What Is the Cost of Owning a Gerbil?
A gerbil costs between $10 to $100, and its cage goes for about $60. Gerbils are considered cheap pets. Although there is some truth to the claim, you still have to buy many things to cater to them. Apart from the one-time costs like the gerbil and its cage, there are other costs that you may pay from time to time, like food and check-up bills. Keep reading to learn more!
The One-time Cost of Bringing a Gerbil Home
There are some one-time costs you have to note when bringing a Gebril home. The first one-time cost is, of course, the gerbil. There is also the cage, which needs to be big enough for the gerbil to burrow around. Also, there are the beddings that carpet the cage’s floor.
The Gerbil’s Price
You can get a gerbil for free, adoption, or from a breeder. To get the gerbil for free, most people scout through Craigslist to find free gerbils available for pick-ups. You might be lucky and find a gerbil and some necessities.
Adoption is another option. Some shelters have gerbils open for adoption. Although different shelters offer different pricing, the general price is between $5 to $50. The gerbil adoption might come with some accessories as well.
The most expensive option on this list is purchasing a gerbil from a breeder. Gerbils from breeders cost from $10 to as high as $100. However, the health and background of the gerbils are well checked, and you have access to both the Mongolian and Fat-Tailed gerbils.
Note– The Mongolian gerbils cost between $5 –$15, while the Fat-Tailed gerbil, a much rarer gerbil, costs up to a hundred dollars.
Supplies and Set-up Costs
Gerbils require some supplies to keep them happy and very healthy. Some of these supplies are a gerbil wheel—different from a hamster wheel—which they need for exercise, a cage, a water dispenser, and substrate.
A gerbil wheel costs between $10 to $20
Tank or Cage costs between $30 and $90.
A water dispenser goes for about $10.
A substrate can reach about $20.
Brush is about $10.
Recurring Expenses
Recurring expenses are the costs you face regularly. For instance, the gerbil’s food, substrate, and healthcare cause regular costs. You would have to spend at least $100 annually on substrate and food. At the same time, the cost of your gerbil’s healthcare and check-up also comes up.
Food and Substrate
Gerbils’ diets are majorly seeds, fruits, and vegetables. However, you can consider getting artificially made feed for your furry companions. They are nutritious enough and come in large quantities.
Substrates need to be changed regularly due to the feces and mess that might have accumulated over time—substrates costs between $5 to $20.
Health-care
Although they are not dogs or cats, gerbils can also fall sick. Hence, it is important to prioritize their health. A gerbil’s healthcare can be expensive. Plus, you must consider emergencies, dental appointments, parasites, and treatment for certain conditions. You can also opt for health insurance. In total, the annual health care of a gerbil can go as high as $300.
Entertainment
Gerbils can do okay without their toys. Nevertheless, it helps the gerbil’s overall mood when there are toys. You can spend as much as you want on gerbil toys. You can buy several if they don’t choke the gerbil in its cage.
What Is the Total Annual Cost of Caring for a Gerbil?
The minimum cost you would have to spend annually is about $100. And that will only happen if you deal with just the primary essentials. That aside, you can spend nearly $500+ on your gerbil yearly. Healthcare is known to shoot expenses up; watch out for unnecessary healthcare expenses by focusing on prevention rather than cure.
Conclusion
Don’t think that the cost of caring for a gerbil stops after you buy it and its cage. That will be a great blunder on your part. There are much more involved in caring for a gerbil, and they come in different costs. If you decide to keep a gerbil, know that you need a suitable budget to keep them safe and well.
Is it Easy to Tend to Gerbil As a Pet?
People often want to keep gerbils as pets because they require minimal costs and don’t need much to be happy and healthy. So yes, they are easy to keep. However, they still need your attention and proper care.
Should I Get Just One Gerbil?
Gerbils are social animals; they need their kind around them. An exception is the Fat-Tailed gerbil, as their females often fight when put together. Apart from the exception, getting two or more gerbils is an advisable option.
