When looking for a small furry pet, gerbils and chinchillas are two common options. Both make lively, entertaining companions when properly cared for. But which one is better suited for you and your family?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Chinchillas require much more specialized care and attention than gerbils. Gerbils are generally easier pets for beginners, while chinchillas are better suited for more experienced owners.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all key considerations when deciding between getting a gerbil or chinchilla, including cost, handling requirements, housing needs, health considerations and more.
We’ll outline the pros and cons of each and provide recommendation based on factors like family composition and availability to provide attentive care.
Cost Comparison Between Gerbils and Chinchillas
Upfront adoption or purchase costs
When it comes to initial costs, gerbils are generally cheaper than chinchillas. You can often adopt gerbils from animal shelters for under $10, while pet store gerbils usually cost $5-20 depending on factors like age, color, and pedigree.
On the other hand, chinchillas almost always cost over $100, with prices ranging from $120-200 on average from reputable breeders. Some specialty colors like ebony can cost over $500!
The cage setup will also be pricier for chinchillas. A suitable cage for a pair of gerbils can cost as little as $30-50, but a good chinchilla cage usually starts around $150. The more space the better for active chinchillas, so most owners opt for multilevel cages over 4 feet tall.
All those ledges, platforms, and accessories add up quickly!
Ongoing care and supplies
In terms of recurring costs, chinchillas are still the bigger investment. Since they are larger and live longer than gerbils, chinchillas eat more food. Feeding a pair of gerbils high-quality food and supplements runs about $5-10 per month.
In contrast, feeding chinchillas the correct nutritious pellets, hay, and treats usually totals a minimum of $25 but often over $50 per month.
Bedding is another item that needs replacement each month. Again due to size differences, chinchillas require much more extra bedding. Aspen is the best choice for both pets, though paper bedding works for gerbils too.
Buying aspen in bulk helps save some cash, but expect to spend $10-25 per month for a chinchilla versus $5 or less for gerbils.
Vet bills also have the potential to be higher for chins. Well cared for gerbils often may only need an annual checkup, costing $50-75. Chinchillas require more specialized exotic vets, where annual visits start around $100-150.
And given their longer lifespans, chins are more likely to eventually need expensive diagnostic tests or treatments. Just one emergency surgery could be $500-1,000+!
To summarize, while both make wonderful pets, gerbils suit people wanting a more budget-friendly small animal. Chinchillas are considered higher maintenance and come with more upfront and recurring costs.
However, fans of these affectionate “forever fur babies” feel their sweet personalities make them worth every penny!
Housing Considerations
Cage Types and Sizes
When it comes to housing gerbils and chinchillas, there are some key differences in the cage types and sizes that are best suited for each pet. Gerbils are quite active animals and need plenty of room to run and play.
The recommended minimum cage size for gerbils is 30 inches long by 20 inches wide by 16 inches high. However, larger is always better as it allows room for more bedding, toys, hides, and other enriching accessories. Popular cage options include wire cages and glass aquariums with screened lids.
Chinchillas also require a spacious cage, but for different reasons. They have soft fur that needs good ventilation to prevent fur mites or moisture-related skin conditions. Wire cages with 1/2 inch or less bar spacing work best to allow proper airflow.
A single chinchilla needs a cage at least 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep and 18 inches high or more. For each additional chin sharing the cage, it’s best to add roughly 2 cubic feet of interior space.
Bedding and Accessories
Gerbils need deep bedding they can burrow and nest in, usually 6 inches or more. Popular choices are aspen wood shavings or paper-based bedding. Don’t use cedar or pine as they contain oils that can be toxic.
Gerbils also appreciate places to hide like tunnels, cardboard boxes, plant pots, or multi-chambered hides. Sand baths are also important for keeping their fur clean and healthy.
For chinchillas, shredded aspen or paper beddings work well to give traction and absorb moisture. Avoid wood shavings as they can irritate a chin’s delicate respiratory system. Place flat platforms at different levels for jumping and climbing enrichment.
Offer chew toys like untreated wood sticks or safe chew blocks to constantly work down growing teeth. A dust bath 2-3 times a week in special volcanic ash dust will also promote healthy skin and fur.
As you consider cage setups and accessories for either pet, be sure to provide an enriching space suited to their individual needs. This will lead to happier and healthier little critters!
