One ferret or two ferrets?

Question

Another question for my friend. She wants to know if getting one ferret or two would be better for her. She is going into middle school, does no extracurricular activities,(which gives her a lot of free time.) She originally wanted one ferret, but now she thinks that ferret might get lonely while she is at school and doing her homework. She also switches from one house to another. Would getting two ferrets solve this problem? Should she take them from house to house with her, or should she just let her parent take care of them while she's gone?
If you answer this, thanks. I know its really long, but my friend made me type it all. :)

Answer 1

Parents don't like getting stuck with pets while their kids are at school, she'd better be prepared to think this through.

Ferrets do well with a partner BUT they grieve when separated from them and they bond so strong with owners that if the owner disappears they can refuse food and get very sick. This is what ferrets do, they are very strongly attached to their cage mates and owners.

You'd also have to have her look at the cost of ownership. Ferrets are prone to adrenal disease, which is about $1,000 to fix (per ferret). You have to find a vet who's trained in ferret biology (hard sometimes), and they're for the life of the animal--this isn't a throw away pet. Ferrets aren't easy care, they're not puppies or kittens, and they ALWAYS get into things. They need special food to stay healthy and they need to be watched like a hawk when they're out because if they can get their heads into something, they can get their whole body in--so ferret proofing a place is imperitive.

She should talk to a ferret rescue before she gets any. They can give her the honest truth about owning ferrets. The last thing they want is another animal or pair of animals dumped on them to find new homes for. The animal shelters won't usually take ferrets and will put them down automatically if some local group isn't working with the shelter to foster or rehome them.

Answer 2

Switches houses?
Does that mean she's not going to be there a whole weekend at a time?
In that case a ferret may not be the pet for her. Ferrets, even when kept in groups, should not be cooped up in their cage for days at a time. They need fed and watered every day, their litter box scooped twice daily(after they've been litter box trained) and they need at least 4 hours out of the cage playtime daily.
Also, ferrets live 6-12 yrs, with the average being about 8yrs.
What will she do with the animal/s when she starts dating or gets a job in a few years?
A poorly socialized animal won't be any fun to be around, might even turn into a biter and she will lose interest quickly.
How's she going to feel about having to clean her carpeting every week to get the pet stains out. Her friends aren't going to like the smell either.
Maybe she can get a different pet for now and maybe wait a few years for the ferret?
I'm glad she's so interested in these great little animals, but both the ferrets and your friend deserve to be happy, don't you think?
There are so many ferrets sitting in shelters because people didn't think it through. Lots of them will never find new homes.
Is that fair?
I hope your friend thinks it through and good luck to all of you.

PS: not all ferrets like the company of other ferrets, though lots of them do. If your friend has the time and energy to spend LOTSandLOTS of time with her fuzzy she doesn't need to worry about a second one. Ferrets were not always social beings, matter of fact they used to be rather solitary, only seeking the company of other ferrets during mating season. They became more social because humans made them that way. I know plenty of ferrets who just love being the only ferret and getting ALL the attention(and treats).
Watching two ferrets play is a lot of fun though, but tell your friend that that will also double her bills, especially her vet bill.
Ferrets are prone to diseases and injuries and end up at the vets frequently as they get older. Besides, they need shots once a year, just like dogs and cats. One of my ferrets had a hairball removed this year(they cannot hack them up like cats) and the surgery and tests together cost me almost $800.00.

Answer 3

Hello, I simply bought a ferret. And i most effective bought him, So i've one. He is a healthful little boy. As lengthy as you could have the time to provide to him it is nice to have only one. They want LOTSSS of awareness nonetheless. So be certain you dedicate a pair hours for your fuzzie!! And while you do have cash to get an extra fuzz, It's similar to introducing any new puppy to the loved ones, They ought to get use to one another. I desire you good fortune on the whole thing. And for those who could like to grasp something approximately my stories with my new fuzzi you'll be able to mail me or ask for my e mail. I am a primary time fuzzi proprietor and its a unusual factor. So you'll be able to deff get only one ferret=] I desire i helped!!

Answer 4

yes 2 ferrets are better than 1. they are very social and love to play togther and with their owner. so if she has time DEFINITELY get 2.
i originally had 2, but then when 1 died and i had a lone ferret i noticed she wasn't as playful and seemed to wander around the room as if she had nothing to do, even when there were toys covering the floor. i tried to play with her, but it was like she wasn't in the mood without her brother. i guess its hard for them to play by themselves.......

Answer 5

I think she should get some ferret books and look hard into buying one. They are great pets but you need to know everything before getting into such a commitment. I have two myself and they get into everything and hide in places you wouldn't believe. I like to call them curious George.

Answer 6

Hey. I own ferrets.
They are extremely social animals and can actually die of loneliness.If left alone long enough, they get depressed and just waste away.
If she she can deal with the extra care, costs, and the 'maintenance' (i.e. the smell!), then she should absolutely get two.
And if she switches houses, she should take them with her provided she isnt moving back and forth every few days.If its just a few days, they will be fine. Four or more days, take them with you.