What Is the Cost of Owning a Gerbil?
Gerbils are considered cheap pets because they cost between $10 and $100. However, there is some truth to the claim that 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
Bringing a gerbil home is not cheap. The first one-time cost is the gerbil itself, and you’ll also need to buy a cage and beddings. ..
The Gerbil’s Price
You can get a gerbil for free by either adopting one from a shelter or finding one on Craigslist. ..
There are many different adoption options available, including shelters that have gerbils open for adoption. Gerbils can be adopted for between $5 and $50, depending on the shelter. Some shelters may also include accessories with the adoption, such as a cage or bed. ..
The most expensive option on this list is purchasing a gerbil from a breeder. Gerbils from breeders can cost anywhere from $10 to $100, but their health and background are carefully checked, and you have access to both the Mongolian and Fat-Tailed gerbils. ..
The Mongolian gerbils are a small, brown, furry creature that can be found for between $5 and $15. The Fat-Tailed gerbil is a much rarer gerbil that can cost up to a hundred dollars.
Supplies and Set-up Costs
Gerbils need 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 and $20 to purchase.
The Tank or Cage costs between $30 and $90.
A water dispenser costs about $10.
A substrate can reach about $20 per square foot. ..
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Recurring Expenses
Your recurring expenses are the costs you face regularly that you have to pay each month. For example, the gerbil’s food, substrate, and healthcare cause monthly costs. You would have to spend at least $100 per month on substrate and food. At the same time, the cost of your gerbil’s healthcare and check-up also come up.
Food and Substrate
Gerbils need a diet that consists mostly of seeds, fruits, and vegetables. However, you can provide them with a diet of artificial food if you want to. These foods are nutritionally adequate and come in large quantities. ..
The substrate needs to be changed regularly due to the feces and mess that might have accumulated over time. The cost of substrates ranges from $5 to $20.
Health-care
Gerbils can fall sick, and this can be expensive. You must consider their health in order to prioritize it. A gerbil’s healthcare can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000 a year.
Entertainment
Gerbils can survive without their toys, but it’s helpful for their mood if they have some. You can spend as much as you want on gerbil toys, and 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 cost of keeping a pet can be expensive, especially if you don’t have much money. However, if you only care about keeping your pet healthy and happy, it’s not too much to spend on basics like food and water. Plus, healthcare costs can quickly add up if you have a pet. Be sure to budget for necessary expenses before getting a pet, and make sure to factor in healthcare costs when making your decision.
Conclusion
The cost of caring for a gerbil can vary greatly depending on the size, age, and health of the pet. If you decide to keep a gerbil, be sure to have a budget in place to ensure their safety and well-being.
Many people think it is easy to tend to gerbil as a pet. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to keep your gerbil healthy and happy.
Gerbils are easy to keep, but they need your attention and proper care.
There are pros and cons to getting just one gerbil. On the plus side, they’re low-maintenance pets that don’t require a lot of space. However, gerbils can be territorial and may not get along with other animals in your home. Additionally, they may not be as active as other rodents, so you may not get as much enjoyment out of their company. ..
Gerbils are social animals that need their kind around them. The 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.
