Anyone have a ferret?

DustyVinci · October 2008

I'm thinking of getting one for my birthday. Actually, I'd love to get one but my parents need for information. Currently, mom's going by what she's always thought: ferrets are hyper, they bite and are a pain to pay for and take care of. I've read otherwise. Vi has already given me some great information (by the way, thanks Vi xD), but I would just like some more from someone else just to see how different ferrets can be from oneanother :] So if you have one or have a friend that has one, I'd greatly appreciate some advice and/or more information on care and behavior. So far I've called petco, petsmart and petland (those are the only ones I know of) and petcos sell them, but they are either $100 or $130, no petsmarts around me have them and petland doesn't. I'd prefer not to adopt because I'd like a baby (or young) one that will easily be trained not to bite and that will know me as it's master and grow attached to me. And breeders are too expensive, right? So I don't know where to get one unless I go for the $100 ones at petco... Please reply if you can help me in any way. Even some information you read somewhere will be great, as long as it's accurate. Thanks!

Kazuko · October 2008

*eyetwitches* Ferrets. Are. A. Pain. Ferrets will be expensive. Do NOT get them from Petsmart/Petco. Those ferrets are usually a couple years old as is. I'd research for places that sell Marshall's ferrets. All ferrets go for $90+. I have a female Marshall's ferret that was bought for $105 at a young age. But yes. They are pains. You need a pretty spotless house/room to keep them safe. And there is NO such thing as ferret proofing. xD

Drucilla · October 2008

Ferrets are my speciality. I LOVE them. I am the proud owner of 5. 2 jills (females) and 3 Hobbletts(Castrated males). ALL of mine are rescued from adoption centres. I wouldn't personally dream of buying one from a pet store or breeder, but thats just me. Ferrets. Yes they can be hyper, they can nip and they do have a very distinct smell. But as with all animals, if handled enough they will learn not to nip, and neutering them lessens the smell. In England ferrets are a outdoor pet, I understand that in America they livein the house. But plenty of room, toys etc are a essential part of ferret care. As for kits (babies) they will take longer and wil be more work than a slightly older ferret. I suggest possibly getting a 7-8 month old ferret. At that stage they are out of the baby faze and starting to mature. All of mine were 6months + when I got them. Tommy, my latest edition and the youngest one I adopted, was pretty nippy when I got him, but after about a week he soon learned that he got scruffed and a tap on the nose if he tried to bite. Thay all still nip, but it doesn't hurt, as they are only playing. They can be expensive. You've got vaccinations, food, litter, toys, worming/mite treatment etc. And of course any other veterinary fees that may be required. (Neutering costs quite a bit because of the size of them). Erm, I can't think of anything more, other than they DO make fab pets. They are entertaining, loving, and don't really take a lot of actual caring for, (they are fairly clean creatures). Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball. Anymore questions, please feel free to PM me. Oh and I suggest getting or at least reading Ferrets for Dummies. Its a great book and very informative.

DustyVinci · October 2008

mashivak wrote:

Ferrets are my speciality. I LOVE them. I am the proud owner of 5. 2 jills (females) and 3 Hobbletts(Castrated males). ALL of mine are rescued from adoption centres. I wouldn't personally dream of buying one from a pet store or breeder, but thats just me. Ferrets. Yes they can be hyper, they can nip and they do have a very distinct smell. But as with all animals, if handled enough they will learn not to nip, and neutering them lessens the smell. In England ferrets are a outdoor pet, I understand that in America they livein the house. But plenty of room, toys etc are a essential part of ferret care. As for kits (babies) they will take longer and wil be more work than a slightly older ferret. I suggest possibly getting a 7-8 month old ferret. At that stage they are out of the baby faze and starting to mature. All of mine were 6months + when I got them. Tommy, my latest edition and the youngest one I adopted, was pretty nippy when I got him, but after about a week he soon learned that he got scruffed and a tap on the nose if he tried to bite. Thay all still nip, but it doesn't hurt, as they are only playing. They can be expensive. You've got vaccinations, food, litter, toys, worming/mite treatment etc. And of course any other veterinary fees that may be required. (Neutering costs quite a bit because of the size of them). Erm, I can't think of anything more, other than they DO make fab pets. They are entertaining, loving, and don't really take a lot of actual caring for, (they are fairly clean creatures). Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball. Anymore questions, please feel free to PM me. Oh and I suggest getting or at least reading Ferrets for Dummies. Its a great book and very informative.

"Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball." Uhh,lol Vi said if I didn't entertain the ferret, then it would find something to entertain itself with. Another question: Are they trainable - as in (I know they can be litter trained and learn to be on leash) as in sitting on my shoulder, coming when commanded, etc?

Sea Oats · October 2008

DustyVinci wrote:

mashivak wrote:

Ferrets are my speciality. I LOVE them. I am the proud owner of 5. 2 jills (females) and 3 Hobbletts(Castrated males). ALL of mine are rescued from adoption centres. I wouldn't personally dream of buying one from a pet store or breeder, but thats just me. Ferrets. Yes they can be hyper, they can nip and they do have a very distinct smell. But as with all animals, if handled enough they will learn not to nip, and neutering them lessens the smell. In England ferrets are a outdoor pet, I understand that in America they livein the house. But plenty of room, toys etc are a essential part of ferret care. As for kits (babies) they will take longer and wil be more work than a slightly older ferret. I suggest possibly getting a 7-8 month old ferret. At that stage they are out of the baby faze and starting to mature. All of mine were 6months + when I got them. Tommy, my latest edition and the youngest one I adopted, was pretty nippy when I got him, but after about a week he soon learned that he got scruffed and a tap on the nose if he tried to bite. Thay all still nip, but it doesn't hurt, as they are only playing. They can be expensive. You've got vaccinations, food, litter, toys, worming/mite treatment etc. And of course any other veterinary fees that may be required. (Neutering costs quite a bit because of the size of them). Erm, I can't think of anything more, other than they DO make fab pets. They are entertaining, loving, and don't really take a lot of actual caring for, (they are fairly clean creatures). Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball. Anymore questions, please feel free to PM me. Oh and I suggest getting or at least reading Ferrets for Dummies. Its a great book and very informative.

 "Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball." Uhh,lol Vi said if I didn't entertain the ferret, then it would find something to entertain itself with. Another question: Are they trainable - as in (I know they can be litter trained and learn to be on leash) as in sitting on my shoulder, coming when commanded, etc?

All of our ferrets usually do find something to entertain themselves with. xD I did not lie! lol

DustyVinci · October 2008

SeaOats wrote:

DustyVinci wrote:

mashivak wrote:

Ferrets are my speciality. I LOVE them. I am the proud owner of 5. 2 jills (females) and 3 Hobbletts(Castrated males). ALL of mine are rescued from adoption centres. I wouldn't personally dream of buying one from a pet store or breeder, but thats just me. Ferrets. Yes they can be hyper, they can nip and they do have a very distinct smell. But as with all animals, if handled enough they will learn not to nip, and neutering them lessens the smell. In England ferrets are a outdoor pet, I understand that in America they livein the house. But plenty of room, toys etc are a essential part of ferret care. As for kits (babies) they will take longer and wil be more work than a slightly older ferret. I suggest possibly getting a 7-8 month old ferret. At that stage they are out of the baby faze and starting to mature. All of mine were 6months + when I got them. Tommy, my latest edition and the youngest one I adopted, was pretty nippy when I got him, but after about a week he soon learned that he got scruffed and a tap on the nose if he tried to bite. Thay all still nip, but it doesn't hurt, as they are only playing. They can be expensive. You've got vaccinations, food, litter, toys, worming/mite treatment etc. And of course any other veterinary fees that may be required. (Neutering costs quite a bit because of the size of them). Erm, I can't think of anything more, other than they DO make fab pets. They are entertaining, loving, and don't really take a lot of actual caring for, (they are fairly clean creatures). Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball. Anymore questions, please feel free to PM me. Oh and I suggest getting or at least reading Ferrets for Dummies. Its a great book and very informative.

