Owning... gerbils

The cost of gerbils

Please note: this is only an estimate using approximate prices. Cost will vary depending on the individual gerbils. It is only intended to be a guide.

Initial costs

Female gerbil £6

Male, around £6

Cage, around £30

Big bale of shavings, around £8

Large sack of paper bedding, around £6

Dried food, around £4

Salt lick, around 50p

Water bottle, about £2

Food bowl, about £2

Toys, around £10 for several

Maximum total = £74.50

Monthly cost

Dried food, around £4

Greens, variable but around £5

Total = £14

Yearly cost

Dried food, (£4 x 8) = £32

Greens, (£5 x 12) = £60

Shavings, (1 x £8) = £8

Paper bedding, (1 x £6) = £6

Vet bills, depending on the individual, so count as an excess on total

Total = £116

So, in the first year of purchase, it may cost in the region of (£74.50 +116) = £190.50

From these estimations, you may well spend up to £770.50 on your gerbils if they live for six years, plus any vet bills.

Gerbil Main