What are ferrets like?

Question

I was thinking about getting a pair of ferrets. The owner needs to get rid of them and they come with pretty much everything. But I just have a couple of questions.

What are their personalities like? Are they sweet, like guinea pigs? I understand that there are many differences between ferrets and cavies like the fact they're carnivores or their high metabolism.

Would they get along with a guinea pig? Not as in cage mates, but just play mates. Or would they annoy the guinea pig too much?

Would they be alright being left at home while I'm at school? I come home around 3, 4 when I have clubs, so I have plenty of time to dedicate to all my pets after school.

Would they be alright being walked, like a dog? How far can they walk?

Also any information at all and helpful websites are very much appreciated.

Answer 1

One of my buddy's had a ferrat- and it was a biter, It would bit your toes and it smelled dirty- not sure how well he took acre of it- maybe because it ran loose in his room, and peed but it smelled and bit- I would get one though, cause I have heard they are cool

Answer 2

Like people, ferrets have their own personalities.  I've had 5 ferrets, all of them different.  One was sweet as can be, another nipped until I bled (that one may have been abused by a previous owner).  I would not recommend homing a ferret and guinea pig together.  Keep them separate.  The ferrets would probably chase and nip it.  They'd be fine at home during the day by themselves.  Just make sure they get plenty of exercise when you get home.  Mine were more active at night anyways.  They can be walked but it takes time and patience to get them used to a leash and harness.  I'm not sure how far they'd walk.  Possibly for a very short while.  They also can get easily distracted.

Answer 3

ferrets are gross and smelly and p**p everywhere

Answer 4

You should really do your research before you decide to pick them up.  Ferrets are the only animal (usually) besides dogs and cats that you have to vaccinate yearly for rabies and get a pet license for.

Ferrets and guinea pigs would not get along in most cases.  It would be highly distressful for your GPs to have a ferret near them as GPs are prey animals and ferrets are predators.

Personality really depends.  Ferrets need far more human socialization as they can bite and scratch.  Ferrets not neutered can be aggressive.   "Ferrets have powerful, distinct and engaging personalities, with a playful and fastidious nature."   http://www.ferrets.org/Caring_For_Ferret...  Ferrets also require a large cage to play around in, much larger than what you probably have for your guinea pig.  Where are you going to put that cage?

Being gone is probably fine as ferrets sleep 18-20 hours out of the day being most active at sunrise and sunset, so if you can be around to socialize with them that would be best.  They usually get up every four hours or so to eat and play a little before going back to sleep.

You can walk ferrets in a special harness and leash designed for them.  Ferrets have to have collars at all times anyway due to the pet license.

Ferrets can live for 6-8 years, where are you going to be then?  Will you still have the time and ability to care for them?  If you're going to be heading off to college, most dorms do not allow pets.

Check out these sites for more info on ferrets:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/rabbit...

http://www.ferretcare.org/ (a good one regarding if you are really ready for a ferret)

http://www.ferrets.org/Caring_For_Ferret...

Remember, even though you might be helping out a friend by taking their pets, ferrets are a large commitment.  Make sure you really do your research before taking them on, to be sure it's really a commitment you're ready to make.

Hope that helps!

Answer 5

Cross a puppy with a kitten, and add adrenaline.

They're often active at night, and they can go like no one's business. On the other hand, when they crash, they crash hard, and I've had friends that carried their ferret folded up in a large coat pocket whilst they were sleeping.

They can be kept in cages, but they crave attention, and need to be socialized, or you can have problems. Two in a cage together would likely keep each other company.

Make sure that you're OK with their musky smell, or have their scent glands surgically altered - I've known people to go either route, and both seem to work. If you're keeping the glands intact, make sure you're OK with the consequences.

Overall, my judgment is 'Cute, but too much work for me, thankyouverymuch.'

Answer 6

Well firstly, they aren't rodents. And they would eat your guinea pig. They are carnivores and will find your guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, ect. ect. very tasty.

Ferrets are more like cats, my ferret and cats play relentlessly while she is out of her cage. Normally they have sweet dispositions, but others can be rather nippy. I love my ferret but often refer to her as demon ferret, she is a very playful ankle biter, and will get into anything.

You will more than likely want to keep the pair in a cage while you are out of the house, or be sure to do some serious ferret proofing of the house. And make sure they can't get to any of the other animals.

Ferrets can be put on a leash, but unlike walking a dog, the ferret will be walking you. Ferrets can be very stubborn, and will not like being pulled on a leash very much.

Being as there is a pair, and they are being rehomed do not expect them to bond to you entirely, especially if they were bonded with their owner. A pair of ferrets will bond more to each other than to their owners as well.

All in all ferrets are cool little pets. Hit me up with an email if you have any other questions.

Answer 7

They are playful like kittens, but for their whole life. I find guinea pigs dumb but yeah ferrets are sweet.

I think it would get along with the guinea pig.

You can leave them alone during the work day, that would be fine.

You can walk them but not as far as you'de walk a dog.