Gerbils make cute, adorable rodents and are very easy to take care of. Gerbils make great pets, and they are often the first pet a child has. They can be purchased at most pet shops and are very affordable.
You might be tempted to think that bringing home a gerbil is inexpensive when you look at the price tag at your local pet shop. Although it isn’t as costly as other pets, there are hidden costs you should consider. A $10 gerbil could cost you several times as much if you include things like food and bedding.
You should be aware of all hidden costs when adding a gerbil to your family. This will allow you to get an accurate estimate of the cost of buying and caring for one. We’ll be discussing these hidden costs in this article so you don’t have to surprise yourself when you buy your gerbil.
One-time Costs for Bringing Home A New Gerbil
When purchasing a new Gerbil, there are several one-time expenses to be aware of. There are many items you will need to care for your gerbil. A cage is one requirement. It must be large enough to allow your gerbil to play in it and burrow through the substrate or bedding. This is another expense you will need to consider. It will cost you between $150 and $250 to buy your gerbil as well as all the necessary care.
No cost
You’re likely to see a lot of gerbils for free on Craigslist and other classified sites. These pets are often purchased by people who can’t care for them. Chances are you will find a free gerbil with a cage and all the other necessities.
Adoption
- $5-$50
It might surprise you to learn that shelters can sometimes provide gerbils for adoption. Although every shelter has different adoption policies and prices each shelter may offer a cheaper way to adopt a gerbil. You can save money by adopting a Gerbil from a shelter that comes with basic accessories and cages.
Breeder
- $10-100
Breeders are experts in gerbils. A reputable breeder will have a wide selection of gerbils for you to choose from, as well as a source of information that can help you. Your gerbil should cost between $10 and $100. You should ensure that the breeder you choose has a good standing. Healthy babies should be kept in a clean environment. Ask to see the mother if you can. The mother should be happy and healthy in a clean environment. Avoid breeders who have dirty cages or animals that seem lethargic or sick. Also, avoid anyone who refuses to show you their facilities.
Gerbil Breeds
There are over 80 types of Gerbils. Most gerbils are not kept as pets. Only two gerbil breeds are kept as pets, out of all the gerbil varieties.
Mongolian Gerbil – $5- $15
The most popular and well-loved gerbils to have as pets are the Mongolian Gerbils. They are native to Mongolia and are sometimes called Desert Rats. They can grow to nearly 6 inches long and live for about 3-5 years. These pets are extremely common and affordable, with an average price of $5-$15.
Fat-Tailed Gerbils – up to $100
This rodent, also known as the Duprasi Gerbil and Beer Mat Gerbil is slightly smaller than the Mongolian. They can grow up to 4 inches in length and live for 5-7 years. They are one of the most gentle gerbils, and they are native to Africa. They are rarer than Mongolian gerbils and their prices reflect that. Some specimens can be as high as $100.
Stock
- $80-$200
To keep your gerbil happy, you will need several things. They need a wheel to exercise and keep them happy. Keep in mind that gerbil wheels can be interchanged with hamster wheels. A water dispenser is essential, as well as plenty of food. A substrate and a cage are essential supplies as your gerbil will live in the substrate and be kept in the cage.
Gerbil Care Supplies: List and Prices
| Gerbil Wheel | $10-$20 |
| Bed/Tank/Cage | $30-$90 |
| Water Dispenser | $5-$10 |
| Substrate/Bedding | $5-$20 |
| Brush | $5-$15 |
| Food | $50/year |
Annual Expenses
- $100-$500 per annum
Any recurring expense must be included when calculating annual expenses. The substrate, for example, will need to replace on a regular basis. It will be necessary to purchase food whenever it is low. If your gerbil displays unusual behaviors or is in poor health, healthcare will be required. You should budget $100 per year for food and substrate.
Health Care
- $0-$200/year
Although gerbils don’t have the same health issues as cats or dogs, they can still get sick. Although your gerbil doesn’t require any medical attention, if it begins to show signs of illness, it will need to be treated. Although basic care and checks aren’t very expensive, specialist care or surgery can quickly add up.
Check-Ups
- $40-$80 annually
The average vet visit for a gerbil costs around $40. A gerbil should be seen for a checkup at least once a year. This is a great way of ensuring that your pet is healthy and well. Older gerbils need to be seen twice a year by the vet. You’ll likely spend around $80 if you take your gerbil to the vet for two annual checkups.
Vaccinations
- $0 per annum
Gerbils do not require vaccinations, but they should be checked on a regular basis by a professional veterinarian.
Dental
- $20-50 per year
Because their incisors grow constantly, gerbils need to chew something. To keep their teeth at the correct length, they must chew. Too many gerbil teeth can lead to weight loss and decreased appetite. You don’t have to get help from a veterinarian to maintain your gerbils’ healthy teeth. Keep plenty of chew toys and your gerbil can take care of it on its own.
Treatments for Parasites
- $0-$50/year
Although gerbils do not get vaccines, they can be susceptible to parasites known as blood lice. These tiny buggers live off your gerbil’s blood and can be transferred from unsterilized bedding. This condition can be treated at a pet shop. The treatment is only required when the infection develops, so it won’t cost you a lot of money each year. If you are lucky, you might not need to.
Emergencies
- $0-$250/year
Although we try to avoid emergency situations, they do happen. You will need to seek immediate medical attention if your gerbil has an emergency. A standard checkup costs only $40. If your gerbil requires surgery, expect to pay closer to $200. This is a rare expense that you will have to pay.
For ongoing conditions, Medications
- $0-$100 per annum
You don’t need to spend money on medication if your gerbil doesn’t have any ongoing conditions. These medications aren’t too expensive, thankfully. These medications for rodents are often very affordable, usually costing less than $10 per package. It is unlikely that your gerbil will need ongoing medication. This usually won’t exceed $100 per year.
