What is the Cheapest Animal to Own in the World?

Picture this: Sarah, a bright-eyed college student, just moved into her first apartment off-campus. The place felt a little too quiet, a bit lonely. She’d always dreamed of having a pet, a furry or finned friend to share her space, but her student budget was tighter than a new pair of jeans. Every time she looked at adoption fees for cats or dogs, or the endless list of supplies for a guinea pig, her heart sank. She just couldn’t swing it. “There has to be a pet out there,” she thought, “that won’t nickel and dime me every month. What is the cheapest animal to own in the world, really?”

It’s a real head-scratcher for many folks, isn’t it? We crave companionship, but pet ownership can often feel like a luxury. So, let’s cut right to the chase for those of you, like Sarah, wondering what won’t break the bank. When we talk about the absolute cheapest animals to own, considering both initial purchase and long-term care, the top contenders are often: Betta fish (Siamese fighting fish), certain small insects (like Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches or Praying Mantises), and tiny rodents such as mice or dwarf hamsters. However, the term “cheapest” is far more nuanced than just the initial price tag, and diving deeper reveals a fascinating world of budget-friendly companionship.

Understanding “Cheapest”: It’s More Than Just the Price Tag

When you hear someone ask about the “cheapest animal to own,” what immediately springs to mind? For most, it’s probably the initial price of buying the critter. A goldfish for a dollar, maybe a parakeet for twenty bucks. Seems cheap, right? But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, folks. True cost-effectiveness in pet ownership is about the *lifetime* expenses, and that’s where many well-intentioned pet parents get tripped up. My own experience, having cared for everything from hamsters to hefty dogs, has taught me that the sticker price is often a drop in the bucket compared to what you’ll shell out over the years.

Initial Purchase Cost vs. Lifetime Cost

Think about it: a kitten might be “free” from a friend’s litter, but spaying/neutering, vaccinations, quality food, litter, and potential vet emergencies can quickly add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the first year alone. Contrast that with, say, a handful of feeder crickets for a dollar. The upfront cost is negligible. But even the crickets have recurring food needs if you want them to live longer and be healthier for your reptile. So, we’ve got to look beyond that first transaction.

The “Hidden” Costs of Pet Ownership

Oh, the hidden costs! They’re the sneaky little things that can really add up and turn a seemingly cheap pet into a budget buster. These can include specialized diets, specific habitat requirements (think heat lamps, filters, large tanks), enrichment items that wear out, and, perhaps most significantly, veterinary care. Many people assume small pets don’t need vets, but they absolutely do, and specialized exotic vet care can be pricey. It’s a common misconception that a small animal implies small problems, but a tiny organism can have huge medical bills, believe me.

My Take: Why We Often Overlook Long-Term Expenses

I reckon a big part of why we overlook these long-term expenses is simply optimism, mixed with a dash of inexperience. When you’re caught up in the excitement of bringing a new pet home, you’re focused on the adorable factor, not the monthly expenditures. Plus, the sheer variety of pet products out there can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get sucked into buying things you don’t truly need, or worse, buying cheap, inadequate supplies that you’ll have to replace sooner, costing you more in the long run. My advice? Always, always do your homework *before* you bring that critter home. Your wallet, and your new pet, will thank you for it.

Factors That Drive Pet Ownership Costs

To truly understand what makes an animal “cheap” to own, we need to break down the cost components. It’s not just about what you pay at the pet store; it’s a whole ecosystem of expenses that crops up throughout a pet’s life. Let’s dig into these factors:

