My 17 year-old brother wants a ferret and doesn't seem to care what other people tell him about them. I was told by a worker in a pet shop that ferrets have a distinguished odor to them. He also pointed out that they scratch everything they see in sight. Can anyone help me out with this little situation we have here? Thank you...
2007-01-26 18:08:43 · 10 answers · asked by Sweetness666 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
We live in Chicago, Illinois.
2007-01-26 18:27:52 · update #1
Ferrets are rotten little turds. And they are illegal to keep as pets in many states. I'd say "no".
2007-01-26 18:13:11 · answer #1 · answered by The Man In The Box 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If he's someone who's willing to take on the responsibility, that's fine. For me, the ferret only smells if the cage goes unchanged- simple as that. I give it a bath about every two months, and I like his scent. The recommended play time for ferrets is at the very least five hours a day, but I do night school so I have a lot of free time to have him out and playing.
I would worry that if he's 17, he can't take it with him if he goes to a college dorm, or that school will interfere with taking care of the ferret in a couple years. Any pet is a serious commitment and it can't be neglected just because he couldn't wait until he was done with school.
2007-01-27 03:59:04 · answer #2 · answered by tamago_oni 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Is he on his own or with your parents? I f with your parents, what do they say? If he has his own place then why not have one. Anything you say won't deter him. Yes, they do smell, but alot of animals do if they are kept in cages. If it can run around the house and uses the liter box and is cleaned regularly[bathed}I don't see the problem. Cats also scratch furniture. Dogs will tear things up to. Any pet can be work. I know people who have had ferrets as pets and really enjoy them.
2007-01-29 22:33:54 · answer #3 · answered by Shrew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets can be wonderful, energetic pets full of personality. However, there are many downsides to owning them.
First mentioned is of course the scent. Yes, ferrets do have a distinct odor, despite the fact that most of them come spayed/ neutered and descented. I myself don't mind the scent and in fact find it almost pleasant. I just associate it with good things, I suppose.
I have heard many people complain about scratching, as you yourself seem to have heard. I haven't experienced this, but it isn't terribly surprising. Ferrets are extremely inquisitive. They love to explore nooks and crannies, and will find their way into most things. Before you bring your ferret home, you should "ferret proof" your house/ apartment, by making sure there aren't ways into cabinets/walls, or places they can hide under or behind (appliances, mainly) or places they can get into. (my ferret could spend days in my couch, and practically has.)
On the medical side, most ferrets purchased in the united states have problems with their thyroid and kidneys later in life, which can lead to premature deaths and/or expensive vet bills.
BUT, if you were to ask me if it's worth the trouble, I couldn't say no. Ferrets are the most fun, surprising pets I know. They are absolutely amazing.
2007-01-27 02:24:07 · answer #4 · answered by mywaphel 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, they really do stink. We had them for class pets. They litter in hard to reach spots [from what I've experience]. I haven't seen them scratch anything though. Also, they are awfully cute when they leap around [this boy took them it over winter break]. But in the end we had to give because of the lost in interest. [The current owner was already had ferrets.]
2007-01-27 02:21:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depending what state you live in, ferrets are somewhat illegal. In calfornia anyways. You cannot buy sell or trade ! Anyways ferrets are an okat pet, but they have a smelly odor to them ! they stink ! And you have to spend lots of time with them !
2007-01-27 02:15:53 · answer #6 · answered by stinkypinky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets scratch because they are trying to make a nest. If you give it a ton of stuff to hord it will stop scratching. They also need toys and socializing at a younger age to be friendly as adults. I think they smell nice. A large cage is a must. Bored ferret=trouble.
2007-01-27 02:31:41 · answer #7 · answered by Ironjaws-wife 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They do stink but they are awesome pets. Their like tiny cats. They have a cool personality. I guess if he is going to take care of it then it would be fine.
2007-01-27 02:23:54 · answer #8 · answered by georgia_gurl345 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ferrets are high maintenance, and can be very epensive, but if you don't mind that, then they are great pets!! i don't remember any odor from them, except there litter box, which needs to be changed frequently.
they can be a handful, and dirty, but they are playful, intelligent, and sneaky, and VERY ENTERTAINING!!
I loved my ferrets!!
2007-01-27 10:22:32 · answer #9 · answered by ferrets4ever 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I say let him get it so it can destory his house HeHeHe
2007-01-27 02:21:04 · answer #10 · answered by Streak 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