of Michigan – Gerbil Information