• Food and Nutrition: This is a big one. Some animals thrive on basic, inexpensive diets, while others require specialized, often pricey, foods. Consider fresh vegetables, live insects, or specific brands of kibble. Quality food can prevent health issues, so skimping here often means higher vet bills later.
• Housing and Environment Setup: A proper home for your pet is crucial. This includes cages, tanks, terrariums, substrate, bedding, heating elements, lighting, filters, and decorations. The initial setup can be a significant upfront cost, even for small animals, and some components (like filters or bulbs) need regular replacement.
• Veterinary Care: This is the wild card. Routine check-ups, vaccinations (for some species), and emergency care can range from minimal to exorbitant. Small rodents, fish, and insects often get overlooked for vet care, which can lead to suffering or premature death. Exotic vets, who are often necessary for less common pets, can charge a premium.
• Grooming: While less common for the “cheapest” pets we’ll discuss, some animals, even small ones, might need occasional grooming or nail trims.
• Toys and Enrichment: All pets need mental and physical stimulation. Toys, exercise wheels, climbing structures, or even puzzle feeders fall into this category. These items wear out and need replacing.
• Time Commitment (a non-monetary cost): While not a direct monetary expense, your time is valuable. Some pets require significant daily interaction, cleaning, or specialized care, which is a cost in itself. If you’re constantly replacing bedding or cleaning tanks, that’s time you could be spending elsewhere.
• Unexpected Expenses: Life happens. An unforeseen illness, a broken cage, or needing a pet sitter when you’re out of town can pop up and throw your budget off track.

Contenders for the “Cheapest Animal to Own” Title: A Deep Dive

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and examine some of the most budget-friendly pets out there, weighing their pros, cons, and actual long-term costs. It’s a fascinating look at how diverse pet ownership can be!

The Aquatic Minimalists: Fish

Fish are often the go-to answer for “cheap pets,” and for good reason. Many species have low initial costs and relatively simple care requirements, but it’s vital to avoid common pitfalls that can make them surprisingly expensive.

Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

Ah, the Betta. These beautiful, vibrant fish are practically synonymous with “easy first pet.”

• Pros:
  • Low Initial Cost: You can often find a Betta for just $5-$15 at your local pet store.
  • Small Tank Size: Unlike goldfish, a Betta can thrive in a smaller tank, ideally 2.5 to 5 gallons, which keeps the setup costs down.
  • Simple Diet: They primarily eat specialized Betta pellets or flakes, which are quite affordable and last a long time.
  • Interactive: Bettas can learn to recognize their owners and will often “beg” for food, making them surprisingly engaging.
• Cons:
  • Heater is Essential: While often sold in tiny cups (which is terrible for them, by the way), Bettas are tropical fish and *require* a heater to keep their water between 75-80°F. This is a non-negotiable expense (around $15-$30).
  • Filter is Recommended: While some argue against it for very small tanks, a small sponge filter or internal filter (around $10-$20) will significantly improve water quality and reduce the frequency of water changes, leading to a healthier fish.
  • Proper Tank Size Often Underestimated: Those tiny half-gallon bowls? They’re inhumane and lead to a short, miserable life for the fish. A proper 2.5-5 gallon tank setup with a filter and heater is necessary. This initial setup (tank, heater, filter, substrate, decor, water conditioner) can run $50-$100.
  • Water Changes: Regular partial water changes are critical, which means buying water conditioner.
  • Lifespan: With proper care, Bettas can live 3-5 years, which means those recurring costs add up.

My Opinion: Bettas are fantastic entry-level pets, *if* done right. Don’t fall for the myth that they’re fine in a tiny unheated bowl. Invest in the proper initial setup, and their ongoing costs for food and water conditioner are genuinely minimal, making them a strong contender for an affordable, interactive pet.

Guppies or Small Tetras

These tiny, schooling fish offer a vibrant display in a community tank.

• Pros:
  • Cheap to Buy: Often sold for a dollar or two each, or even in “feeder fish” batches for pennies.
  • Small Size: Don’t require massive individual space.
  • Community Tank Potential: Can be kept in groups, creating a lively environment.
• Cons:
  • Need a Larger Tank for a Community: While individually small, a school of 6-10 fish needs at least a 10-gallon tank, increasing initial setup costs compared to a single Betta.
  • Filtration is Key: More fish mean more waste, so a good filter is essential, adding to upfront and maintenance costs.
  • More Complex Water Parameters: Maintaining stable water chemistry for a thriving community can be a bit more involved for a beginner.

Goldfish (The Misunderstood Budget Pet)

Goldfish are the poster child for “cheap,” but they’re often a terrible choice for the truly budget-conscious.

