Can a gerbil live with a hamster? - Paw Talk

bumble_b18 · #1 11-08-2006, 02:42 PM

Probably not, must some species do well with other species better than their own, so I though I'd ask. I've also heard of mice and hamsters, as well as mice and gerbils, and gerbils and rats. Now, none of them sound like such a good idea to me, but I could be wrong, which is why I'm asking.

**Sasami** · #2 11-08-2006, 02:50 PM

Nope...it wouldn't be a good idea since they are different species and couldn't really communicate. They also have different diets. And if you mean Syrian hamsters then they shouldn't even live with other hamsters.

Ambieruns10 · #3 11-08-2006, 02:51 PM

Just wondering what different species live well together? Except for cats and dogs, I can't think of some

**Sasami** · #4 11-08-2006, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambieruns10


	Just wondering what different species live well together? Except for cats and dogs, I can't think of some

I think many species can live in the same house (like dogs, cats, and house rabbits) but having them in the same cage (like rats and mice) is just asking for trouble. For example, guinea pigs and rabbits can get along great but shouldn't be kept in the same enclosure since the rabbit could easily injure the pig and they have different diets. That's my opinion, anyways

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Ambieruns10 · #5 11-08-2006, 02:58 PM

Thats my opinion too, I was just curious what she meant.

Drives me nuts when people have guinea pigs and rabbits together. Or ask if rats and guinea pigs can be togther, etc.

christine · #6 11-08-2006, 04:46 PM

I wouldn't put a hamster with a gerbil EVER because Hamsters are solitary and gerbils aren't

bumble_b18 · #7 11-08-2006, 09:17 PM

K thanks, I figured as much, but thought I'd ask....but Ambieruns10 WHY would it bother you for someone to ask? if I don't know, how am I going to learn?

**Sasami** · #8 11-08-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumble_b18


	K thanks, I figured as much, but thought I'd ask....but Ambieruns10 WHY would it bother you for someone to ask? if I don't know, how am I going to learn?

I don't think she meant you but rather people who walk into a petstore or shelter and want to keep different species together.

bumble_b18 · #9 11-08-2006, 10:19 PM

Oh ok, thanks

Ambieruns10 · #10 11-09-2006, 07:43 AM

I didn't mean you! I was just talking in general really. A lot of people don't ask before they put different animals together. Im glad that you did.

andreaS15 · #11 11-09-2006, 12:49 PM

I think it's one thing to allow your certain pets to play with one another, Say a Rabbit & a Guinea pig, or a cat or a dog. But to allow them to live in the same habitat when they cannot communicate to one another easily, have different needs not just in diet but in say physical affection it's just not fare to the animals.

Skratikans · #12 11-09-2006, 02:59 PM

OK...Im gonna have to disagree with everyone here.

I personally have hamsters, mice and rats living together in the same cage and have so for years...just because you hear that it cant be done doesnt mean they are right....if you understand your animal then there are exceptions to the rule...it often deals with the animals temperament and age key factors

Ambieruns10 · #13 11-09-2006, 04:56 PM

Just because you do it, doesn't mean it should be done.

Different animals have different needs. You don't except your dog and cat to share the same food, right?

Vanilla_Rat · #14 11-09-2006, 09:58 PM

I wouldn't do it.Different diets,requierments...etc.Your usually asking for trouble.I know some people do it,but still.

I have raised up young rats with mice,but not in the same cage.Only on nuetral grounds.Some of my adult rats are actually fine with mice on nuetral grounds...but I rarely allow it,as the rats are natural predators of mice and may turn on them any moment.

Skratikans · #15 11-10-2006, 06:36 AM

and just bc some people cant do it doesnt mean that it shouldnt be done

common sense will tell you if you can or cant...in my cases..some of them can....rat and mouse diets are not that different...either way i wouldnt say that its impossible to do it

and if you raise a dog and cat together they will steal each other's food so whether you expect them to eat differently...in the end housing them together they will sample each other food regardless

and im not the only one that can successfully raise species like this...there are more people on the rat and mouse discussion that would agree

science isnt a set discipline there are exceptions to everything...the way animals are treated at a young age also helps in this case rats and mice....if you are experienced and have knowledge then you can do it.