Different types of pet rodent

shawniyatwain · 03-25-2016, 03:10 AM

Hi all
Don't know if anyone on here will be able to help me with this, I currently own one hamster and I live her as I do all my hammies I have had.
When it came to getting her I was seriously considering gerbils, I had looked into them a little before hand, but when I went into the shop one was so playful and funny I fell in love I decided against as I had no cage suitable and I didn't like the one the shop sold. Also I know where I am with hamster care and I know what to expect.
Just about my lifestyle as I know that could affect which are more suitable, I work 12 hour shifts both days and nights so not a proper routine and because of this there are the occasional days when my animals get no attention (of course feed and things). I also have a small dog, never payed attention to my hamsters as they are kept off the floor.

What I'm really saying is what are people's experiences with gerbils, rats and mice?

Jenibelle · 03-25-2016, 05:56 AM

I'm researching rats right now as well. Although I've never had them before, I would say they should probably be off the table for your situation. From what I've read, rats crave attention and form strong bonds with their caretakers.

shawniyatwain · 03-25-2016, 08:35 AM

Yeh I have found that, also the time people say they need to be out of the cage could be impractical, seems to be a lot more than hammies need.
Any experience with gerbils?

Jenibelle · 03-25-2016, 08:42 AM

No experience with gerbils or mice I'm afraid. I mean... the tiniest bit of experience working with them in an animal shelter, but not as an actual pet.

Other than hamsters, I only have first hand experience with guinea pigs.

WinnieTheHam · 03-25-2016, 09:17 AM

My experience with gerbils was terrible... although it was probably a one off. I got three, one ended up being female, she had two babies so I separated the boys from her. She somehow broke her leg completely off, and I was too late to save her. Then one of the babies died. Then one of the males decided to kill the other male... it wasn't a pleasant sight.

Other than my experience, in general, gerbils are lovely to watch and are quite hilarious too. The only problem is, is that they aren't really easy to handle, and are quite fast and jumpy compared to hamsters although it's still possible to handle them. (This is my experience through pets and the ones kept at college) They're lovely inquisitive animals.

shawniyatwain · 03-25-2016, 09:32 AM

Oh gosh that's sounds a bit horrific! That's the one this I'm worried about the speed but I could watch them play and dig for hours. Hmm difficult decision

Wisper · 03-25-2016, 10:15 AM

I have kept rats before and they are a lot of work, you get a lot out of the relationship but they are like keeping little dogs you end up getting very attached to them. They need a lot of space and I ended up spending lots on toys, hammocks and cage stuff.

Mice are a great option, more active in the daytime than hamsters and great fun to watch. You can keep them in groups just like rats but they don't need as much space or play time with you. I am probably going to get some mice as my next pets.

Afraid I don't know too much about gerbils, one of my house mates at university had two and they were interesting but do seem to prefer their own company with lots of opportunity to dig rather than wanting to be out playing with people.