know anything about ferrets??

Question

Do ferrets make good pets? What kind of care do they need?

Answer 1

Ferrets make great pets! They are very curious and friendly. That curiosity can often get them into alot of trouble so the first thing before getting a ferret is "ferret-proofing" a home so that they can't get themselves hurt or in any major trouble. Ferrets need a more specialized diet than they used to get back in the old days when people just fed them cat food. Today there are a number of highly specialized diets that can be bought just about everywhere. Ferrets are highly social animals and need at least 2 hours out of their cage a day to interact with humans. If you don't have quite a bit of time to devote to keeping them company a ferret might not be the best pet for you. If you get two ferrets than they will keep each other company but will still need time outside their cage to romp and play. Two ferrets however mean twice the amount of costs. Ferrets, like other animals need to have shots and vet checkups on a regular basis. These are usually quite reasonable but in the event of an emergency the cost can skyrocket. Ferrets need alot of toys to play with and comfy places to sleep to keep them happy. Ferrets really do make great pets if you have properly prepared and are fully aware of the costs and work that goes into taking care of them. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

For the most part Notsoswan has you covered. Just know that a ferret doesn't become aggressive unless they are ignored and not given free time out of the cage. I've actually had luck with turning biters into non biters and these were rescues! Also note a ferret bites to play, be mindful not to punish a ferret that grabs your finger with it's teeth. You just need to establish the point at which it hurts and the ferret will learn that line. The general rule has been "no blood no foul". All a ferret needs is attention, proper grooming and a proper diet to be a happy ferret. You on the other hand will need to spend a lot of time ferret proofing and learning what is good and not good for their well being. As far as stinking, it is best practice to not bath them to keep the musk smell down. If it's a non nuetered male then you will need to have him nuetered. The only time a ferret can really stink the place up is a non-nuetered male during breeding season. I've been told it's so overwhelming they have to be kept outdoors-you can't keep them in the house. Otherwise females are really a non issue, you need to have them altered for health reasons though if all you have is the one female. They can develop a deadly infection if they go into heat and aren't mated or brought out of heat by a neutered male. Most pet store ferrets are altered already though. You do not need to have scent glands removed. It's the testes that affect the scent. I have a couple of ferrets I haven't bathed in years, most people don't even know I have fuzzies until one pops up and pulls at their sock or pant leg. Unless something comes up where the fuzzie got dirty or poo in their fur we pretty much leave them be. You can also pick up a ferret magazine if you have a petsmart near by. Try picking up a magazine first then move on to a book but do both before you think about getting a ferret.

Answer 3

First of all, ferrets are very expensive (to purchase and care for) and high-maintenance pets but if you're willing to put the time, energy, and money into having ferrets, then they can be awesome pets! They are energetic, sweet, and funny little characters if you raise them right.

Ignore the people who say they stink - ferrets only stink when they are not being properly cared for. You must clean up after them daily! But don't give them baths often. Once every month at the utmost maximum (it is recommended that they only need a bath every 6 months) because if you over-bathe them their skin will work overtime to replenish the natural (yes, musky) oils that you're washing away in the bath and result in a stinkier fert.

Keep a close eye on them and ferret-proof your home. They need to spend as much time out of the cage as possible! A minimum of 3 hours daily. More if possible.

Make sure you get them their initial distemper vaccinations (and yearly as well) because they are extremely susceptible to distemper (you can bring it in on your shoes!) and it is 100% fatal. Also get its rabies vacc. because it will protect you and your ferret in case it should ever bite anyone.

Speaking of, you have to train ferrets not to bite from the beginning. As kits (babies) they nip and play but they are only *mean* if they are mistreated, neglected, or not properly cared for. There are many different ways to nip train and its up to you. Whatever you do, don't ever yell or strike a fert! If you decide to go ahead with getting a carpet shark it is recommended that you get at least 2 because they can play rough and bite and scratch with each other instead of you.

Also, a ferret owner is encouraged to start setting aside money for a "Ferret Fund." When they get older, they are likely to get sick and need to be taken to the vet for (often times) expensive surgery. This also ties into ferret-proofing because they will eat stuff that is not good for them and it can get stuck in their intestinal tract and that is expensive to remedy as well.

Your vet will tell you to give them laxative every few days. I use Laxatone and they love the taste! This helps with passing hairballs so they don't get stuck.

Read up on them as much as you can! I recommend www.ferretuniverse.com and "Ferrets for Dummies" is a must-have. Too many ferrets end up in shelters because owners don't recognize the commitment that goes into having one.

I love my 3 little fuzz-butts! They keep me occupied and entertained! If I'm ever having a crummy day I just watch them play! They are the best presents I've ever gotten.

Haha, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ferrets. Please, if you have any more questions, feel free to contact me.

Answer 4

oh boy. thats a HUGE Q. read Ferrets For Dummies and then come back on the computer and ask away. trust me itll be a lot easier that way. PS-dont believe everything u hear. there are a lot of rumors on ferrets that rnt true at all(stink, aggressive, rabies,more)

Answer 5

You have really good answers on how to keep them healthy and happy....however, I must add....my Lilly is my world. She is her ma's baby. They get very attached so be prepared for a serious commitment. It is almost like having a toddler stuck in the terrible twos. They get on your nerves sometimes...but you love them anyways. I take my baby everywhere with me...she only sleeps in her cage at night. Make sure that you can care for them properly before making that choice but they a WONDERFUL pets.

Answer 6

awwwww.
i love ferrets i have three of them.
it all depends on wich ones you get.
some ferrets may seem nice at first but.
later they become very vicious.
but they dont need much care.
just the general.
food water.
and the occasional bath and cleaning the cage.
they love to be played with.
aand they are SOOOOOO cute. =D

Answer 7

They are very sweet but high maintenance. They need to have a friend- they get lonely and really need and like attention. They can get a bit smelly but are great fun to watch. Get them toys and a neat place to climb on. They are pack rats too. You'll have stuff come up missing!