Are you considering adding a gerbil to your family? While gerbils make great pets, it’s important to consider the cost before making a decision.
From initial expenses like purchasing a cage and accessories to ongoing costs such as food and bedding, there are several financial factors to take into account.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of keeping gerbils as pets and provide tips for saving money along the way.
Cost of Gerbil Ownership
Any small pet comes with their own costs, and gerbil have their pros and cons. Here is the big picture of what we discuss in the article.
| Item | Cost | Recurring Cost? |
| Gerbil purchase | $5 to $10 | No |
| Cage | $30 to $60 | No |
| Accessories | $50 per year (for things like wheels, toys, and a water bottle) | Yes |
| Cage maintenance | $0 to $150 per year | Yes |
| Food | $10 per bag, 5-6 bags per year per gerbil | Yes |
| Bedding | $50-100 per year | Yes |
| Medical care | $40 for a vet-check, $10 for medication, or $200 for surgery (varies between different vets) | Yes |
| Total setup cost | $150-200 | No |
| Total yearly cost | $150-200 per gerbil | Yes |
Initial Costs
Purchase Price
The purchase price of a gerbil will vary depending on where you buy it. Most pet stores charge about $8-10 for one gerbil, but you can find them online for cheaper (if you do buy online, be sure to check the reviews first).
It’s also important to remember that if you are buying more than one gerbil, they must be from the same litter or else they may fight.
Cage and Accessories
A good cage is essential for keeping your gerbils safe and comfortable. You can find cages at pet stores or online starting at around $30-50 depending on size and features. Be sure to get a cage that is large enough for your gerbils and has plenty of room for toys and hiding spots.
As far as accessories go, you’ll need things like food dishes, water bottles, bedding material, tunnels, chew toys and hiding spots—all of which can be found in most pet stores or online.
Food and Bedding
Gerbils are omnivores so they eat things like fruits and vegetables in addition to their regular diet of pellets or seeds. A 50-pound bag of food should last about 6 months at a cost of $15-20 per bag.
As far as bedding goes, there are several options available such as wood shavings or recycled paper products—just make sure whatever you use is nontoxic and dust-free! Bedding should be changed every few weeks at a cost of around $5-10 per bag.
Veterinarian Check-up and Care
Just like any other pet, gerbils need regular checkups with a veterinarian so that their health can be monitored over time. Depending on where you live this could cost anywhere from $30-$100 per visit—more if your vet requires any tests or treatments.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund set aside in case your gerbil gets sick unexpectedly; veterinary bills can add up quickly!
Ongoing Costs
After the initial costs of owning a gerbil, there are also ongoing costs to consider. Things like monthly food, bedding supplies and other accessories may add up over time.
Food and Bedding
As mentioned before, gerbils eat a combination of fruits and vegetables in addition to their regular diet. A commercial gerbil food mix can provide a balanced diet, but it is important to also include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as occasional live insects as a treat. These foods can be found in most pet stores and can be purchased in bulk to save money.
Bedding should also be changed every few weeks, so make sure you factor this into your budget.
Medical Care
Like any other animal, gerbils need regular medical care. This includes checkups from an exotic vet at least once a year as well as vaccines and parasite treatments as needed.
Depending on where you live, these costs can range from $50-$200 per visit. Also, remember to be prepared for emergency veterinary visits if something should happen to your pet gerbil.
Toys and Enrichment
Gerbils are naturally curious creatures that love to explore their environment. To keep them active and engaged, you have to provide them with toys and enrichment activities such as tunnels, mazes, boxes, etc., which can range from $10-$30 each depending on the type and size of the toy or activity.
We recommend rotating your gerbil’s toys and activities to keep them from getting bored.
Replacing or Upgrading Cage or Accessories
Over time, the cage and accessories used for your gerbil may need to be replaced or upgraded due to wear and tear or simply because your pet outgrows them.
For example, a large plastic cage suitable for two adult gerbils will cost around $50-$150 depending on size and features (e.g., ladders). Other accessories such as water bottles may need replacing every few months depending on how often they’re used by your pet.
Cost Saving Tips
If you’re looking for ways to save money on gerbil care costs, there are several strategies you can employ. First and foremost is buying in bulk—this is especially true when it comes to food and bedding, which can be purchased at discounted rates if purchased in larger quantities.
Additionally, consider making your own toys and accessories out of materials found around the house—not only will this help save money, but it can also be a fun activity for the whole family! Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for deals and discounts; many pet supply stores offer discounts or coupons throughout the year that can help bring down costs significantly.
One final piece of advice before adopting a gerbil is to make sure you do your research beforehand so that you have an accurate understanding of how much money will be required upfront (and over time) to meet your pet’s needs.
Knowing exactly what you need ahead of time can help avoid unexpected expenses down the line—and ensure that both you and your new pet have all the supplies needed for a happy life together!
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a gerbil can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it is important to factor in the associated costs before taking on the responsibility. With some careful budgeting and planning ahead of time, you should be able to provide your gerbil with everything they need for a happy and healthy life!
Investing in an emergency fund to cover unexpected veterinary bills is also a smart idea that will give you peace of mind knowing your pet has access to quality medical care when needed. When done right, owning a gerbil can be both fun and affordable – so do your research first, and have fun with your new pet!