• Pros:
  • Very Cheap to Buy: You can get a feeder goldfish for literal pennies.
• Cons:
  • Massive Tanks Needed for Proper Care: This is the big one. Common goldfish (not fancy varieties) can grow over a foot long and live for 10-20+ years. They need 20-30 gallons *per fish* as adults. This means an initial tank setup costing hundreds, if not thousands, over their lifetime.
  • Very Messy: Goldfish produce a lot of waste, requiring robust filtration and frequent, large water changes.
  • Long Lifespan: While a pro for some, a decades-long commitment to a huge tank with powerful filtration is anything but cheap.

My Opinion: Despite their low initial cost, common goldfish are *not* cheap in the long run if cared for properly. They are actually one of the most expensive fish to house correctly. Avoid if true affordability is your goal, unless you’re planning for a pond.

The Creepy-Crawly Bargains: Insects and Invertebrates

Don’t wrinkle your nose just yet! Insects and other invertebrates offer some of the absolute lowest-cost pet options, and they can be surprisingly fascinating.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

These gentle giants of the roach world are actually quite popular and genuinely low-maintenance.

• Pros:
  • Very Low Initial Cost: Often $5-$10 per roach.
  • Simple Enclosure: A 5-10 gallon tank or a plastic storage bin with a secure lid (and ventilation!) will do. Substrate can be coco fiber, peat moss, or even paper towels. Total setup: $20-$40.
  • Minimal Food: They eat just about anything – fruit and veggie scraps, dry dog/cat food, or specialized roach chow. A bag of dog food could last them a year.
  • Long Lifespan: Can live 2-5 years.
  • No Vet Care Needed: Generally, if they get sick, you just accept it. This saves a huge chunk of potential costs.
  • No Smell: If kept clean, they don’t really smell.
• Cons:
  • Not for Everyone: Let’s be real, they’re cockroaches. The “ick” factor is high for some.
  • Specific Temperature Needs: They thrive around 75-85°F, which might require a heat mat in cooler climates (an extra $15-$25).
  • Breeding: They breed readily, so if you start with a male and female, you’ll soon have many more. Plan accordingly!

My Opinion: Honestly, these guys are hard to beat for affordability. They offer a unique pet experience with incredibly low recurring costs. They truly represent the cheapest animal to own category.

Praying Mantises

Graceful, predatory, and surprisingly easy to care for.

• Pros:
  • Cheap to Buy: Can be found for $5-$20, sometimes even caught in your garden (if legal and safe).
  • Small Enclosure: A simple mesh cage or a small critter keeper is all they need.
  • Minimal Food: Primarily eat live insects (crickets, fruit flies), which are inexpensive to buy in small batches or can be caught (again, if safe and legal).
• Cons:
  • Shorter Lifespan: Typically only live for 6-12 months.
  • Need Live Food: Requires you to be comfortable handling or buying live insects regularly.

Ant Farms (Ant Colonies)

A classic educational tool that can also be considered a very low-cost pet.

• Pros:
  • Low Initial Cost: Kits are often $20-$50, and ants can sometimes be collected or bought for cheap.
  • Self-Sustaining (Once Established): Once the colony is going, they require minimal intervention, just occasional feeding (tiny bits of fruit, honey, protein) and water.
  • Educational: Watching a colony work is genuinely fascinating.
• Cons:
  • Not a “Cuddly” Pet: You’re observing, not interacting directly.
  • Requires Careful Handling: Escaped ants are no fun.
  • Lifespan Varies: A queen can live for years, but individual workers have much shorter lives.

The Pocket-Sized Pals: Rodents

Small rodents are often touted as cheap, and many are. However, their short lifespans and propensity for specific health issues mean you need to be aware of potential costs.

Mice

These tiny critters are surprisingly intelligent and affectionate with proper handling.

• Pros:
  • Very Low Initial Cost: Often $5-$10 each.
  • Small Cage: A 10-gallon tank is usually sufficient for a small group.
  • Simple Diet: High-quality mouse block or pellet food is inexpensive and provides complete nutrition.
• Cons:
  • Short Lifespan: Typically 1-2 years, so the joy is fleeting, and you might find yourself replacing them often.
  • Need to Be Kept in Groups: Mice are social animals (females especially), so you need at least two, which means doubling food and potentially cage space.
  • Prone to Tumors: Especially as they age, mice can develop tumors, requiring vet intervention or difficult decisions.
  • Need Enrichment: They are active and intelligent, needing wheels, tunnels, and toys, which are recurring purchases.
  • Odor: Males, especially, can have a strong musky odor if not cleaned frequently.

