Hamsters and Gerbils

Question
Hello,
I am in 7th grade and I am doing a science fair project with my 2 best friends Rachael and Ally. We decided to time which species (hamsters or gerbils) can go through a maze quicker with using their sence of smell. Dont worry we will not harm the amimals. My question is are hamsters or gerbils blind? Thanks and have a great day! :)
                                      -Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole

No they are not blind, however, their eyesight is poor, especially hamsters.  They therefore have to rely heavily on scent (this is why sometimes they bite - they mistake fingers for food etc.).  Hamsters have scent glands on their hips and as they walk along they tend to mark their territory (or pee in it!) so that they recognize where they are.

A word of warning with this - if you put a male in an area where a female hamster has been they will probably stop and sniff - especially if the female is in season as she gives off quite a strong scent at times.  If you put a female in an area where the male is - if they are in season they may well stop for a sniff!  If they are not in season, they might be a bit jumpy!

Good luck with this.

Regards