 "Always get more than one though, unless you are prepared to spend at least 3 hours a day playing with your little fuzz ball." Uhh,lol Vi said if I didn't entertain the ferret, then it would find something to entertain itself with. Another question: Are they trainable - as in (I know they can be litter trained and learn to be on leash) as in sitting on my shoulder, coming when commanded, etc?

 All of our ferrets usually do find something to entertain themselves with. xD I did not lie! lol

rofl I know you didn't lie ;p I talked to mom about it a little and she sounded like "no". o.o It took me seven years to get my dog. Parents are pretty stubborn. But I'm paying for most of the ferret myself AND taking care of it myself AND not letting it roam around the rest of the houses where mom doesn't want it. So I personally see no harm in this. The ONLY thing she's been saying is "We already have four dogs and two cats. We have more than enough animals already!" But that's not a reason. It sounds like an excuse. She'd have no part in the ferret at all except for buying new food about once every month. And it's not expensive either! I dunno. This thread's purpose isn't meant to knock my mom around and complain. I'm just so mad :evil:

DustyVinci · October 2008

:arrow:

Drucilla · October 2008

Pah, no excuse. I have 4 dogs, 2 cats and 5 ferrets. LOL Yes ferrets will find something to entertain themselves with, but I'm thinking you wouldn't want thiat lol. They are a very sociable animal, so more than one ferret is advised. But it does all depend on space, money etc, but I swear by having at least 2. (They can keep each other company and play rough with each other rather than your fingers lol). Yes, ferrets ARE trainable upto a point, again it all comes down to handlinh them regularly. My 5 all run out to me when they hear "Hiya Guys" and they will come to their names if it suits them lol. My girls will happily sit on my shoulder, or snuggle in the sleeve of my coat or even perch ontop of my head, the boys I'm more wary of because they like to nip ears lol. I have taught one of my girls to "bob for balls" I place a cat toy in a tray of water and she'll get it and bring it to me, she thinks its great lol.

DustyVinci · October 2008

Oops, posted twice, heh :] deleted

DustyVinci · October 2008

mashivak wrote:

Pah, no excuse. I have 4 dogs, 2 cats and 5 ferrets. LOL Yes ferrets will find something to entertain themselves with, but I'm thinking you wouldn't want thiat lol. They are a very sociable animal, so more than one ferret is advised. But it does all depend on space, money etc, but I swear by having at least 2. (They can keep each other company and play rough with each other rather than your fingers lol). Yes, ferrets ARE trainable upto a point, again it all comes down to handlinh them regularly. My 5 all run out to me when they hear "Hiya Guys" and they will come to their names if it suits them lol. My girls will happily sit on my shoulder, or snuggle in the sleeve of my coat or even perch ontop of my head, the boys I'm more wary of because they like to nip ears lol. I have taught one of my girls to "bob for balls" I place a cat toy in a tray of water and she'll get it and bring it to me, she thinks its great lol.

Hm, so all males are more bite-happy or just yours? lol, because I'm looking at males :] and I'd actually rather just have one ferret because I want him to have an attachment to me, not another ferret. Have you read the Inkheart books? Gwin is a martin, though they use a ferret in the upcoming movie and that's just a bonus on why I really want one :] I'm sure I'll have time to spend with him, but when I'm gone for hours a day, etc he could get bored... But then, they sleep during most of the day.

DustyVinci · October 2008

OH, and if I take him outside will he run away or stick with me on my shoulder or in my pack? Should I keep him on a leash to be safe?

