I know that there was a very similar topic earlier, but it didn't help.
I already have a dog (3 yrs) and we do go away for our 1 week summer vacation every year in the summer, and my mom and dad say that ferrets smell, nobody in the neighborhood will take care of it while we are gone, and the dog might not like a ferret and try to eat it. As you can see by my name, I want to be a vet when I get older and one of the reasons why I want a ferret is for the experience. I also want to become more responsible while owning one. Any ideas?
I saved $150 for the ferret + supplies...
2006-12-02 00:33:46 · 9 answers · asked by Ferret 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Ferrets are wonderful animals. I had 2 of the greatest ones about 10 years ago. I loved them dearly. However, you need to be 100% sure that ferrets are the way to go. When I first brought my little guys home we played 24/7 because I didn't work. However, I had to eventually get a job. After I started working they started (normal) destructive behavior such as scratching/tearing the carpet by their bedroom door (to get out) and then their newspapers that they went to the bathroom on (which you have to keep in EVERY corner) they would play with and end up dragging the paper around the room (spreading poop).
If a ferrett is descented then it only has a little bit of a musky smell...hey-they used to be wild animals-they are going to smell. I bathed mine once a week with baby shampoo in my bathtub - watching them swim around was adorable!
Dogs will play with ferrets just like they would with a cat. Basically they have the same behavior as a cat and dogs view them the same. Ferrets can teach your dog how to play "ferret games" - which of course is adorable!
As far as finding a ferret-sitter you might want to look for someone that already has healthy ferrets to babysit for you. After a week of being left alone you might not have much of a house to come back to - couches being burrowed into, cabinets emptied of all food, poop in every corner, pizza delivery boxes and beer bottles everywhere... :)
You will also need more than $150 for the ferret and supplies.
Do your research. The greatest way to show responsibility is by doing TONS of research and having an answer/solution to every question.
Good luck!
2006-12-02 01:59:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey there.
Firstly, I know it's hard, but as much as you want a ferret, I personally don't think you should have one at this time considering your situation.
Ferrets need constant attention. Going away for a week and leaving it in the cage is not an option. When properly cared for, they do not smell all that bad though.
Secondly, $150 is pocket change when it comes to having a ferret. My ferret alone cost me nearly $300 not counting its cage, food, etc.
Thier potential health issues require that you have at least $500 saved at all times for this.
A lot of dogs and ferrets do not get along as well and it can be dangerous for them to be together.
I had to wait until I was 18 before I got my first ferret. I had to be on my own because my parents did not want me to have one.
I suggest you join here to learn more:
http://everythingfert.proboards36.com/index.cgi
--I will also add that it is not true that you cannot own just one ferret. So long as he/she gets lots of attention, there is no need to get a second.
2006-12-02 00:40:29 · answer #2 · answered by lunar_flame 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your question shows your not ready to own a ferret, ferrets do not like living on there own so if your going to get a ferret you need to get two, as for your dog you don't state what dog it is - some dogs do not get on well with ferrets, your mum & dad are right ferrets do smell but with a little bit of understand of ferrets this can be kept to a mim and again your mum & dad are right nobody in the neighborhood would look after them mainly because most people are scard of them (ferrets ready know how to bite),i would say to you learn a lot more about ferrets then you might be able to bring your parents round to your way of thinking.
2006-12-02 00:58:13 · answer #3 · answered by Sly_Old_Mole 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You sound like you're taking a very responsible approach... good for you!
I hate to do it, but I agree with Lunar that you should keep doing the research before making the leap. Ferrets are little bundles of pure joy, but they can also be little bundles of terror. Your mother is right on all points: yes, ferrets do have a certain eau du musk (you'll get used to it, but visitors to the house are gonna notice), it can be extremely difficult to get competent pet sitting for ferrets just because few people have experience with them, and yeah, the dog may try to eat it. I used to have a ferret and dog free around the house together, but I wouldn't dream of trying that with my current dogs. There is one dog of mine that can be around the ferrets with constant supervision, but we don't do that much because it's too much effort for no good reason. Other than that, we just keep the dogs and ferrets separated at all times -- that's certainly an option for you, too, as long as you have a plan for it. It might involve something like keeping your bedroom door closed at all times if the dog shows any chase drive toward the ferret.