My Opinion: Mice are certainly cheap to acquire and feed, but their short lifespans and common health issues mean you might be looking at vet bills or the emotional cost of frequent pet loss. Still, a good choice for someone truly on a shoestring budget who understands the commitment.

Dwarf Hamsters

These tiny bundles of energy are popular for their small size and relative ease of care.

• Pros:
  • Small Size: Very small and don’t require huge cages (though bigger is always better). A 10-gallon tank or similarly sized bin cage is a good start.
  • Can be Solitary: Unlike mice, many dwarf hamsters can be kept alone, simplifying housing.
  • Relatively Simple Cage Setup: Basic bedding, a wheel, and food dish are key.
• Cons:
  • Short Lifespan: Similar to mice, 1.5-2.5 years on average.
  • Prone to Health Issues: Dwarf hamsters are particularly susceptible to diabetes, which requires a specialized diet and can lead to complications.
  • Need a Proper Wheel and Enrichment: A solid-surface wheel (not wire) is crucial, as are chew toys and tubes. These are ongoing costs.
  • Nocturnal: Can be noisy at night, which might impact sleep.

Gerbils

Active and curious, gerbils are another excellent small rodent choice.

• Pros:
  • Social (Need Pairs): They thrive in pairs or small groups (of the same sex), which is lovely to watch.
  • Active and Hardy: Known for being quite robust and engaging.
  • Generally Healthy: Fewer common genetic issues than some hamsters.
  • Relatively Clean and Odor-Free: With proper care, they are less prone to strong odors than mice or some hamsters.
• Cons:
  • Need Deep Bedding for Burrowing: They love to dig, so a tank with deep bedding is a must, meaning you’ll use more bedding.
  • Can be Escape Artists: Need secure enclosures.
  • Lifespan: Around 2-4 years, which is a bit longer than mice or hamsters.

My Opinion: Gerbils offer a good balance of affordability, activity, and interaction. Their slightly longer lifespan and robust health can make them a better long-term value than mice or dwarf hamsters, even if the initial purchase is similar.

The Feathered Friends (on a Budget): Small Birds

Birds can be surprisingly affordable, particularly the smaller species, but they do require more interaction and specific care than many people realize.

Finches

These tiny, chirpy birds are a joy to listen to and observe.

• Pros:
  • Small: Don’t need huge cages, a good size for a pair is a large parakeet cage.
  • Low Initial Cost: Often $15-$30 each.
  • Seed-Based Diet: Their primary diet of finch seed mix is very inexpensive.
• Cons:
  • Need to Be Kept in Groups: Finches are social and do best in pairs or small flocks, increasing initial purchase and cage size needs.
  • Can be Timid: Not typically hand-tame, so they’re more for observation than interaction.
  • Need Enrichment: Swings, perches, and toys are important.
  • Messy Eaters: Can scatter seeds, requiring regular cage cleaning.
  • Vet Care: Avian vets are specialized and can be expensive.

Parakeets (Budgies)

Intelligent, charming, and capable of learning to talk, parakeets are a classic choice for a budget-friendly bird.

• Pros:
  • Intelligent and Interactive: Can be hand-tamed and even taught to mimic words.
  • Relatively Small: Don’t need a huge aviary, though a spacious cage is still important.
  • Low Initial Cost: Often $20-$40 each.
  • Good Lifespan: With proper care, 5-10 years, offering a longer commitment.
• Cons:
  • Need Bigger Cages than Finches: A flight cage, not just a small box, is ideal for their active nature. This adds to initial setup costs.
  • More Demanding Diet: While seed is a component, they need a varied diet of pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables for optimal health, which can be a bit more work and cost than just seeds.
  • Vet Care Can Be Specialized: Again, avian vets are specialists and can be expensive if health issues arise.
  • Require Interaction: While independent, they thrive on interaction and can become bored or depressed if ignored.

My Opinion: Parakeets are budget-friendly but require more dedication in terms of interaction, diet, and potential vet care than many assume. They’re a great choice for someone looking for a feathered companion who is willing to invest a bit more time and attention than with, say, a Betta.