Nutrition and Feeding
Recommended diets
Both gerbils and chinchillas need a nutritionally balanced diet to stay healthy and thrive. Here are some key dietary recommendations for each pet:
- Gerbils should be fed a mixture of high-quality gerbil food pellets and timothy hay. Pellets provide balanced nutrition, while hay aids dental health and digestion. Gerbils also enjoy fresh veggies and occasional treats like nuts, seeds, and fruits.
- Chinchillas require a high-fiber diet of timothy hay, which should make up at least 80% of their food intake. They also need chinchilla pellets and limited amounts of fresh veggies as a supplement. Treats like raisins and nuts should only be fed occasionally.
When choosing food for your pet, look for varieties specifically formulated for gerbils or chinchillas. Avoid sugary mixes with dried fruits and seeds, as these can lead to obesity and dental issues. It’s also important to provide clean, fresh water at all times in a suspended water bottle.
Treats and chews
Treats and chews can add variety to your pet’s diet while providing added nutrition. Here are some healthy options to consider:
- Gerbils enjoy occasional treats like oats, wheat germ, low-sugar cereal, and crackers. Offer small pieces to avoid overfeeding.
- Chinchillas can be given dried rose hips, strawberry tops, dandelion leaves, and willow twigs to nibble on.
- Wooden chew sticks and mineral blocks appeal to the natural gnawing instinct of both species and help wear down continuously growing teeth.
- Smooth river stones provide minerals and help grind down the teeth when chewed.
It’s best to limit treats to no more than 10% of your pet’s daily diet. Monitor your pet’s weight and dental health when offering extras. Overgrown or misaligned teeth require a vet’s attention.
Grooming and Hygiene Needs
Nail Trimming Requirements
Proper nail care is essential for keeping gerbils and chinchillas happy and healthy. Neglected nails can cause pain, mobility issues, and infection.
Gerbils need their nails trimmed every 4-6 weeks. Their nails grow quickly due to their digging instincts. Overgrown nails can catch on cage wires or bedding and tear off painfully. Use small animal nail clippers to carefully snip off just the sharp tip of each nail.
Avoid cutting too short, as you can hit the quick which will bleed.
Chinchillas require more frequent nail trims every 2-4 weeks. Their nails are naturally quite long. Long nails can make walking difficult and lead to spinal misalignment. Use guillotine-style chinchilla nail clippers for a clean cut.
Trim only the sharp tips while your chinchilla rests calmly in your lap or a chin-rest.
Check nails weekly in both pets for any overgrowth. Providing chew sticks and lava ledges in their cages helps wear down nails too. Overall, gerbils need less frequent trims than chinchillas due to their greater digging and chewing activities.
Bathing Necessities
Gerbils and chinchillas have unique bathing needs important for maintaining clean fur and skin health.
Gerbils require occasional bathing every 2-3 months. Their dry desert origins mean they produce less natural oils than other rodents. Bathing helps moisturize their skin and fur. Use a shallow bowl of lukewarm water and gently wash with your hands or cotton swabs.
Avoid getting water in their ears and dry completely after.
Chinchillas take frequent dust baths 2-3 times per week. Their dense, silky fur needs the special oils and static control provided by chinchilla dust. Allow them 10-15 minutes rolling in a shallow dish of dust to absorb oils and loosen dirt.
Always use dust made specifically for chinchillas, as other dust can irritate their lungs.
Never fully submerge or soak chinchillas in water as their fur is so dense it can take days to dry. This leaves them prone to mold, fungus, and respiratory infections. Chinchillas clean themselves like cats and require no wet bathing.
Health Issues
Common illnesses
Both gerbils and chinchillas can suffer from common small pet illnesses, but their susceptibility varies. Here are some key differences:
- Respiratory infections: Gerbils are prone to respiratory infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus. Chinchillas can also get respiratory infections but they are less common.
- Dental disease: Chinchillas are very susceptible to overgrown or broken teeth due to their continually growing teeth. Dental disease is less common in gerbils.
- Diarrhea: Digestive upsets happen in both species but are more prevalent in gerbils. Wet tail is a potentially fatal diarrhea that occurs in young gerbils.
- Obesity: Chinchillas are very prone to obesity if overfed. Obesity is less of an issue for most gerbils.
