Do you have a pet at home? If so, what kind of pet do you have? There are all sorts of different kinds of animals that can be kept as pets, from dogs and cats to fish and reptiles. But did you know that there are also small mammals that can be kept as pets? Two popular types of small mammals that people keep as pets are guinea pigs and gerbils. So, which one should you get: a guinea pig or a gerbil?

What is the difference between guinea pigs and gerbils? Guinea pigs are stocky and ten inches long on average, whereas gerbils are smaller and only five inches long. Guinea pigs have no external tails, but a gerbil’s tail is half the length of its body. A gerbil’s ears and eyes are proportionally smaller than those of a guinea pig. They may be grey or brown in color with various patterns and designs.

Let’s take a look at the differences between these two types of animals to help you make your decision.

Guinea Pigs vs Gerbils: Key Differences

19 Key Differences between Guinea Pigs and Gerbils

Though guinea pigs and gerbils may look similar, there are a number of key differences between the two species.

Though they may seem similar at first glance, these 12 key differences demonstrate that guinea pigs and gerbils are actually quite different animals.

Appearance: Guinea Pigs vs Gerbils

One major difference between guinea pigs and gerbils is their appearance. Guinea pigs have round, plump bodies with short legs, while gerbils have long, skinny bodies with long hind legs.

This difference in body type is due to the fact that guinea pigs are built for grazing on grasses, while gerbils are better equipped for running and leaping.

Diet

Both guinea pigs and gerbils are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. However, their diet differs somewhat due to their different digestive systems.

Guinea pigs have a large, complicated stomach that ferments their food before it is digested. This means they need to eat a lot of hay and fresh vegetables to get the right balance

Temperament

Guinea pigs and gerbils also differ in temperament. Guinea pigs are social animals that enjoy the company of other guinea pigs, while gerbils are more independent and prefer to live alone or in pairs.

Guinea pigs are also much more vocal than gerbils, and will often make soft cooing noises when they are happy.

Housing

Guinea pigs and gerbils can both be kept as pets, and there are a few things to consider when choosing which one is right for you. Firstly, guinea pigs need more space than gerbils, as they like to run and play.

Secondly, guinea pigs are more active during the day, while gerbils are more active at night. Finally, guinea pigs are social animals and need to live with other guinea pigs, while gerbils can be kept alone or in pairs.

Lifespan

Guinea pigs have a lifespan of 5-8 years, while gerbils have a lifespan of 3-5 years.

This means that guinea pigs will be with you for longer, but they also require more care and attention than gerbils.

Reproduction

Guinea pigs and gerbils reproduce in different ways. Guinea pigs give birth to live young, while gerbils give birth to blind and naked babies that need to be cared for by their parents.

Size

Guinea pigs weigh 1.5-2.5 kg, while gerbils weigh 50-250 grams. This means that guinea pigs are much larger than gerbils.

Tail

Guinea pigs have short, stubby tails, while gerbils have long, thin tails.

Behavior

Guinea pigs are social animals that like to live in groups, while gerbils are more independent and prefer to live alone or in pairs. Guinea pigs are also much more vocal than gerbils, and will often make soft cooing noises when they are happy.

Activity Levels

Guinea pigs are more active during the day, while gerbils are more active at night.

Dietary Needs

Guinea pigs need a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar, while gerbils can eat a wide variety of foods.

Water Needs

Guinea pigs need to drink more water than gerbils.

Habitat

Guinea pigs are found in the wild in South America, while gerbils are found in the wild in Africa and Asia.

Predators

The main predators of guinea pigs are coyotes, foxes, and snakes, while the main predators of gerbils are snakes, lizards, and birds of prey.

Fur

Guinea pigs have short, coarse fur, while gerbils have long, fine fur.

Ears

Guinea pigs have large, floppy ears, while gerbils have small, pointy ears.

Noses

Guinea pigs have round noses, while gerbils have long, pointy noses.

Feet

Guinea pigs have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot, while gerbils have five toes on each foot.

Color and Pattern

There are many different colors and patterns of guinea pigs, while gerbils are usually brown or grey.

Can You Put a Gerbil and a Guinea Pig in the Same Cage?

No, you should not put a gerbil and a guinea pig in the same cage.

This is because they are different animals with different needs, and they will not get along. If you put them in the same cage, they will fight and could hurt each other.

How to Tell a Gerbil and a Guinea Pig Apart?

The easiest way to tell a gerbil and a guinea pig apart is by their size. Guinea pigs are much larger than gerbils. You can also tell them apart by their ears, noses, and tails.

Guinea pigs have large, floppy ears, round noses, and short, stubby tails. Gerbils have small, pointy ears, long, pointy noses, and long, thin tails. Finally, you can tell them apart by their fur.

Guinea pigs have short, coarse fur, while gerbils have long, fine fur.

Guinea Pigs vs Gerbils : Which one should I Choose

When it comes to choosing between a guinea pig and a gerbil, it is important to consider your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet.

If you have the time and space for a social animal that needs plenty of exercises, then a guinea pig may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet that is active at night, then a gerbil may be a better option.

Gerbil vs. Guinea Pig Similarities

Though gerbils and guinea pigs have a lot of differences, there are some similarities between the two animals.

For example, both gerbils and guinea pigs are small rodents that are popular as pets. They are both social animals that enjoy being around other members of their species, and they both need exercise and enrichment in order to stay happy and healthy.

Additionally, both gerbils and guinea pigs come from Africa and Asia, and they are both used in research laboratories. Finally, both animals can live for several years with proper care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many differences between guinea pigs and gerbils. These include their appearance, diet, temperament, housing needs, lifespan, reproduction, and behaviour. It is important to do your research before deciding which pet is right for you.