Do you think Ferrets are a good pet for an eleven, almost twelve year-old? Why or Why not? Please give detail

Question

If you have a ferret, please, feel free to share any links, information, or comments. Also, what supplies are you using for your ferret?

Including the ferret, any idea of costs?

Please include links!!

Answer 1

get a chinchila, they don't stink and they are nicer. The only thing is that they need to have a friend. So it is recommended that you always get two...we are getting two. they are so cute. go to your nearest petsmart and talk to them. I know they sell them there.

Answer 2

NO! NO! and NO! No teenager is even remotely prepared to deal with a ferret. They are costly and need a lot of attention and supervison.

A ferrit itself cost 100-150 dollars. As a long time ferret owner I always recomend having a pair. It keeps the ferret happy and gives them something to do. It also cuts down on bad behavior. So right there...atleast 300 dollars. Cages...properly sized ones...are going to be almost 200 dollars. You would need one with atleast 3 levels in it. Some discount stores offer these cages for around 150. Food runs 20 bucks a bag. You cannot skimp on food. Ferrets can have a marriad of health issues so it is important to feed them the best. I recommend 8in1 brand or ZooPreem. Ferrets also typically need a vitamin supplement as well as litter pan...litter...toys...treats...an extra litter pan for outside of the cage...water bottle...food dish. Ferrets will knock over everything not tied down. When looking for a food dish make sure you purchase a heavy one like a "crock" style dish. The list goes on.

If you think that your child AND YOU, cause lets face it you will be living with the little fuzz ball as well, are ready for the expense and effort check out these sites.

http://www.ferretsr1.org/caring/
http://www.ferretcentral.org/

For the purchase of some items I also recommend http://www.ferretstore.com They offer some items at a discount. Browsing this site will also give you an idea of prices of items you will need.

I am a long time ferret owner. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. [e-mail]

Answer 3

The can be great pets depending on how you raise them.
If you are planning to have your 11 year old constantly take care of it alone, then NO.
I have a ferret and they are a high-maintenance pet and contrary to popular opinion THEY DO NOT SPRAY LIKE A SKUNK. Any ferret bought in the USA are usually Marshall Ferrets and have been descented and neutered/spayed. That what those two tattoos on their ears are for. If you get a ferret at a petco or petsmart, etc. they are Marshall Ferrets. The can be litter boxed trained and are SO smart and funny. If you plan on helping to care for the ferret, get one. You would need a multi level cage, litter box with cat litter, water bottle, bowl for food (preferably one that attaches to the side of a cage). It is also a good idea to get them a hammock, THEY LOVE IT. Total you would probably spend $225.00 including the ferret.
Good luck

Answer 4

If anyone, I don't care who, is ever interested in getting a ferret, read Kim Schilling's "Ferrets for Dummies." That is the ferret owner's bible. I am the proud mother of two ferrets, and I suggest that you wait til the child is older, perhaps 14 or 15. They are very expensive, time consuming, high-maintenance pets. One ferret costs generally around $150, but depending on the area you're in, there may be a shelter or breeder rather than just a pet shop ferret. Then you have to pay for vaccines. They have to have canine distemper and rabies annually, as well as regular health check ups. Ferrets are also prone to adrenal disease, insulinoma, intestinal blockages, among others. The surgery required for these health issues can be very costly. Not all ferrets get these problems, but many do, so I'll warn you ahead of time. A good cage can cost from $200 and up. Then you need to buy a travel carrier, large litter pans with high backs and low entrances, pelleted litter(which is more expensive than regular cat litter), puppy pads(because they're not the most accurate when it comes to using the bathroom), a water bottle, food bowl, food generally costs around $15(I recommend Zupreem, Totally Ferret, 8-in-1 Ultimate Crunchy Diet, and Innova Evo), beds, toys(Absolutely NO rubber toys, these cause intestinal blockages), ferret shampoo. Ferrets sold in pet stores are already neutered/spayed and descented, so you don't have to deal with health problems of an unaltered pet, and they cannot spray(though the spray isn't really a terrible smell). Make sure you invest in a good carpet cleaner, because they can quickly destroy a carpet with their litter box habits. They also like digging at carpet. My solution to this was getting them a dig box of styrofoam peanuts. They love it! I'm not trying to deter you from getting a ferret. They have some wonderful qualities. They're silly, spunky, sweet, and just about anything they do will make you laugh. My little boy just loves to give kisses, and my lil girl loves to snuggle up with me and take naps. But so you know, they are not strictly cage animals. They need about 4 hours out of their cage a day interacting with you and working out that energy.