Honorable Mentions / “Almost Cheap” Pets

There are a few other animals that sometimes come up in discussions about cheap pets, but often have a catch.

• Leopard Gecko: While the gecko itself might be $20-$50, the initial setup can easily run $150-$250 (tank, heat mat, thermostat, hides, substrate, calcium supplements). Food (crickets, mealworms) is cheap, but the upfront cost takes them out of the “cheapest of the cheap” category.
• Hermit Crabs: Often sold for a few dollars, but to keep them healthy, you need a decent-sized tank, proper substrate (not just gravel!), heat, humidity, specialized foods, and saltwater/freshwater dishes. Many die quickly due to inadequate care, proving they aren’t truly cheap if you care about their welfare.
• Sea Monkeys (Brine Shrimp): Arguably the absolute cheapest *live* pet you can get, often just a few dollars for a kit. They require minimal input beyond adding water and occasional food. However, they are more of a novelty science experiment than an interactive pet.

Comparative Cost Analysis Table

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a rough estimate of the costs associated with some of these animals. Keep in mind, prices can vary wildly based on your location, pet store, and personal choices.

*Estimates are for a single animal or a small group where appropriate. Vet costs are highly variable and represent potential one-off visits for illness rather than routine check-ups for all species.

My Personal Insights and Recommendations

Having navigated the world of pet ownership for decades, I can tell you that the “cheapest” pet isn’t always the one that costs the least upfront. The true cost of *responsible* ownership extends beyond the dollars and cents. It’s about providing a good life, which means meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs.

My biggest takeaway? Never compromise a pet’s welfare just to save a few bucks. If a pet truly needs a certain setup, a specific diet, or specialized vet care, those are non-negotiable. Trying to cut corners almost always leads to a miserable pet and, ironically, often higher costs down the line from illnesses or behavioral problems.

The emotional return on investment, however, is priceless. Even the cheapest pet can bring immense joy, teach responsibility, and offer companionship. Watching a Betta flare its fins, observing a cockroach scuttle around, or hearing a hamster squeak happily on its wheel—these are small moments that enrich your life far more than their monetary cost. So, when looking for a budget-friendly pet, focus not just on what you can afford, but also on what you can *responsibly provide* for the animal throughout its entire lifespan.

Checklist for Choosing Your Budget-Friendly Pet

Before you commit, take a moment and run through this checklist. It’ll help ensure you’re making a thoughtful, budget-conscious, and responsible choice for your next companion.

• Research Thoroughly: Don’t just pick a pet because it’s cute. Dive deep into its specific needs.
• Consider Initial Setup: Factor in the tank, cage, heating, lighting, and substrate. Is this a one-time hit you can absorb?
• Factor in Recurring Costs: Estimate monthly food, bedding, and filter media. Can you consistently afford this?
• Think About Vet Care: Does this animal commonly need specialized vet care? Are you prepared for potential emergency costs, even for a “cheap” pet?
• Assess Time Commitment: Even low-cost pets need daily attention, cleaning, and interaction. Do you have the time?
• Understand the Pet’s Lifespan: A shorter lifespan might mean less total cost, but also more frequent pet loss. A longer lifespan means extended commitment to recurring costs.
• Consider the “Ick” Factor (or lack thereof): Are you genuinely comfortable with the animal you’re choosing? If a hissing cockroach makes your skin crawl, it’s not the right “cheap” pet for you.
• Where Will You Get It? Adopting can sometimes be cheaper than buying from a pet store, even for small animals, and is always a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pet rocks *really* the cheapest pet?

Technically, yes, if we’re talking about zero ongoing costs and virtually no needs. A pet rock is, well, a rock. You might pay a novelty price for one in a box, but its ‘care’ involves nothing more than sitting there. It doesn’t need food, water, vet visits, or even cleaning.

However, most people asking about the “cheapest animal to own” are looking for a living, breathing creature that offers some form of interaction or companionship, even if it’s just observation. So, while a pet rock wins on the ledger sheet, it usually doesn’t fulfill the emotional void that drives most people to seek a pet.

What’s the absolute cheapest pet for a kid?

For a child, you’ll want something relatively hardy, easy to care for, and perhaps with a bit of a longer lifespan than a mouse to avoid too much heartache too soon. A Betta fish, with a proper 5-gallon tank setup, is an excellent choice. The initial setup cost is modest, and daily feeding and weekly water changes are simple tasks a child can assist with (under supervision).