Drucilla · October 2008

Ferrets are naturally SOCIABLE animals. They enjoy the company of other ferrets. You will need to spend A LOT of time with your ferret if you only have one, as they need mental stimulation. When out and about, I deffinatly suggest keeping it on a lead, ferrets have no homing instincts so if they get lost, they will stay lost. Even though I have 5, I have a bond with all of them. They hate it when I'm not there, if my parents have to care for them at any point, they're always looking for me. Time wise, I'll share with you my daily routine so you get a idea of how much you will need to play with a single ferret, bearing in mind there is a whole business here (business = group of ferrets) so you'll have to increase the time considerably for just one. 1st thing every morning (before I eat) I clean out their pen inside and out, and spend aprox 20mins playing with them. They then spend from 7am to 6pm on their own, whilst I'm at work. But they have each other for company and my family go to see them frequently. When I get home I go and spend another 10-20mins playing with them before dinner. I then go upto them at about 9pm and play with them (they are more active at this time of day) for at LEAST 1hr, if not more. I clean out their pen once again and shut them away for the night. Obviously you dont HAVE to spend that much time with them, but thats when behavioral problems start. I started off with one ferret. I THOUGHT he was ok, but then I decided to get another, and I dont regret it for a minuit. He started playing more, and generally became much happier, even though I was spending every moment I could with him. Please don't get a ferret just because it's "cool". Ferrets do take some looking after.

DustyVinci · October 2008

mashivak wrote:

Ferrets are naturally SOCIABLE animals. They enjoy the company of other ferrets. You will need to spend A LOT of time with your ferret if you only have one, as they need mental stimulation. When out and about, I deffinatly suggest keeping it on a lead, ferrets have no homing instincts so if they get lost, they will stay lost. Even though I have 5, I have a bond with all of them. They hate it when I'm not there, if my parents have to care for them at any point, they're always looking for me. Time wise, I'll share with you my daily routine so you get a idea of how much you will need to play with a single ferret, bearing in mind there is a whole business here (business = group of ferrets) so you'll have to increase the time considerably for just one. 1st thing every morning (before I eat) I clean out their pen inside and out, and spend aprox 20mins playing with them. They then spend from 7am to 6pm on their own, whilst I'm at work. But they have each other for company and my family go to see them frequently. When I get home I go and spend another 10-20mins playing with them before dinner. I then go upto them at about 9pm and play with them (they are more active at this time of day) for at LEAST 1hr, if not more. I clean out their pen once again and shut them away for the night. Obviously you dont HAVE to spend that much time with them, but thats when behavioral problems start. I started off with one ferret. I THOUGHT he was ok, but then I decided to get another, and I dont regret it for a minuit. He started playing more, and generally became much happier, even though I was spending every moment I could with him. Please don't get a ferret just because it's "cool". Ferrets do take some looking after.

Of course I won't get a ferret because it's "cool". lol, heck no, I'd regret it. But I've really thought hard about the considerations and responcibility and I know that I can provide him with a loving and caring place to live. I don't have much of a job, unless you want to count working at the animal shelter twice a month. I pretty much have all the time in the world for a ferret because I'm also homeschooled and I finish up around 11am-1pm. Depending on when I get up. So, yah

Kazuko · October 2008

Jills tend to want to be everywhere but where you're at. xD Also, even with leads, ferrets can maneuver out of them quite easily. Takes a lot of time, and not just with playing with them. Taking care of them, bathing them occasionally, cleaning out their pan, feeding and watering, playing with them- they're probably as hard, if not moreso, to take care of than a dog.

Drucilla · October 2008

Kazuko wrote:

Jills tend to want to be everywhere but where you're at. xD Also, even with leads, ferrets can maneuver out of them quite easily. Takes a lot of time, and not just with playing with them. Taking care of them, bathing them occasionally, cleaning out their pan, feeding and watering, playing with them- they're probably as hard, if not moreso, to take care of than a dog.

I agree. Although my Jills love their mummy, and they love to play with me, rather than their brothers. But I suppose it all comes down to the individual ferret

Howdy, Stranger!

Anyone have a ferret?

Comments