A pet store may advertise hamsters for five dollars each or a guinea pig for twenty dollars, but adult owners should realize that the REAL cost of taking Fluffy home can be much higher. Quality cages for small animals are not cheap, and the cost of water bottles, bedding, food, toys and snacks can add up quickly. It's not unusual for a ten dollar gerbil to end up costing a hundred dollars or more at the cash register. There are ways to find supplies for your small animal, however, that won't necessarily break your bank. Here are some ideas on finding the right supplies for your exotic pet.
- Commercial pet stores which sell small exotics like hamsters and gerbils will often put together a 'starter kit' for first-time owners. This starter kit should include a basic cage, one bag of bedding, a small supply of pellet food, water bottle, food bowl, an exercise wheel and perhaps a toy or snack. Everything you need for the first week or so should be in the starter kit. The pet store may not even charge for the animal if the would-be owner agrees to purchase a starter kit. This is an excellent way to make sure you have all the essential supplies, but pay attention to the brands of bedding and food pellets. Once they run out, it falls on you to find replacements that match.
- If you purchase your new hamster, gerbil or guinea pig from a private owner, ask the seller about additional supplies such as the cage, toys, food bowls and water bottles. Bedding may be easily obtained elsewhere, but finding these items can be a hassle if you don't live near a pet store. The previous owner might be willing to throw in these supplies for free, but be prepared to pay at least 'friend prices' for the more expensive items. The seller may want to keep the supplies for another pet in the future.
...
Click here to read the rest of the article at HowToDoThings.com
Author: Michael Pollick