You should visit a qualified exotics veterinarian at least once a year for check-ups on your hamster or gerbil’s diet, behavior, and health.
Be prepared for your pet’s visits by making a list of any questions or concerns you may have ahead of time. Many hamster and gerbil health problems are preventable with proper diet and care.
To locate a qualified exotics veterinarian near you, visit aemv.org.
• Wet or soiled tail
• Blood in the urine
• Sneezing or trouble breathing
• Hunching in corner or lack of activity (lethargy)
• Overgrown front teeth
• Bald patches in the fur
• Lumps or sores on the body
• Sores on the feet
• Abnormal eating or drinking
Hamsters and gerbils both love to chew on everything. Provide hay, a wood block or an empty toilet paper roll to satisfy this natural behavior. Both hamsters and gerbils commonly hide food throughout their cages.
While hamsters and gerbils are similar, they have some specific behavioral differences:
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