Answer 5

sure!! i was around 11 yrs. old when i got my 2 ferrets. ferrets are great pets, but the males tend to smell more than females. we had a male and a female. they are social, affectionate, funny, and playful!
On cost, the ferrets can range from $100-$175. ours were $150. the cage is also quite expensive, i would get ATLEAST a 2-story, no matter the number you're getting. they need lots of room, and atleast 2 hours out of there cage everyday.
They can be litterbox trained, (again, females are better at this from my experince). They can live up to 10 yrs. but usually not that long(so it could be a big commitment).
Well, I think that covers the basics. Make sure you get as much info. as possible before buying, and make sure you have a vet that cares for ferrets in your area, (just in case).
here's a great site, also that you might enjoy:
http://www.hugawoozel.com/ferretcare.html
SUPPLIES:
food, cage, water bottle, beds, toys, corner litter boxes, treats,
and anything else you might want, i think that's it though

good luck :)

Answer 6

Make sure to get ferrets for dummies before getting the ferret. I dont think 11 year olds should be owning ferrets. They could help with the care but should not be the primary care taker. 2 of my adopted ferrets came from a 15 year old who got bored with them. Ferrets are a lot of work and as long as the parent is willing to take care of the ferrets too then go ahead and adopt a ferret. Ferrets need a lot of care and attention please get the book.

Answer 7

I love ferrets they are a great pet- but require lots of love and companionship- they will have an odor even if the gland is removed (but love stinks anyway- right!? ha ha ha ) If you choose to get one- it is important to train it not to bite- they are raised to bite one another when they play and do not do it to be ugly-but they have very sharp teeth- I had several and they never bit anyone-not even the Vet when they got shots- get a spray called Bitter Apple- spray your hands and heels(this is a spot they target from beneath the couch as you walk by) or anything else you do not want them to bite(not your face as it will burn)- just play gently with the animal-training it that to play with you it must be nice, if it does bite you it will let go quickly-they hate the taste of this stuff- and if your worried about getting bitten -you can hold it under the front legs-your hand on top of it's back- they can't reach back to bite that way- they are a riot!! and worth every penny-$125.00 here in Fl they love fresh fruits and veggies, and a good quality cat food-or specialty ferret food if available- they are lazy and will want to poop as soon as they wake up- so have a potty near or they will find a new place to do it--

Answer 8

I agree, ferrets are high maint. pets but they are well worth the time and money.
I paid 99.00 each for my two. They were Marshall Ferrets and I bought them at a petstore called "Dog Patch" in Texarkana, Tx. They were and are very healthy pets.
I was lucky enough to buy a used cage for them for 50.00. It is huge and has three levels.
It is my opinion that ferrets should eat ferret food. I special order it at my local feed store. I also buy ferretone to supplement their diet. I add a table spoon in their food.

Ferrets require at least three hours of playtime every day. I do not recommend having one...they seem to do better when you have two.
My ferrets are kitty litter trained.
Contrary to what you hear, ferrets are extremely clean animals and do not stink. They have a "Slight" musk odor but it is not unpleasant.
I love having them as pets, they are such clowns and will keep you in stitches watching them play. They are also notorious thieves, I have one who steals remotes, cordless phones, cell phones,cameras, screw drivers...you name it. and hides it in his stash. He has several stashes, under my bed, under the recliner and a stash behind the armoire. His philosophy is
"If I see it, it is mine".
Also, I have one who is white with black eyes and he is deaf. It is a trait that is common in the white ferrets with black eyes. If you don't want a deaf ferret make sure it can hear before you buy it.
Personally, Diego is a jewel deaf or not.
Also you should know that a ferret has such thick skin that when it is playing with a human or other family pet it doesn't realize that it is playing rough when it nips.
Mine have never bit me.

Good Luck

Answer 9

Ferrets can be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box like a cat and they can eat cat food. They cost about just under $200.00.

Answer 10

Ferrets take constant attention,and they can spray like skunks. That gland can be taken out too.They cost around $100.They will need a cage,waterbottle and food.So I would say get one if you have the time for it.

Answer 11

I had a roommate who had one, and once the novelty wears off, they are a nuisance! They are into everything, hyper little things, they can bite, and can be hard to catch. Once my friend got tired of his, he let it go in a field. I'm glad I never got one of my own, and learned from my friend. They can be cute, but definitely not for everyone.