Your family is looking into different pocket pet options for your family, and you have narrowed down your choices to a hamster or a gerbil. However, since you know they are quite similar, you are having trouble deciding between the two. What factors could help influence your decision?

Hamster’s and gerbils differ in when they tend to be awake, as well as the amount of social interaction they prefer. Hamsters tend to spend their active hours in darkness, leaving little time for interaction during the day. They also tend to live a life that includes more solitude than gerbils. If you are looking for more time to play with your pet, a gerbil will offer more waking hours during typical times that humans are up and about, and tend to be a bit more social. Your local vet services Fort Collins, CO can offer additional advice.