Hamsters
Behavior
Nocturnal, Exploratory, Gnawing, Burrowing, Foraging, Exercising
Social Structure
Adults can be socially housed with the same sex. Female Syrian hamsters that are litter mates can be social , but as they mature they will increase aggression. Males can be socially housed with minimal aggression. Clear dominant submissive relationship when housed together. However in the wild, are solitary.
Abnormal Behaviors
Cannibalism, Fighting, Bar Mouthing
Gerbils
Behavior
Exploratory, Gentle, Burrowing, Gnawing, Jumping, Hind Limb Thumping, Exercising, territorial
Social Structure
The males of Mongolian gerbil (M. unguiculatus) occupy well defined territories with high level of individualization.
Abnormal Behaviors
Scratching at Cage Corners, Aggression
Enrichment for Hamsters and Gerbils
Enrichment items that promote burrowing, shelter, gnawing, exercising such as wheels, blocks, platforms, and a sufficient amount of nesting material enrichment work best to exhibit their natural behaviors.
Resources
Featured studies related to refinement, enrichment, handling, behavior management, and training techniques.