Are you thinking about getting a gerbil but wondering how much it will cost? Gerbils are tiny, fun, and easy-to-care-for pets, but there’s more to their cost than just the price tag. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how much gerbils cost, from buying one to taking care of it.
Whether you’re curious about how much is a gerbil at Pets at Home or want to know about long-term costs, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
How Much Does a Gerbil Cost?
The first thing you’ll need to know is how much a gerbil costs to buy. On average, a gerbil can cost between £5 and £20. The price depends on a few things, like the gerbil’s color, breed, and where you buy it.
- Pet Stores: At places like Pets at Home, gerbils usually cost £10 to £15 each.
- Breeders: If you buy from a breeder, you might pay £15 to £30 for a gerbil, especially if it’s a rare color or breed.
- Rescues: Adopting a gerbil from a rescue can cost £0 to £20. Sometimes, rescues even include free health checks!
Gerbils are social animals, so they’re often sold in pairs. This means you might need to buy two gerbils instead of one. But don’t worry—they’ll keep each other company and be happier together!
Essential Supplies for Gerbils: One-Time Costs
Once you’ve bought your gerbil, you’ll need to get some supplies to make sure it’s happy and healthy. Here’s a list of what you’ll need and how much it costs:
- Cage or Tank: Gerbils need a safe place to live. A good cage or tank can cost £30 to £100. Glass tanks or wire cages are the best options.
- Exercise Wheel: Gerbils love to run! An exercise wheel costs £10 to £20.
- Hideouts and Tunnels: Gerbils like to hide and explore. These can cost £10 to £30.
- Bedding and Substrate: You’ll need something soft for your gerbil to burrow in. Bedding costs £10 to £20.
- Food Bowl and Water Bottle: A food bowl costs £5 to £10, and a water bottle costs £5 to £15.
In total, you’ll spend about £70 to £200 on supplies. It might seem like a lot, but these are one-time costs, and they’ll keep your gerbil happy for years!
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Gerbil
After you’ve bought your gerbil and its supplies, there are some ongoing costs to think about. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:
- Food: Gerbils eat a mix of seeds, pellets, and fresh veggies. This costs about £5 to £10 per month.
- Bedding: You’ll need to replace the bedding every month, which costs £5 to £10.
- Toys and Enrichment: Gerbils love to play! Toys and tunnels cost £5 to £15 per month.
- Veterinary Care: Gerbils are usually healthy, but it’s good to take them to the vet once a year for a check-up. This costs £30 to £50. If your gerbil gets sick, emergency vet visits can cost £50 to £200 or more.
In total, you’ll spend about £15 to £30 per month on your gerbil. This doesn’t include unexpected costs, so it’s always good to have a little extra saved up.
Where to Buy Gerbils
Now that you know the costs, where should you buy your gerbil? Here’s a quick comparison.
- Pet Stores (e.g., Pets at Home): Gerbils here cost £10 to £15 each. They often sell starter kits that include a cage, food, and other supplies.
- Breeders: Breeders charge £15 to £30 per gerbil. They might have rare colors or breeds, and their gerbils are usually very healthy.
- Rescues and Shelters: Adopting from a rescue can cost £0 to £20. Many rescues include health checks and vaccinations in the adoption fee.
Each option has its pros and cons. Pet stores are convenient, but breeders and rescues often have healthier gerbils.
Hidden Costs of Gerbil Ownership
There are some hidden costs to owning a gerbil that you might not think about at first. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Replacement Costs: Toys, bedding, and accessories wear out over time and need to be replaced.
- Health Issues: While gerbils are usually healthy, they can get sick and need a vet visit.
- Travel Costs: If you go on vacation, you’ll need to pay for a pet sitter or boarding.
- Time Investment: Gerbils need daily care, like feeding, cleaning, and playing.
These costs might not seem like much, but they can add up over time.
Tips for Saving Money on Gerbil Ownership
- Buy Supplies in Bulk: Bedding and food are cheaper when you buy them in larger amounts.
- DIY Toys: You can make toys out of cardboard tubes, untreated wood, and other safe materials.
- Adopt from Rescues: Rescues often have lower adoption fees and include health checks.
- Compare Prices: Check prices at different pet stores and online retailers to find the best deals.
- Invest in Quality: Spending a little more on durable supplies can save you money in the long run.
Is a Gerbil the Right Pet for You?
Gerbils are great pets, but they’re not for everyone. Here’s what to think about before getting one:
- Budget: Gerbils are affordable, but you’ll need to spend money on supplies and care.
- Space: Gerbils don’t need a lot of space, but they do need a proper cage.
- Time: Gerbils need daily care, like feeding and cleaning.
- Commitment: Gerbils live for about 2-4 years, so make sure you’re ready for the responsibility.
Conclusion
Now you know how much gerbils cost, from the initial purchase to ongoing care. While gerbils are relatively inexpensive, it’s important to budget for their needs to keep them happy and healthy. Whether you’re buying from Pets at Home or adopting from a rescue, these little pets are worth every penny.
If you’re looking to adopt a gerbil, you might ask, how much are gerbils at Petco? Prices typically range from $10 to $25, but costs can vary based on location and availability. Be sure to check with your local Petco store for the most accurate pricing and adoption options.