Dwarf hamsters or gerbils (in a pair) can also be good options, though they require more frequent cage cleaning and the potential for higher vet bills. If your child is okay with a non-cuddly pet, a small ant farm or even a praying mantis could be incredibly educational and very low cost. The key is to match the pet to the child’s maturity level and your willingness as a parent to oversee their care.

Can I get a cheap dog or cat?

This is where “cheap” gets really tricky. While you can often adopt a dog or cat from a shelter for a relatively low fee (often $50-$300, which usually includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping), the ongoing costs are substantial. Dogs and cats need:

• Quality Food: Easily $30-$80+ a month.
• Vet Care: Annual check-ups, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention can be hundreds a year, and emergency care can be thousands.
• Supplies: Litter, beds, toys, leashes, collars, crates, grooming supplies.
• Training/Enrichment: Especially for dogs, this can include classes or dog walkers.

So, while the initial acquisition cost might seem low, dogs and cats are among the most expensive animals to own long-term. If you’re truly on a tight budget, these beloved companions are unlikely to be a “cheap” choice in a responsible sense.

What are common hidden costs for “cheap” pets?

Hidden costs are the little financial surprises that can turn a seemingly affordable pet into a budget strain. For “cheap” pets, these often include:

• Proper Habitat Upgrades: Many small pets are sold in inadequate, tiny setups. You quickly realize you need a larger tank, a better wheel, or more appropriate bedding, which means more money.
• Heating and Lighting: Tropical fish, reptiles, and some invertebrates need specific temperatures, often requiring heat lamps or mats, which consume electricity and need replacement bulbs.
• Water Quality Management: For fish, this means a filter, filter media, water conditioner, and test kits, all of which are recurring costs.
• Vet Care: As mentioned, many exotic vets charge a premium for their specialized knowledge, and health issues in small, fragile animals can escalate quickly. Don’t assume “small animal, small vet bill.”
• Social Needs: Some animals thrive in groups (mice, gerbils, finches). This means buying multiple animals and potentially a larger setup, effectively doubling or tripling your initial and recurring costs.
• Enrichment and Chew Toys: Rodents need things to chew on constantly to keep their teeth healthy. Birds need a variety of toys to prevent boredom. These items wear out and need replacing.

It’s crucial to research beyond the initial purchase price to uncover these often-overlooked expenses.

Is it ethical to choose a pet based solely on cost?

Choosing a pet *solely* on cost without considering its welfare and your ability to meet its needs is generally not ethical. While being budget-conscious is perfectly valid and necessary for many, the decision should always balance affordability with responsible pet ownership.

An ethical choice means:

• Meeting Basic Needs: Providing appropriate housing, nutrition, and a clean environment.
• Ensuring Health: Being able to provide basic health care and make informed decisions if the pet becomes ill.
• Providing Enrichment: Giving the animal mental and physical stimulation suitable for its species.
• Commitment: Understanding the pet’s lifespan and being prepared for that duration of care.

If you can’t afford these basics, even for the cheapest animal, it might be better to hold off on getting a pet until your financial situation allows for responsible care. A “cheap” pet that lives a miserable, unhealthy life isn’t truly cheap for anyone involved.

Conclusion

So, what is the cheapest animal to own in the world? As we’ve seen, it’s not a simple answer. While tiny insects like Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches or a well-cared-for Betta fish often emerge as the champions of affordability due to their low initial cost and minimal ongoing needs, the true meaning of “cheapest” stretches far beyond the cash register. It encompasses the lifetime commitment, the unseen expenses, and the quality of life you’re able to provide.

For someone like Sarah, looking to fill a quiet apartment with companionship without emptying her wallet, understanding these nuances is crucial. She might find joy in the vibrant dance of a Betta, or the quirky movements of a Hissing Cockroach, knowing that she’s providing a good, responsible home within her means. Ultimately, the most budget-friendly pet is the one you can genuinely afford to care for properly, ensuring both your financial comfort and the animal’s well-being. Do your homework, consider all the angles, and you’re bound to find the perfect, affordable companion to brighten your days.