Owning a... hamster
The cost of a hamster
Please note: this is only an estimate using approximate prices. Cost will vary depending on the individual hamster. It is only intended to be a guide.
Initial costs
Female hamster, around £7
Male, around £6
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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 = £69.50
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 = £106
So, in the first year of purchase, it may cost in the region of (£69.50 +106) = £175.50
From these estimations, you may well spend up to £600 on your hamster if it lives for five years, plus any vet bills.