Also, ferrets need lots of attention and free time to run around every single day (WAY more high maintenance than cats), and no matter what anyone tries to tell you, ferrets can not be fully-house trained. They do tend to pick corners of the room and will poo and pee in roughly the same spots all the time, but I have not met a ferret owner yet that didn't have some kind of system of putting out a bunch of litter pans or newspapers in the corners that the ferrets choose to use, and still have paper towels handy for the occasional boo boo.
It's not that I want to be discouraging, but ferrets aren't an easy pet, and it's it's not very easy to find good homes to re-home them to if things don't work out. And when in good health and well-cared for, they can live 8 or 9 years - calculate out what age you will be in 8 years and consider that in your decision. I advise doing as much "homework" as possible on this one.
2006-12-02 00:55:31 · answer #4 · answered by FairlyErica 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Before you try convincing your parents please research and think a LOT wether you are REALLY ready for a ferret.
Ferrets should not be kept alone, and even if you feel ready and already imagine yourself playing around the house with two fun, funny cuddly fur-balls... it is not everybody that is ready to face all the expensive vet bills, the heartbreak of seeing your ferret get sick and die (they have serious health problems), or even the patience of training them (not to bite, poop on the right place etc), of taking very good care of them... They ARE harder to keep then dogs and cats (if you really want to give them a good life), they need a LOT of play time free around the house (mine had their own ferret-proofed room since I hate cages) maybe walks outside, the right protein-rich food, constant vet visits (more than cats and dogs, really), among other things.
I've had many years of experience with ferrets and knowing people who were or were not fully ready, so I'm speaking from my heart when I say:
read as much as you can about ferrets, vist ferret forums and message boards, read the stories, read the questions, talk to ferret owners (people with many years of experience)...
Ferrets are wonderful pets, but it will require from you many years of responsability and work, and it might get very very expensive once they get sick (not to mention how it can break your heart).
Whatever happens, if you can and decide to get a ferret, research and everything: don't get just one, they need companionship and two is a minimum!
...and before anything, try introducing a ferret (any ferret) to your dog... some dogs get along fine with ferrets (and even then accidents happen), but if your doesn't, even if you can keep them separate they will both be stressed out and risking your ferret to get hurt, no good.
And no, I don't think ferrets are stinky at all, but many people think that... just don't go washing them a lot, wash their blankies and hammocks regularly and keep their cat-toilet clean and it shouldn't be so bad (my opinion).
I know even a good ferret-experienced vet who had ferrets for years and stopped once the last died, it is really nice but even with this person knowing how to help them, the heartbreak got to be too much...
Good luck
2006-12-02 00:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Lakini 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I own a pet store and children that want a pet all get the same advice .Prove to your parents that you can be responbible by looking after yourself first. Keep every where you work and live tidy all the time, Put all your possestions away where they are supposed to be. Don't rely on your mum to do all your chores like washing your clothes or cleaning your room. When you have proved that you are capable of doing all this without being asked then find out all about how to look after your wanted pet. Find a holiday home that is willing to take your new pet. Ask at your vets about costs of any treatments and then show your parents that you have done your home work and are serious about this new pet.
Good luck!!!!!
2006-12-02 00:46:56 · answer #6 · answered by stevehart53 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YOu have to show your parents that you are responsible and able to have a ferret. Care for your dog, clean your room, etc.
Remember, if it doesn't work out don't be discouraged. Either try again later or wait until your grown up.
2006-12-02 00:50:57 · answer #7 · answered by sunshine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I have had a dog for 6 years and she just disappeared.So there was a dog in my neighbor hood for someone to have and I told my mom this. "Mom please can I get this dog.You know how much I was attached to Saddie.Please I will take care of it and do everything that I need to do to take care of it.Please." Then she finally said I could get it. Another thing with a ferret is when you go away you could leave extra food and water and beading.Ferrets you can keeping their cage cause I have had a mouse does that count!?!?!?! :) Hope you concure you dreams of becoming a vet.
2006-12-02 00:55:01 · answer #8 · answered by watasha_david 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You may have ferret after you becomes vet.
2006-12-02 00:44:24 · answer #9 · answered by Angle 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