To keep these pets healthy, it’s important to feed them a proper diet, keep their habitat clean, and watch for any signs of illness. Chinchillas also require regular dental checks.
Average lifespan
With proper care, gerbils generally live 2-5 years. The average lifespan of a chinchilla is 10-20 years. So chinchillas tend to have much longer lives as pets.
There are a few reasons chinchillas live so much longer than gerbils:
- Genetics: Chinchillas have naturally long lifespans for their size compared to other rodents.
- Activity level: Gerbils are very active and high-energy, which may contribute to their shorter lives. Chinchillas are calmer and less destructive.
- Habitat: Chinchillas do best in large, multi-level enclosures that allow for lots of exercise. Smaller tanks for gerbils may be less ideal for longevity.
- Diet: Chinchillas eating nutritious hay-based diets tend to avoid obesity. Gerbils are prone to overeating treats and seeds.
For owners seeking a longer pet commitment, chinchillas are the better choice. But gerbil lovers can take steps to maximize their pets’ lifespan through proper care.
Handling and Bonding Requirements
Time needed for interaction
Both gerbils and chinchillas are social animals that require daily interaction and bonding time with their owners. However, the specific time commitment differs between the two species.
Gerbils are very active and playful, and generally need at least 30-60 minutes per day of direct handling and supervised playtime outside their habitat. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy human interaction.
It’s important to provide gerbils with enriching toys and activities in their habitat, but they still require active playtime with their owner on a daily basis.
Chinchillas can be more timid and less inclined to snuggle, but still need social interaction. Plan to spend 15-30 minutes per day interacting with a chinchilla. Remove them from their habitat and allow supervised exercise and play.
Chinchillas are very active and need outlets for their energy, so provide opportunities for safe jumping and climbing during playtime.
Adjusting to new homes
Bringing home a new gerbil or chinchilla can be an exciting experience! But it’s important to be patient and allow time for them to adjust to their new environment in order to build trust and bonding.
Gerbils are naturally curious and will likely want to explore their new habitat right away. Sit nearby and speak softly to get them comfortable with your presence. Offer treats by hand and engage in gentle play once they seem relaxed. Most gerbils will adjust quickly within a few days.
Chinchillas tend to be more timid at first. Allow them several days to get used to their new surroundings before attempting handling. Move slowly when interacting and let them approach you first before petting. Provide hiding places so they can retreat when needed.
With gentle interaction, chinchillas will become accustomed to their new home within a couple weeks.
Regardless of species, be sure to follow any additional recommendations from the breeder or pet store on easing the transition to a new home. With time and patience, both gerbils and chinchillas can become loving, bonded pets!
The Right Fit
Good for kids or frequent handling
Both gerbils and chinchillas can make good pets for kids or frequent handling, but there are some key differences. Gerbils tend to be more active and inquisitive, making them fun to interact with and watch. Their small size also makes them easy for small hands to hold.
However, gerbils’ fast movements mean they can occasionally nip, so supervision is still required during handling.
Chinchillas on the other hand tend to be calmer and cuddlier. Their dense, soft fur feels amazing to pet and makes them well-suited for snuggling. However, chinchillas can be prone to stress and require gentle handling.
Supervision is still needed, especially with younger kids who may accidentally be too rough.
Better for sparse handling
For owners who want pets to observe more than handle frequently, certain attributes may make gerbils or chinchillas preferable:
Gerbils tend to be very active, entertaining to simply watch in their enclosure as they burrow, climb and play. Their lower space requirements also make them an easier pet for those not interacting much.Chinchillas, while less nimble, carry out enjoyable behaviors like taking dust baths. Their incredibly soft fur and larger size can still make limited handling very pleasant. However, their more sensitive nature means they require larger enclosures.
So for very sparse handling, gerbils may be the better choice.
Conclusion
When weighing gerbils against chinchillas, there are many factors to evaluate before deciding which small pet is best for your family. While both can make entertaining companions, chinchillas have more demanding care requirements. Gerbils are more budget-friendly and a hardier first pet option.
Base your decision on considerations like housing space available, costs, time you can dedicate to interacting and maintaining their enclosures, as well as your own experience caring for small animals.
Use the comprehensive points covered in this guide to determine if a lively gerbil or plush chinchilla will make the ideal next addition to your home.
