Pros and Cons of a Ferret???

Question

I really want a ferret but I can't convince my mom, what are some pros and cons of having a ferret?

Answer 1

Pros-
They're extremely fun, intelligent, energetic, and friendly. Each one has their own personality, and they're GREAT pets.

Cons-
They require AT LEAST five hours of "run around" time each day, they aren't like hamsters, you can't leave them in a cage for 98% of the day.
They require nip and potty training. They CAN be taught to use a litter box(mine do, took forever..) Some of them also nip VERY hard, so you have to teach them not toby scruffing them consistently.
Their cage needs to be big enough for them to run around, but they MUST be let out once a day, if not more. (From about 5 until 11, mine get free range of the house.)
You have to "ferret proof" everything. Every room that they might get in, and believe me, they can get in *any* room.


Ferrets require a lot of attention, they get lonely easily. They also are very stubborn and strong-willed little critters, so if they think they can outsmart you, or get away with something, they will definitely try. Their food is expensive, if you get the best, and they usually have complications later on in life, no matter how well you raise them.
They also MUST goto a vet and get their shots...


They're totally worth the effort, I promise. But they also do have a slight odor, they will mess things up, they can tear up furniture, etc..
I'd suggest them to anyone who had the resources to properly take care of them and is willing to put in extra effort to make sure they won't get into trouble. If you really want one, I'd suggest taking your mom to a petstore and letting her see them. Do loads of research and impress her with your knowledge of them. (I won my dad over by introducing him to mine two years ago.. Now he has one of his own.=) )

Answer 2

I agree with fitofhonesty. She said it absolutley perfect!

I own two. They do really need to be social or they can get sick and die. They do have a musky odor, but not that bad. You can have them descented (the breeder usually removes the scent gland), but that really doesn't do much, lol. I wouldn't bathe them more than once every couple of weeks or they can develope skin problems. They are fun, but are really sensitive to everything. I use Marshall's Bi-Odor. You put it in their water and it helps with smell. Litter has to be scooped every day. (lol, and this is liberal) Also, I would suggest speaking with a vet that is familiar with ferret care and make sure you understand all risks involved. These pets as they get older almost always have major health issues. As long as you are prepared for that and the expenses that follow, then you will do well.
I also have two small kids and they love to play with them. As for biting, it doesn't really hurt. They really love feet, so if they were to bite, that would be the target. Just really spend time with them, if mine bite I just tap his nose and say 'NO'. No one has ever been bit by my ferrets and they are getting on in years. I fear the nails more than the teeth. You have to clip their nails on minimum once a week or they get really long and those scratch and they do hurt. Spending time with them is the most important thing, they are very social animals, so they pick up on what is acceptable and what is not quickly. In a matter of about one week, they knew they could jump on the back of the dogs legs for a ride, but knew they can't get anywhere within paw reach of one cat and can only walk past the other cat, not touching it, lol. They are smart and you will love them.
They are a seven plus year commitment also. Please be aware of what they entail before buying one. They are about the closest thing to having a child that I have come across. They have to be allowed to roam and play throughout the house. If supervised, they don't do structural or furniture damage. They will however take everything they like into a hidey hole and you won't find for years to come. Just really do research first. They are a big responsibility. They are great, but a lot of work.
Like I said, fitofhonesty hit the nail on the head. She will get my vote on this one. Well said!

Answer 3

There are probably more con's for you then pro's...u are still in school, live with your parents (who obviously don't want you to have one), and do you have a job to purchase AND maintain one of these animals?

Ferrets are great pets...I have four and love them to death! Thing is they need a lot of training, attention, time out of their cage, and are also expensive to maintain. You should probably hold off until you are a bit older and maybe not living at home with mom and dad.

Answer 4

i love ferrets!!
here is from my experience, some pros and cons:

pros- sweet, lovable, hilarious, entertaining, very playful, intelligent, and cute!! they also don't stink, as long as they are fixed, and they use litter boxes, so clean-up is easy, if you don't mind dealing with litterboxes. If you ferret-proof the rooms they will be in, then they aren't destructive.

cons- can be very expensive(ferret + cage + other things), males tend to be smellier, and messier. they are a big commitment, bcuz their life span is 5-10 years, and they need lots of playtime out of their cage, and like to be handled often.

here are some great sites, that might help too:
http://www.hugawoozel.com/
http://www.ferret-universe.com/ (turn up your volume on this one)


i hope i helped!! :)

Answer 5

Feeding and watering is easy..they need special ferret food or they will get ill quickly. They don't eat much but seem to poop alot. It does smell so their litter needs to be scooped daily.They do need to run around, they are very active and very mischievous.They are very fast, love to play, and will steal small items left around. Ferrets need constant supervision if out of cage.They have been known to injest small items which require surgery to remove. Lots of fun for the right owner

Answer 6

http://www.ferret-universe.com/

great resource. Ferrets will get into EVERYTHING... they are explorers... which can get them seriously injured. You must be able to dedicate ALOT of time and attention, as well as be willing to completely ferret-proof your house.. which affects every person who lives with you. So they need to be willing as well. Many ferrets are given up/killed because people cant handle them, so do your research first!
good luck

Answer 7

Pro, they are fun and vivacious
Con, they get into everything.
Pro. they can be lovable
Con, they smell a lot!
Con, they bite and cut furniture to pieces
Con, they eat everything
Con, they will destroy your house
Con, easily trained to use litter box
Con, sometimes not very cuddly
Pro, they are adorable to look at
Con, they have to have specail shots every year. they can not be missed.

Answer 8

Your mom is a genius. You don't want a ferret. They're a form of weasel. In California they even drive cars and wear sunglasses!