Are ferrets good pets?

Answer 1

First off, take all advice you get here with a grain of salt. Ferrets do not eat bread soaked in milk and they shouldn't eat cat food. Female ferrets are not does, nor are males bucks. I don't know where Eucalyptus gets his info. Female ferrets are either jills or sprites if they are fixed, and males are hobs or gibs for the fixed ones. They eat ferret food or a high quality kitten food since they are carnivores and need a high protein low carb diet. Matter of fact, ferrets CAN not digest high fiber foods because they are lacking a part of the intestines called the cecum and they shouldn't have diets high in sugars and/or carbs since those seem to be linked to a disease called insulinoma.
Ferrets are great pets, but not for everyone.
First off, they are expensive. Expensive to get and not cheap to keep. They need large cages, special foods, hammocks, toys, special litter. Then they have to have shots and annual vet visits, that is IF nothing goes wrong and trust me it can very easily.
Ferrets will get into everything and end up getting hurt that way, or they will chew on something they weren't supposed to and end up with a bowel obstruction. As they get older they are prone to certain diseases like insulinoma and adrenal disease, mostly treatable, but at a price. It's also not easy to find a ferret knowledgeable vet.
That said, you must know that it takes a lot of time, effort and commitment to keep a ferret properly.
Their litter boxes need scooped twice daily and their cages cleaned thoroughly once a week. They need their claws clipped, their ears and teeth cleaned and once a month(or less) they need a bath.
You should have time to let them out of their cage at least 4 hours daily and be willing to interact with them because you are their favorite toy. Make sure you have the house or at least the room they are allowed to run in ferret proofed so they don't escape or get hurt.
Ferrets will always have a bit of a smell no matter what you do, but with the right care and the proper food it can be kept to a minimum. Foods whose primary protein source comes from fish and fish byproducts makes their waste smell worse than chicken or lamb based foods. I don't mind the smell of mine and I have four of them. Actually I like the way they smell, one of mine smells a bit like corn chips when he's asleep.
So, sorry about being longwinded, but I want to save you the trouble of getting one if you don't think you're up to all that.
There are wonderful web sites and groups online you can hook up with. It always helps to be able to get advice from likeminded people. Get "Ferrets for Dummies", it's a great book, written with humor and full of good information.
And if you still think that a ferret is for you think about adoption. There are so many ferrets in shelters everywhere waiting for forever homes. Go to www.petfinder.com and see. I found two of mine there, had to drive about an hour but it was well worth it.
Good luck to you.

Answer 2

They make great pets. As long as you are not one of those people that hurt and abuse animals. Ferrets are very sensitive, and I have seen some ferrets that bite and stink b/c thier owner was not taking care of them properly. That is why ferrets get a bad rep. If you take care of your ferret and show them love, and change thier litter and bedding once a week, your ferret will be an even better pet than a dog or cat or hamster. People who are not sensitive should not own ferrets, they should own a dog or cat who can take being ignored, or mistreated. Ferrets are very intelligent, sensitive creatures who deserve a loving home. My ferrets are well trained. They come when I call thier name and they walk around the house all day and they go in the litter box. One thing you have to be careful of when letting a ferret walk around the house, is to ferret proof your home. Block any small spaces that they may be able to get into, b/c they can crawl through any hole that thier head can fit into. They are very flexible that way. If you love and treat your ferret right, it can be a very good pet. I don't reccomend ferrets for people under 13, because children sometimes are not disciplined or responsible enough to give thier ferrets the time and love that they need.

Answer 3

Huh? Pretty much has it covered. I have a ferret, and he's my favorite of all the pets I've ever had, but he's a lot of work. I'm a stay at home mom, so I can be here and make sure he gets all the attention and supervision he needs. So, yes, a very cool pet, but also high maintainance.

Answer 4

Ferrets are awesome pets! They're like having 2 yr old children running around the house. They may smell a little funny but you'll get used to it and it's no big deal. They like to play with dogs/cats. It may look like they're trying to hurt them but if they wanted to they really would. You should only give them a bath every few weeks. Too many will dry out their skin. And you can litter train them!!! That's definatly a time saver! You may think they're a lot of hassle but in the end it's all worth it.

Answer 5

They are wonderful pets but make sure that you have the time to spend with them.
They should get out 2-3 hours a day.

You cannot leave them unsupervised to play. They are curious little clowns.

And you can't just feed them anything. There are so many things that you cannot feed them.

So, do some research before you buy one.

If you can give them the attention that they need and take care of them properly---you will never be sorry you bought one, or two, or three. They are the most adorable, endearing, and wonderful pets in the world.

Answer 6

Yes, I have a very close friend who LOVES her ferrets (all 9 of them!). They are wonderful pets if trained right. She has trained them to use a little box so they run around like cats. They are also pretty low maintenance, as well.

Answer 7

They can be, if u like that type of animal. They have glands under their tail, that make them smelly. These can be removed by vet. They can also be nippy. The Buck (boy) will eat the babies if not kept really well fed at all times. Probably safer to seperate until babies grow up. Not much difference between the Does (girls) and Bucks. If had to pick, would have little white Doe. The white ferrets are usually quieter in temperament than the dark coloured ones for some reason.They like eating cat food, bread soaked in milk, meat. Also meat on bones, gives them something to chew on. Dont like vegies. Some are more friendly, get tamer, enjoy peoples company better than others. All depends on their inherited temperament. Try to look at, handle, the parents.Best to get one just out of the nest at about 6 weeks old. Will tame down beautifully. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Huh? answered your question very thoroughly but I would like to add that I believe they are good pets. They are a lot of fun to watch when they play with each other (I have 4). They are quiet and they can be affectionate.

Answer 9

They are good pets , but you have to clean the cage everyday and wash it once a week . If you don't it will stink .

Answer 10

yes, they make great pets! as long as you are willing to bathe them once a week and keep there nails trimmed. they sleep about 80 % of the time , but when they are awake they are playing machines. very amusing.