A little input on getting a ferret or rat

Question

I have 5 female rats right now. Sadly, they are getting a little old now and my mom gave me the option of getting more rats or getting a ferret or two.

I know what its like to have rats [obviously] so this is mostly a question about ferrets as well as getting personal opinions on whether I should stick with rats or try ferrets.

Do ferrets need to be in pairs? I'd prefer one but wouldn't mind two if it was necessary.

I know ferrets need shots but what kind and if you have an average price range that would be helpful.

What health problems are ferrets prone to?

Personal experience, how destructive are ferrets or what are things that frustrate you about them?

Is there a difference in behavior between male and female?

Is it worth getting male ferrets neutered?

I have a cat but she is very aloof would it be a problem if I kept them separated during free time?

Any breeders in the Hammond Indiana area you are aware of? Though I would prefer adopting from a shelter if there is one nearby.

A brief daily routine on caring for your ferret if you don't mind.

You input and information is appreciated, thanks.

Answer 1

Well, I've had both. I would stick with rats. They're affectionate and smart and interesting and a lot less trouble.

But if you want a ferret...

I think a single ferret is okay as long as you have lots of time to play with it. Here are a few of the things that really stand out in my mind:

Ferrets are the most determined animal I know. If they want to get out of a room they will scratch at the door until they're exhausted and the door and floor are ruined.

You will never be able to leave an uncovered garbage can on the floor.

If the litter box isn't clean enough they'll p**p on the carpet beside the box.

If they run out of food at 3 a.m. they'll wake you up to tell you about it.

Males are bigger and have a wider head. I prefer them. But every time they crawl over your shoes you'll notice a little damp line where they've marked you.

Ferrets bite when they're young, but they get over it by about 12 weeks of age. They don't seem to mean anything by it.

Females need to be spayed if you're not going to breed them because they're subject to pyometra from the stress of repeatedly going into heat.

De-scenting isn't truly necessary and it's a bit dangerous, but your house will smell better.

They seem to like eating soap.

They're almost impervious to pain, but they can be startled, and will fire off their scent glands.

Get used to being woken up by a ferret playfully nibbling on your toes. If that doesn't work, they'll come nibble on your nose.

They dance and play like otters.

A sleeping ferret sleeps harder than anything you've ever seen.

Answer 2

In my opinion I would get more rats or a guine pig. Ferrets get sick easily and need shots that are very expensive. Rats and guine pigs are very easy to care for. I have 1 Mother rat and 11 babies at the moment and it is very easy to take care of all of them.

Answer 3

ive had both rats and ferrets. i personally prefer ferrets. they can get attached to you more so than rats. i had 2 ferrets, but they never went togerther as they didnt get along, ive heard that they liek being in pairs, but they dont need to be. if you dont have 2 they get more attached to you, than they would if they had a friend. the only shot i gave my ferret was the rabies one i think, and taht was only cause i was gunna take him outside, it was around $45 cause they charge for the exam as well as the actual shot. ferrets are all prone to cancer. thats the most common disease. both of mine died from that, but thats not the case in all of them, as i got them both from the SPCA. they can also catch a human cold or are prone to pnemonia iif it gets really cold.

i was never once frustrated with my ferrets! they were so cute, and yes they got into everythign, and you have to make sure theres NO little holes they can get  through as they fit through and inch hole. they scrabble at the carpet, and will try everythign they can to get out of a room, so i'd advise the put some type of plastic down if your worried about your carpets.

with ferrets males are more affectionate. they like company more than females, who tend to be more independent.

if you neuter your male, they tend to be less agitated, and more friendly, but its more the descenting thats the problem, but then if you have more than one male, they will fight less if they are neutered.

most cats get along great with ferrets, i doubt that would be a problem, you hear all the time taht they will play together.

if you were thinking of adopting one froma shelter, you have to remember that they are there for a reason, maybe the person before you already knew theere was a problem, and didnt want to pay the vet bills. i wouldnt reccomend one from a shelter, even though its feels like the right thing to do. you may end up witha really sick ferret, or even a vicious one. you never know.

caring for your ferrret isnt as hard as some people make it out to be. they sleep almost 20 hours a day, but the time taht they are awake they need to be out and running around ina room or playing with you or the other ferrets. they are very social and love that type of thing. jsut be sure to play with them daily, and of course fresh food and water, and cleanign out the litter box, as they can be litter trained.

i really loved having ferrets, they really made my day, and were what i looked forward to seeing when i got home at the end of the day.

Answer 4

rat