Saving Money on Care & Supplies for Hamsters & Gerbils

Hamsters and gerbils are among the least expensive pets to keep -- just one of their charms! Yet it's all too easy to spend on them, especially at the local pet store. With a little shopping around, though, it's simple to save money.

Although hamsters and gerbils are inexpensive even at pet stores, they're less expensive and often healthier from breeders. The very best deals can be found from pet owners who must give up their pets, and may be getting rid of the cage and all supplies as well. Finding free hamsters and gerbils with all the accessories is not uncommon. Check Craigslist.org and other classified listings. Even check your local animal shelter or rescue organizations (you can start at www.petfinder.com). You might be surprised at how many hamsters end up in need of homes!

If you found the pet you want but still need the cage, look on Craigslist and other local sources for this, too. Used small animal cages are often available at a fraction the price of new ones. Wash used cages with bleach and rinse thoroughly, and they'll be completely safe for your pets. Or look for new ones at online pet supply sources, and on eBay.

When it comes to other accessories, hamsters and gerbils don't care whether toys are store-bought or home-made. They will use and love cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, safe chewing sticks from the outdoors and other home-made and found items. There's not a single type of small animal toy that's better store-bought than home-made! Toys should be replaced regularly to keep your pet entertained, and it's much easier to do this with home-made toys.

The easiest way to save on bedding is to buy in bulk. It requires a little extra space, but the largest bags of bedding cost only a bit more than the small bags, and will last for many, many more cage cleanings. Shop around -- prices vary widely between sources. Bedding is often cheaper at grocery stores, K-Marts or Wal-Marts, or feed and farm stores than it is at pet stores. If you have the storage space, 50 lb bags of wood stove pellets (found at hardware and farm supply stores) make excellent pet bedding and are quite cheap.

Hamsters and gerbils probably won't ever eat you out of house and home, but those little pet shop yogurt treats can get expensive, and aren't all that healthy for your pet, anyway. Instead of pet store treats, offer your pet healthy kitchen scraps such as brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread and pasta, and small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Not only are these foods often cheaper than pet store foods, but they're healthier and give your pet more variety in his diet -- always a good thing!

Keeping your pet healthy will also save you money in the long run. Don't skimp on the things he needs for his health and happiness -- used cages are fine, but should be roomy and ventilated, and never use cedar or pine shavings, even though they may be cheapest. For most of the things your hamsters and gerbils need, though, you can save money and still keep your pets happy and healthy.