Rodent Pets: A Comparison| | Gerbil | Guinea Pig | Hamster | Mouse | Rat | | Length* | 4–6 in. | 10–11 in. | 3–5 in. | 2–3 in. | 6–8 in. | | Tail | long | none | short | long | long | | Cheek pouches? | no | yes | yes | no | no | | Lifespan | 3–4 yrs | 4–6 yrs | 2–2.5 yrs | 1.5–2 yrs | 2–3 yrs | | Native area | Africa, Asia | South America | Asia, Europe | worldwide | worldwide | | Fun fact | is a very good digger | squeals like a pig when excited | has poor eyesight but keen hearing | its heart can beat 700 times a minute | can swim underwater |
*not including tail
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