Thinking of getting a ferret,need advice?

Question

I am considering getting a ferret.I have three kids,13,11,7 .I also have a german shepherd.My dog is not mean and did well with a cat.My questions are: Are ferrets good family pets?My kids do not tease animals and are never cruel.Is it okay to have just one,or would it be sad being the only ferret in the house?What do they eat,and what sort of regular care do they need? I would really appreciate experienced answers.GOD-bless

Answer 1

They are goodnatured.eat dry catfood. clean cage daily in the area it uses as a bathroom. usually a corner. a Kitty litter scoop will work. use cedar/or pine chips. to minimize odor. and an empty box with a rag,for sleeping.change rag & chips every 2 weeks.ferrets need alot of exercise. A leash or area to run about.They are very energetic.

Answer 2

Yes, they are excellent family pets. And as long as you devote plenty of time to playing with it a single ferret can do just fine.

Only HIGH quality dry cat food should be fed to them. I mix Felidae and Natural Balance for my ferrets. Don't even consider wal-mart foods (ferret or otherwise!). Here is a food chart to help you: http://www.everythingfert.proboards36.co... . There are some excellent new foods that it doesn't list but at least you will get an idea of what to look for. Basically no corn, limited to no grains, at least 36% protein (animal, not plant) and 20% fat, no fish (it makes them stink), and avoid by-products. The higher quality the food they less they will eat so you don't save money by buying cheaper. Plus they will be  healthier and have less stinky p**p.

DO NOT use cedar or pine shavings. It appalls me that anyone would suggest that. Both are highly irritating to a ferrets delicate respiratory system and can cause severe problems. Baby blankets, hammocks, and cloth cubes are the best. Use woodstove pellets for litter (or the more expensive Yesterday's News pelleted litter sold in petstores if you want to splurge).

Do not bathe them often. It makes them smell worse in the long run as their body works overtime to replace the lost oils. I wouldn't give a bath any more than once or twice a year. To keep smell to a minimum you should feed a high quality food, wash bedding often, keep the litterbox clean, and their ears clean.

Daily care would include feeding and watering (a given, lol). With just one ferret you could get away with cleaning the litter box once daily (I have to do it twice with 6 ferts). Letting them out to play in a ferret proofed area. Clean ears, clip nails, and wash bedding as needed. Give ferrelax often (helps with hairballs since ferrets can't hack them up like cats!). Make sure you can recognize the signs of common illnesses such as adrenal gland disease and insulinoma. Be prepared for vet bills!

Definitely pick up a copy of "Ferrets for Dummies" by Kim Schilling.  The new 2nd edition is a must have!

Answer 3

I used to have a ferret, and I fed it ferret food from Wal-mart. You have to clean out their cage often because they can be stinky. They need baths, I used to give mine a bath about every two weeks. Unless you and your kids are going to play with it a lot then I suggest you get two so they can keep each other company.

Answer 4

I will agree with Em, but with some added. Ferrets can bite, not intentionally, in play. But it can put a hurting on a child. Also, ferrets are prey for most dogs. A dog will and can kill a ferret. If the dog was a puppy and raised around the ferret, they would get along. But considering an older dog, not being around ferrets, will kill a fuzzy. Also, I would recommend a high protein ferret food (Totally Ferret, 8 N1 Ultimate (not ultra), Natural Gold) then mix in the High Protein (meat) kitten food.

It is best to get 2 fuzzies. They love the company of the same species. This way, if play time is limited, they have each other. They also love to cuddle with each other when sleeping in their hammocks, etc. The bigger the cage, the better.

www.martinscages.com has excellent cages.

Answer 5

they can be litter-trained, eat cat food, love to play in boxes filled with newspaper to hide in, you need a leash if youre gonna take him for walks, they need a bath about every 2 weeks, and are good-natured and funny. please adopt, though, as the ferrets in rescues are cheaper, can be young, and are really cute.