Insurance
- $60-$150 annually
Insurance can help you when the unexpected happens. Insurance can make it much easier to pay for emergency visits. Because gerbils are small and have low healthcare costs, it is very affordable to insure one. For a single gerbil, you can expect to pay $60 and for two or more to be insured, it will cost between $100-$150.
Food
- $50-$100 per annum
There are many options for feeding your gerbil. There are many options for feeding your gerbil. You can buy food from the grocery store such as fruits, vegetables, and seeds. You can also purchase pre-formulated Gerbil Foods that will provide the nutritional needs of your furry friend. These foods are easier to use and can be purchased in large quantities.
Environment Maintenance
- $70-$100 per annum
To maintain your gerbil’s environment, the first thing you should do is change its substrate. Spot cleaning the areas with waste can prolong its life, but it’s still important to keep it clean.
Gerbils don’t have a strong smell, so they may not be sensitive to odors. Spraying your gerbil’s enclosure with chemicals can cause them to lose its natural scent. To prevent odors from escaping, spray the area around the cage.
You can bathe your gerbil if it becomes stale. Gerbils can’t be bathed in water. Your gerbil will need to be given a sand bath. Because reptile sand can be found at pet shops, it is safe and sterile.
| Substrate/Bedding | $50/year |
| Deodorizing sprays or granules | $20/year |
| Sand | $15 |
| Devoted trash can | $20 |
Entertainment
- $20-$100 per annum
You could spend as much money as you like on toys and entertainment, but it is not necessary. To wear down their teeth, they will need to have a running wheel and chewing/gnawing toys. As they age, chewing toys need to be replaced regularly. You can give your gerbil any toys you want, as long as they have enough space in their cage.
The Total Annual Cost to Own a Gerbil
- $140-$500+ annually
You’ll need to provide food, substrate, and chew toys for your Gerbil at all times. These costs will amount to around $100 per year. The cost of caring for your gerbil is exponentially higher if there are any health issues.
A Gerbil Budget
You might not be pleased with the cost of caring for a gerbil if you were hoping to buy one as a pet. Don’t despair! There are many ways to get a gerbil, without spending a lot.
Craigslist has many classified ads. Many people give away their gerbils equipped with water bottles and cages. These can be found for free or a small rehoming fee. This will save you a lot of time and money that you would have spent on setting up and maintaining your gerbil’s environment.
If you have difficulty finding a gerbil, make sure to visit the local shelter. Adoption is a great way to save money, and it might even include the necessary items like a cage.
Gerbil Care: Saving Money
Gerbil care can be expensive. There are ways to save money and lower the cost of caring for these rodents.
Spot-cleaning substrate is a way to save money, as it’s cheaper than replacing it all. If you find any waste, take it out. It will still be necessary to replace the entire substrate, but it will last many times longer if you do spot cleaning.
You can also feed your gerbil your own food. However, you must be careful not to give anything toxic or unhealthy. This is a great way to save money every year than buying pre-formulated gerbil food.
Conclusion
Do not make the mistake of believing that a $10 gerbil will cost only $10 to bring home. A suitable cage will cost you $30-$90, as well as a wheel to allow them to roam and substrate to fill their cage. You’ll also need a water bottle to keep them hydrated. Make sure to get them to chew toys!
There are also care costs that must be taken into consideration. Each annual vet visit will cost around $40. You might need to spend a few hundred if an emergency happens. A good insurance plan will keep your gerbil safe for a few dollars per month. However, that is still a cost you should consider.
Do gerbils make good pets?
Gerbils are popular pets because they are easy to care for and have little odor, but they do have some special needs to stay happy and healthy. Gerbils must live in pairs or groups due to their social nature. Gerbils typically live for three to four years.
Gerbils do they cuddle?
Gerbils enjoy running around chasing each other, wrestling, and boxing. They will also groom each other, sleep in piles, and cuddle. Your gerbils will be much happier if they are kept in groups of at least two (same sex unless you plan to breed, which requires a lot more care).
Do gerbils enjoy being picked up?
Gerbils, like many small pets, can be fearful of being picked up. In their cage, they frequently prefer to be petted or given treats. Consider getting rats or ferrets instead if you want a small pet that enjoys human attention.
Gerbils pee a lot, don’t they?
Gerbils come from the desert and dry grassland areas, so they don’t produce much urine or waste, making it relatively easy to keep their environment clean and odor-free.
Do gerbils recognize their own names?
Your pet gerbil can learn its name and when you approach the cage, it will most likely be let out to play! Your pet gerbil can also learn some cool tricks.
Do gerbils require baths?
Water baths are bad for gerbils because they remove vital molecules from their coats, which can cause skin problems. Water baths should be used only in extreme cases, such as when a gerbil has something potentially harmful stuck to its fur.
Is it necessary to feed gerbils every day?
Gerbils require daily feeding to stay alive. However, if you feed them foods high in fat or sugar (such as fruit, nuts, and seeds) every day, Gerbils can quickly become obese. You may also notice that your gerbils like to save their food.
What is poisonous to gerbils?
Grapes and rhubarb are poisonous to rodents, so don’t feed them to your pets. Avoid eating too many seeds (such as sunflower), as they are high in fat and can lead to obesity.
Do gerbils require light?
Gerbils should be kept in conditions that mimic their natural environment. Anything else will make them unhappy for reasons they may not fully comprehend. Given that gerbils live in areas with both days and nights, you must provide your gerbils with natural light.
What is the most affordable gerbil?
A Mongolian gerbil, the most common species, usually costs between $5 and $20 per animal. This varies depending on where you got your pet. You should approach a pet rescue/adoption center for the lowest cost.