Adopting a Homeless Ferret...?

Question

My neighbors found a ferret running around in the parking lot today and can't find her owner.
They asked me if I want her because they are moving to a no-pets apartment. I feel like I should take her because I don't want to see anything bad happen to her, but I don't know much about them.
Would you take the ferret? I have been trying to hurriedly rush to do some research on them online, but is there anything I should know about them that might not appear on a general care sheet? Like something about their temperament and so on?

Thanks everyone. You were all a big help. I did find several rescues in my area (Houston, Tx) and would you believe that none of them would take him?? They all told me to take him to the SPCA, which I refused to do as they'll just put him to sleep. Finally I found someone who owns ferrets who was willing to take him on. I hope that he'll be happy with them. He is beautiful and very loving. He deserves a good home.
Thanks again!
P.S~ I actually would have loved to have kept him, but my fiance isn't interested and it's a bad time for me to take on a pet, but I will miss him! He is very cute and was fun while he was here.

Answer 1

I would take the ferret, but I've been around them all my life, so caring for one wouldn't be new to me. I don't know what to tell you to do in this situation. Ferrets can be very costly and are a big responsibilty. The main thing you need to ask yourself right now is "Can I afford to care for a ferret?" If he's a young ferret, you might not run into any big vet bills yet, but once he gets older he could run into some very serious and very expensive illnesses (we're talking in the $100s and even $1000s). Is that something you're going to be able to afford? If not, then it would be in the best interest of the ferret to not take it on. Instead, find a shelter that takes in ferrets.

If you are going to keep it, then I'll try to give you as much general info as possible:

*First of all, go pick up a copy of "Ferrets for Dummies" by Kim Schilling asap - this is the best ferret resource book on the market and it will be a BIG help for you.

*Temperament - They're usually very friendly critters, unless they've been abused, then you might have some behavior issues to deal with. They can also be very mouthy little critters, but they don't usually bite to be mean, this is just how they play. This is usually only a problem with kits, but if she seems to be biting a lot, just scruff her, give her a gentle shake, and a firm "NO" whenever she bites. It shouldn't take long for her to understand that the biting is unacceptable.

*You should get a cage for her. If you don't have a cage available right away, then pick a room to keep her in and do some thorough ferret-proofing. Here's some sites on ferret-proofing: http://www.ferret-universe.com/care/ferret_proofing.asp http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/ferret_proofing.html http://www.all-about-ferrets.com/ferret-proofing.html When it comes to getting her a cage, the more time she's in it, the bigger the cage should be. Note: She should get at least 4 hours of out-of-cage time every day.

*Some good ferret foods on the market - Zupreem Premium, Natural Gold, 8in1 Ultimate Crunchy, and Innova Evo Ferret. Some cat/kitten foods that are also acceptable - Chicken Soup for the Kitten or Cat Lovers Soul, Innova Feline, and Wellness. Here's two sites with good info on feeding your ferret: http://www.ferretuniverse.com/care/food.asp http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html Try to feed her a variety of foods, not just one brand. And, if you do keep her forever, you might also want to look into feeding her a raw diet, it's the best, but for now just stick with the kibble.

There's a lot to know about ferrets and they are a big responsibility but they make an excellent pet if you're up to the challenges you might have to face with them. If you do plan on keeping her forever, just make sure you continue researching them and again, pick up the "Ferrets for Dummies" book! Good luck and feel free to email me if you need any help! I'll list a few sites below that might be of help, too.

Answer 2

You really have to be committed if you are going to take on a lost pet. Here are some websites for more info but PLEASE keep in mind that ferrets are difficult and expensive to own. Ferrets get into everything and anything. I recently had to (literally) tape up my mattress and box spring and then cover it top to bottom with mattress covers because they were digging their way in. This was a 900 dollar mattress and box spring set shot to hell. :) This is not the worst of it. You have to be extremely educated and diligent with ferret proofing.

http://www.ferretuniverse.com
http://www.ferretsr1.org

If you don't think you can handle/afford the responsibility try finding the owner first. Did you post an add or papers around town with pictures? I know you said you couldn't find the owner but I'm not sure HOW you looked for the owner. If not their are lots of ferret shelters. Probably one in your area. If all else fails there is the Humane Society or Animal Rescue League.

http://www.adoptapet.com/States/state_index.html

Answer 3

Feed them high protein kitten food or you'll have vitamin deficiencies and health problems. They use litter boxes, and need to be caged so they won't take the room apart out of curiosity.

They can't see more than 3' away, but their hearing and sense of smell is phenominal.

Some bite, some nip, a good socialized one can be handled nicely.

Try calling all the surrounding vets and ask if anyone was in asking about a lost ferret. Contact the closest ferret rescue to you (they're mostly online, google them and use your state and city). DO NOT let them chew anything rubber, they ingest it. A cardboard box with a towel in it is a good play area for them.

There are a few ferret lists on yahoogroups, you can get info direct from ferret owners over there.

Answer 4

Come and talk to some ferret owners on our intact ferrets

Answer 5

I would =) but considering i have alot of pets i couldn't! it would very nice and responsible go to these sites

http://www.hugawoozel.com/ferretcare.html

&

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/home/pets/story.asp?ID=167704

oh and they're generally good tempered depending on how they've been raised

Answer 6

In my opinion ferret and mean, lazy, and smell terrible. I would not recommend it as a pet.