Pet Rats, Mice and Gerbils Compared

Pet rats often learn to come to a familiar person and explore a safe space with them. They need other rats, so plan for a compatible pair or small group and a roomy enclosure with climbing levels. A lifespan of about two to three years is typical.

Mice are small, fast, and enjoyable to watch as they climb and investigate tunnels. Female mice can live in compatible groups, while adult males can fight with unfamiliar males and often have a stronger musky smell. Expect roughly a year and a half to two years, and ask a rescue about the right group for the mice you choose.

A bonded same-sex pair may spend much of the day digging and moving bedding through its tunnels. Choose a secure enclosure with room for a deep layer of bedding. Mongolian gerbils move in quick bursts, so they can be easier to watch than to hold. They often live around three to four years.

This nocturnal mouse is a social, agile animal with stiff hairs along its back. A secure enclosure with plenty of hiding places gives you more ways to watch it explore. Its tail is fragile, so avoid using it to lift the mouse. Three to four years is usual in human care.

The short, thick tail gives the fat-tailed gerbil its name. It digs burrows for shelter and may be a longer commitment than a Mongolian gerbil. Captive lifespans of five to seven years have been reported. Social arrangements can differ from those for Mongolian gerbils, so ask a rescue or veterinarian familiar with this species before choosing companions.