ferrets???

Question

is this a good pet to have? what do they eat and do they scratch and brake stuff. im thinkng of buying one. oh and how much are they normally?

Answer 1

i have had 4 ferrets in my life and plan on having more within the next few years. they were the best pets i ever had. i had a small problem with them using their litter box when they played outside of their cage. but they were so friendly. one liked to bite feet when you walked, it was hilarious. they didnt break things but one of them, the one that bit feet, liked to steal beanie babies and hid them under the nightstand. i didnt have a problem with the scratching like a cat would. but they do have nails and they will hurt if the nail scratches across the skin. they dont do it intentionally. so keep the nails trimmed. i fed mine cat food. i cant recall the name all i remember is it came in a plastic jug with a picture of a cartoon cat on it. also a soft cat food that came in individual packets in a box. i would definetly recommend ferrets to people who have great tempers, friendly, outgoing, and have extra time on their hands. also, play with a ferret before purchasing. it turns out the cause of a rash i had in high school was because i became allergic to ferrets and other soft, long-haired animals. i reccomend adopting from a shelter. some ferrets are old or sick and just need some love before they pass. others have training issues and the owners dumped them. all ferrets deserve love and just need a chance. be patient and give them all the love you can.

Answer 2

Ferrets are wonderful pets. Make sure you get a male 'cos females must be neutered or they can die.
They are very playful and will remain as playful as a kitten for the rest of their lives.
They do have a musky scent which is quite strong but it never bothers me.

Ferrets have no sweat glands so they must not be exposed to temperatures over 75 degrees unless you are regularly spraying them.

They eat ferret mix. I give mine a tiny bit of ice cream as a treat, or a piece of chicken without bone.

They need toys like cardboard boxes, old socks, tunnels and plenty of space to run around.

Don't be alarmed if you go to them and can't waken them ....they can give you a fright anda appear dead occasionally...mine did that....they just take time to wake.

Your ferret will need loads of interation otherwise it will become depressed. That's why I have two, they run and chase one another and curl up together asleep yet are still bonded to me.

When you first get a young ferret you will need to 'nip' train it. I did this easily within a week: When they latch on to your finger DON'T pull away but try to put your finger a bit further to the back of it's throat to cause the gag reflex. Use the other hand if you need to. After that first week, when mine were very young they have never ever bitten anyone and are soooo friendly.

They can live up to 8 - 10 years so it is a long term commitment.

You do have be to aware of wires in your house though ferrets are not known for being destructive....they were once used to assist laying cables!

Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 3

For people who are willing to spend the time with them, they are amazing pets.

They eat high quality cat food or appropriate ferret food. They can scratch up carpets and will get into EVERYTHING. Ferret Proofing is extremly importat.

The price of a ferret can range from $50-$300 depending on where you are from.

These animals need a lot of attention and are very time consuming. They are very entertaining and GREAT pets for those who can care for them properly.

I really suggest you research them lots. This forum:
http://everythingfert.proboards36.com/index.cgi

is great for answering all your questions! Before i got my ferrets, they helped me SO much to prepare!


Also, if you'd like to ask me questions, i'd be more than glad to help :)
[e-mail]

Answer 4

Ferrets can make good pets. You need two as they do like company. They need to be played with and handled every day that way they don't become vicious. Best get them when they are young. They do have a musty smell. My daughter had 6 and they used to let them run round the lounge every evening but they can get though the tiniest of gaps. They like drain pipes and such things to hide in and they love a plastic shopping bag in which they will hide and leap out of. You can take them for a walk like a dog but you need a proper harness for them. I don't think they do much scratching certainly not as much as kittens will do but they will climb so can knock ornament's off shelves

Answer 5

I think they are a good pet.
They will eat most of anything, but should be fed ferret food. They will scratch because they do have nails, they will break stuff if you do not ferret proof your home. They usually run between $69.99 to $129.99, depending on the place you buy it, it's age, and its sex. I have 2 ferrets, but they are just like kids. They get into everything they possibly can.

Answer 6

They smell... A LOT. Especially, if you are keeping them inside, which most people do. My friend had two in her room, and she had a whole set up. But, they would have accidents when they would come out. They can be nippy if not socialized well and will scratch. They are very smart and curious, so they have a good sense of humor and can be very cute. But, they take more time than you would think.

Answer 7

Hello, About 6 year's ago I let my Daughter get a ferret.We were told they were really cool pet's and easy to take care of.Well we traine'd him to use a litter box,but he also use'd every corner in the house as a toilet! Thay can and will bight, no matter how tame thay are . And also,thay have a stink gland in them just like a skunk,and even if you have it removed,there skin and fir always have that skunk oder to them! And there not called "Bandet's for nothing! They love to steal little thing's and hide them ,and that's bad when it happen's to be your key's! If there's a baby in the house,you should no way get one!

Answer 8

Lunar had some great advice, but I'd also emhasize to check on the laws of your home state - In New Jersey (where I am) they're legal and perfectly fine to have as pets, but they're illegal as pets in California. I'm sure you should be fine, but just double check.