First, ferrets and jack russels (any terrier) do NOT mix well. The dog will instinctively see ferrets as prey. Ferrets, no matter how big the cage is, need supervised playtime outside of their cage a minimum of 2-6+ hours every day. Yes, they have a smell, but if you keep litterboxes, bedding and living areas clean it isn't a problem. Bedding needs to be cleaned/changed once a week, litterboxes everyday and living areas, i.e., cage, at least once a month. Do this and they smell better than most dogs. they need not be bathed more than once or twice a year - they are naturally clean animals and over bathing encourages over-production of odorous oil due to dry skin. As mentioned above, do get yourself a copy of Ferrets for Dummies first. The information is invaluable. Check in to some ferret specific forums and feel free to ask questions of them. Two of the best are Ferret Village and Friendly Ferret/UK. They welcome interested people and love to answer questions and share their experiences.
2007-01-20 13:27:10
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answer #1
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answered by Susan R 2
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As someone said...ferrets are smelly although you can wash them. I would think twice about getting a ferret if I was you especially with 4 children. They require a lot of attention and cant just be left in a cage. they are intelligent and great escape artists too and you have to let them out EVERY DAY for at least a few hours. If you dont interact with them a lot they become aggressive. Also they get into everything and they never stop...it's like they are on speed all the time not like your dogs that go to sleep in a corner.
2007-01-20 20:07:45
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answer #2
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answered by dragonrider707 6
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There are alot of great suggestions...I agree a Jack Russell would be a danger to the ferrets...children lose interest in ferrets very quickly (I have been rescuing ferrets for 15 years) most of them come from homes of children no longer interacting with them and would leave them caged. Read, read, read...ferrets are intellegent and they can go or climb where you would not believe possible...they live 8 years average....who will be taking care of them then?
2007-01-21 14:53:48
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I used to live with a man who had two ferretts. They were both upwards of thirteen years old when we moved in together and still very curious/ active. The one ferret peed all over our apartment and chewed up the corner of our bedroom door. The other ferret wa rather docile and passed away within a couple of months of the move. The ferret ended up with a tumor in his bladder but was extremely active and frisky right up to the end.
As far as interacting with children, both of them were fantastic with my young siblings; friendly and playful little guys, even went for walks on leashes from time to time. Before they lived in our apartment, they lived in a house with three cats and a rabbit where half of the time they were in a cage and half they were wild.
Hope that is somewhat helpful!
2007-01-20 20:20:54
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answer #4
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answered by minnasweaver 2
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They are definately a handful and need LOTS of attention. Also, they are very social and are best with another ferret for company. Being smart and curious they get into everything! I have 2 and they play with my sheltie, but only when I can supervise, otherwise things can get a bit aggressive. They would rather run around than be held, so not always the best with kids, and be sure to set ground rules so the kids don't handle them without supervision. They are loads of fun and I love mine to death, but it sounds like you've already got your hands full!
2007-01-20 23:06:40
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Ferrets are clowns and very smart escape artists. They will steal you socks, your keys, even your remote. Ferret proof the house! They are more like a two year child than a rat.
They are awful prone to adrenal disease. Get" Ferrets for Dummies" and talk to your local ferret club.
2007-01-20 20:22:01
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answer #6
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answered by mdwildgirl 3
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in my experiences with having ferrets, they are great! however everyone is right, they stink! and are expensive, our family didn't care though, their gentleness, and playfulness made up for it, if your family is used to rodents, i would get ferrets, i would suggest 2 from the same litter, ferrets are one of the best rodent pets you can have
2007-01-20 23:02:02
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answer #7
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answered by ferrets4ever 4
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ferrets - 1. they really stink
2. they can bite HARD!
3. there cages start getting dirty fast
4. they need baths ALOT
5. but, they are so cute !!!!!!!!!
6. they are so loving and gentle
I think that the kids would love it so much!
have fun !!!!!!
2007-01-20 20:11:12
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answer #8
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answered by jbird 3
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we had one she used to go around the neighborhood and steal things and bring them home, she was fun, but i had to give her a bath every few days
2007-01-20 21:20:04
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answer #9
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answered by kat_luvr2003 6
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I never had one my self..but i was told the are nasty animals..They have a stinky smell to them..good luck if you get it..
2007-01-20 20:04:17
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answer #10
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answered by iamhappy2us 2
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