A comparative analysis of feeding and hoarding in hamsters and gerbils

Male and female hamsters and gerbils were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The animals were tested under ad lib feeding conditions or food deprived until they had lost either 10% or 20% of their predeprivation body weight. They were given a 30-min. hoarding test for three consecutive days. The results indicated that although food-deprived gerbils ate more than control gerbils, deprivation had no significant effect on the food intake of hamsters. A sex difference was also evident in the food intake of gerbils; males ate more than did females. Although there was a sex and species difference in the amount of hoarding, deprivation had no significant effect on the amount of hoarding. The implications of these results for of different models of hoarding are discussed. These models contrast hoarding as a defensive response in the regulation of body weight or as an anticipatory activity that is influenced by other selection pressures.