Should I purchase a ferret?

Question

I've fallen in love with one at the pet store. It's a cute, little albino and he's about 4 months and he's very cuddly and sweet and gives kisses!

I'm at work and would like to do more research, but I was wondering if any body could give me any tips from a personal experience of owning.

What would I be getting myself into?

Answer 1

Ferrets are very hyperactive, especially during the 'crazies hours' at dawn or dusk. Like cats, they are neither nocturnal or diurnal, but crepuscular - they prefer the in-between hours. They have a distinct scent that can be off-putting or stinky to some and sometimes they can be aggressive or snappy, which I see you won't have a problem with.

If you have other pets, the darting, quick movement of the ferret can provoke attacks from predator-based thinking of cats or dogs. They need lots of space to run around, and they sleep for a good chunk of the day - 14 to 18 hours.

You'd do well to provide a box in a quiet corner to serve as the nesting box, and put some old soft blankets in there. Ferrets may turn destructive like smart dogs - because they're bored, so keep a good stash of simple toys. Paper towel rolls and cans of pennies were favorites of mine. They also tend to hoard things - mine was called Dragon, because he would take anything remotely shiny and put it in his box.

They're also very game-oriented and they'll play seek and find with treats or toys.

Make sure that all their food, and your food for that matter is safely put in strong plastic bins if it's left out. Don't leave anything out that can be torn open or that's what will happen - they're smart and curious and they want to know what's in there.

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Edit:

Ferrets should get a 'well pet' checkup from a vet experienced with small animals before you take them home. Laws vary, but I know that where I live they are required to get rabies vaccines like cats and dogs, which need booster shots. Ask the vet when you take them in.

Placing some of their mess in the litter box will encourage them to use it - it should be placed in a corner, near but not next to, their bedding. Young ferrets don't have very good control over their bowels, so you may be cleaning up messes if you let them have free roam of the house. Some people recommend keeping them in a large cage when they're young, to cut down on carpet stains.

Answer 2

No... your house, your clothes, and you will stink like a ferret if you get one

Answer 3

Ferrets are awesome pets. And other than the initial cost of buying one, they are relatively inexpensive. They are very playful and are content with you giving them a paper bag or an old tshirt they can play in.

As far as the smell, any ferret you buy will be descented, but there will always be a "musk" about them. It is not too bad though. There is this product that you put in their water that is also supposed to help with their musk.

My roommate has one and as far as I know he hasn't had to get any shots for it.

For training, I've read that you can teach them tricks, but I've never seen it done. They will respond to their names being called, whistles and such though.  All in all they are great pets... and they usually sleep 16-20 hours a day so when you get them out to play they are wide open and then just crash lol. hope this helps

Answer 4

YES! You should adopt not buy though. They are not verry cuddly sometimes. They need to be let out so they can play. You should also give it lots of vitamins. They love banana chips.

Answer 5

Its great that your researching before buying him!

Nip training - your ferret kit will be very nippy which will hurt alot it can sometimes draw blood, you will need to train him not to nip which will need alot of patience but can be very rewarding.

Time - he will also need alot of attention especially if your planning on having him as an only ferret, he will need about 2-3hours out of cage time everyday, you could buy him a friend which wouldnt be much more work than one and it would keep him better behaved.

Okay, so how to prevent the smell?

if he hasnt already been neutered then get him done, it will reduce the smell greatly and he wouldnt be aggressive when he gets older.

Vets?

he will need checkups to makesure everythings okay.

shots? he will need canine distemper shots and rabies shots.

Litter training?

most ferrets are easy to train, put some of his poo in the litter box they usually go where they smell theyre own poo, also if this doesnt work fill corners with bedding as he wont want to go on his bedding. and lots of rewarding everytime you catch him using his litter box.

Good luck!