How much do hamsters cost?

Hamsters are a popular pick for new pet owners. They don’t need much looking after. These fluffy little pets are friendly and calm. That makes them easy to bond with. They fit right in your hand and are great for kids who want to learn about caring for animals.

Thinking about getting one of these small rodents? The cost is a big thing to think about, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you want a Dwarf, Syrian, or Chinese hamster, prices are usually similar. This can change if a certain type isn’t easy to find where you live. What other costs should you expect?

Main Costs of Owning a Hamster

When you own a hamster, some main costs pop up. These include:

• The hamster itself
• A cage to live in
• Toys and things for the cage
• Food to eat
• Bedding for comfort
• Small treats
• Vet visits and possibly insurance

We’ll go over each of these costs. We will also show you ways to save money as you go.

The Cost of a Hamster

Buying a hamster often happens at a pet shop. Here, you can expect to pay anywhere from £5 to £20. The price changes based on the breed you pick.

If you want a very specific breed, you might buy from a breeder. This could push the price up to around £35. Breeders offer a wider range of breeds. They also have different markings or mutations. Plus, breeders know a lot about care. They can give you expert advice.

A cheaper way to get a hamster is to check local rescue centers. They don’t always have hamsters, but when they do, you can often adopt one for under £5. This also helps the rescue center.

Look on social media or online marketplaces too. Some owners want to rehome their hamster. Sometimes, you can even get the cage and accessories for free. That’s a good deal.

Cost of a Hamster Cage

A hamster’s cage price depends on what it’s made from and its size. The smallest cage should be at least 24L x 12W x 12H inches. It’s really better to get the biggest cage you can afford. Make sure it fits well in your home.

A big cage might cost around £90 to £115. You can often find deals that come with a wheel and other accessories. These bundles can help you save some cash.

Keep an eye on online marketplaces and social media. You can often find used cages there. Just clean them up, and they are good to go. These can cost only 20-25% of the original price.

Cost of Hamster Accessories

Your hamster needs exercise. They also need things to do. Without them, they might get grumpy. They could even start chewing on their cage bars. In the wild, Syrian hamsters run for miles every night.

Common hamster toys include balls, exercise wheels, tube mazes, slides, and chew toys. Wheels let them run. Mazes and slides add more space for them to explore in their home. More tubes mean more room, which is good for your hamster’s health. Don’t forget chew toys. These keep their teeth healthy and at the right length.

Expect to spend between £40 and £80 when you first get a hamster. After that, plan to pay about £10 a month for new chew toys, if the old ones break.

You can also make your own hamster toys. This saves money. Things like log cut-offs or nibble sticks work well. An empty toilet roll can keep a hamster busy for a few hours. It costs nothing. Be creative; your hamster will like your efforts.

Cost of Food for a Hamster

Most of a pet hamster’s diet is good quality commercial pellets and dry food mixes. These are not too expensive. Just make sure not to pick low-grade hamster food. Get food that is good quality. This helps your hamster stay active. It also helps avoid extra vet bills.

Hamsters are small, so they don’t eat a lot. A bag of pellets might last for many months. Hamster food should cost less than £10 each month.

Remember, hamsters also need fresh foods. This includes fresh veggies and some fruits. You can cut down on this cost. Just share some trimmed bits or leftovers from your own meals. A small amount is plenty for a little hamster.

Cost of Hamster Bedding

You won’t just put a hamster in an empty cage. They need a lot of bedding. This is for sleeping and for waste. Wood chips are common. Aspen wood chips are often best because they are safe. They can cost twice as much as other types.

Paper bedding is another choice. It costs more than wood shavings. How long bedding lasts depends on how often you change it. It also depends on how much you use. It could last for several weeks.

If you use a litter box, the bedding can last longer. The hamster makes waste in the box. Without a litter box, you need to remove almost all bedding every week. If you buy a 60-litre bag and use about 5 litres a week, it can last three months. This means the monthly cost might be £7 to £15. If you buy a new bag every month, it could add up to £180 per year.

Cost of Vets and Insurance

You will need a specialist vet for check-ups and treatments. Experts suggest yearly basic check-ups for hamsters. Many owners go to the vet when their hamster acts strange or gets sick. This is likely to happen during your fluffy friend’s life.

Here are some common signs that a hamster might be sick:

• Grumpy mood
• Losing energy
• Diarrhoea
• Eyes look sunken in
• Losing fur
• A runny nose
• Having a seizure

For example, “wet tail” in hamsters can cost between £5 and £15 to treat. Surgeries can cost over £75. It is not rare for surgeries to cost up to £150 when you add in medicine. Check-ups are not cheap either, they can be up to £50. Some shots might cost up to £75. Many people don’t think about this. If your hamster gets sick and cannot recover, euthanasia might cost up to £150.

If your hamster stays healthy, vet care might average about £75-£200 a year. This cost is quite low. Because of this, it’s hard to get insurance for a hamster. You should make sure you have this money ready for emergencies.

How Much Do Hamsters Cost Over a Lifetime

Before you get a sweet hamster, make sure you can afford to care for it. If you need to, save money ahead of time. This will help you buy all the supplies. It also makes sure you have enough for vet care throughout their life.

A hamster’s care over its lifetime might reach £800. That might seem like a lot. But there are few pets cheaper than a hamster. For example, a cat can cost up to £16,000!

Now you know about all the costs linked to hamsters. You can make a good choice. Decide if owning one is something you can afford.