i was thinking about getting a ferret but i want some input on people who actually have one about the good and the bad things on having them.
2007-10-21 06:48:48 · 6 answers · asked by mocha 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
i have had 2 ferrets and would love to have another but unfortunately i live in a flat and cant have one.
When looking for a ferret i would recommend making sure that is handled a lot from being very young as this prevents them from being biters (none of mine ever bit me and its annoying when people say they are nasty)
Also feed on main diet of ferret food, cat food is not right for ferrets although some tinned catfood once in a while is ok
Dont get a female (jill) unless you are planning on breeding or getting spayed(neutered) as they can become ill if not mated when they are in season
They do smell so be prepared. Although smelly they are clean and will easily use a litter tray in their hutch which makes cleaning the cage much easier and prevents smells being absorbed into the wood
They are also a lengthy commitment as live around 10-12 years
Also, they are pretty clever and can eaily escape from their accomodation if it is not properly secured.
Hope this helps.
2007-10-21 07:07:04 · answer #1 · answered by to do what is right 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly? hehe
They are a lot of work. They do have an odor which you will have to stay right on top of to keep down. Ferret proofing is a must and is not equal to child proofing. Ferrets can get into more then children! They can be destructive. My ferrets found out how to get into my matress and box spring. Bad news there. I had to fit my matress and box spring with a matress cover top and bottom of both. You think it would be bad to keep your ferret in your bedroom? Its actually the safest room and the one I always recommend people keep them in. Ferrets also need vet visits every year just like cats and dogs. They are expensive to keep and you should keep them in pairs. Single ferrets are sad ferrets. There is much much more but those are the top of my head negatives I could think of.
http://www.ferretsr1.org
http://www.ferretuniverse.com
2007-10-21 19:32:07 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best description I can give you is that they're hyperactive two year olds on speed.
They will be into everything, they are afraid of nothing but the vaccuum cleaner. They will repot all your plants and empty any garbage can they can tip over, they get into the couch and chair cushions, they like to poop in corners.
Any gerbils, mice, rabbits, guines pigs, birds you have are 'prey' and the ferret will try to catch and kill it. Dogs don't know how to react to a ferret running at them, so you have to be extremely careful with other animal introductions or you could have a dog biting down and killing the ferret. Cats prefer to just leave the area or go vertical.
They smell, the young ones bite till they realize our skin is too sensitive for that, and they are prone to two very expensive diseases. It's sometimes hard to find a vet with knowledge of ferrets too, since they're considered 'exotic'.
2007-10-21 19:07:19 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Demusked ferrets aren't so bad.
If you keep their cage clean and bathe them regularly and keep them in good general health, the smell isn't bad.
They certainly have a "ferrety" smell, but nothing bad. I suggest visiting a pet store with some to get an idea of the scent.
You do have to keep their claws trimmed, and give them a good amount of exercise, and make sure when they are out, that you have "ferret-proofed" where they play - they will get into places that you would never expect. And not come out.
If you don't teach them manners early, they will bite and scratch, just like any other pet.
A general rule of thumb - the more white, the higher the risk of cancer. :/
I have a friend giving away two ferrets, cage, and accessories though. They're wonderful things, I just can't take them myself. ;p
2007-10-21 14:00:24 · answer #4 · answered by Sordid Fool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they STINK STINK STINK....literally. They smell worse than ANY dog I have ever had. They are cute and cuddly, but they are escape artists also. They love to swim in the bathtub full of water and then they REALLY stink. If you're willing to deal with the stench, go for it.
2007-10-21 13:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by Christy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only thing is they stink but they are so fun to play with!!!
2007-10-21 14:29:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