| $ $ Primary Expenses: $50 - $225 | $ $ $ Continuous Expenses: $150 - $280 |
Gerbils are small rodents originally from Africa, India, and Asia.
There are over 100 different species, being the Mongolian Gerbil the most widely known.
Gerbils form colonies, generally living in severe environmental conditions: deserts, rocky mountains, and dry plains.
Because of their social nature, their big, cute eyes, and nice fur, they have become great companions for us humans.
If you’re thinking about getting a gerbil as a pet, there are a few things you should know first, including how much money you’re going to spend.
Table of Contents
Is A Gerbil The Right Pet For Me?
Gerbils are small animals, which means that humans must handle them with care.
If there are children in your home, educate them on how to properly handle gerbils and supervise them to avoid any serious accidents.
Gerbils are curious and love to explore, so they will need enough space to feel comfortable and remain active when they need to be.
However, it’s not recommended to leave them outside their habitat alone, since they can get easily lost.
Gerbils need companionship, not only from humans.
You should consider getting at least two instead of just one.
In the wild, they live in big colonies, so they need this social interaction to truly have healthier and happier lives.
Gerbils live from 5 to 8 years in captivity, so they are still a long-term commitment that you should be ready for.
Primary Expenses
Here are the basic things you’ll have to buy when first getting a gerbil.
Adopting Or Buying A Gerbil
Although there might be shelters where they have gerbils for adoption, the most common options are pet stores or private breeders.
It’s important to look for reputable breeders, something that you can check with local or national pet associations that might recommend which are best.
Adopting a gerbil could cost from $5 to $10, whereas buying a gerbil from a breeder will generally cost between $25 to $45.
If you buy two, three, or even four gerbils at once, they might give you a discount, since they want to make sure you’ll provide your gerbil with at least one companion.
Gerbilariums Or Gerbil Habitats
Gerbilariums are cages specially made for gerbils that can also be used for other similar pet rodents.
They are usually a mix between metal and hard plastic, with at least two different levels.
Most of these gerbilariums will already have a feeder, a water dispenser, and other accessories, like a running wheel to exercise, stairs, and even small tunnels to keep your gerbil entertained.
The price here will vary depending on the size you choose, and if it’s for one or two gerbils.
Gerbilariums generally cost from $30 to $150.
Toys And Accessories
If your gerbilarium doesn’t come with enough accessories, or if you feel your gerbil is not getting all the exercise or activity it needs, there are plastic wheels, small bridges or swings, toys, and hideouts you could purchase.
Most of these will come in sets, costing from $10 to $30.
Continuous Expenses
These represent the basic things you’ll have to continuously buy for your gerbil, either monthly or annually.
Food
Gerbils are omnivores, so they can eat fruits, vegetables, cereals, and some animal protein as well.
There are pre-mixed gerbil foods that you can buy, although veterinarians also recommend giving gerbils fresh fruits and vegetables, so they can get a greater variety of nutrients.
This pre-mixed food will cost per year, from $50 to $60.
Bedding
Gerbils need wood shavings or similar bedding that will help them feel comfortable in their habitat.
They will hide, dig and go to the bathroom there, so it’s quite important to buy it and change it, at least once a week.
Bedding generally costs between $50 to $100 annually.
Chews
As rodents, gerbils love to chew on different things.
This helps them to keep their teeth from excessively growing, which could end up hurting them in the long term.
There are chew toys mostly made from wood that will help your gerbil stay healthy and busy.
These tend to cost between $3 and $5.
Vet Visits
As with any other pet animal, you should take your gerbil for at least an annual check-up with the veterinarian.
Routine visits normally cost from $40 to $100, but the price here greatly differs according to the city or town where you live.
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