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Post by abbeytheferret6 on Aug 24, 2016 15:00:36 GMT -5
If you have never owned a ferret, I suggest getting one that is fairly young if you can, 1 year old maybe to 2 yr old.
I doubt you will find one less than a year old at a shelter or in classified ads.
How you obtain them I don't think matters. It will be a ferret that needs a home.
Reason I am suggesting a younger one, unless your are familiar with adrenal disease and insulinoma , which is very typical for older kibble-fed ferrets, you may have to spend a lot of money dealing with health issues. It is very heartbreaking.
However, if you have the money and time for caring for an older one, then go for it:)
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Post by Heather on Aug 25, 2016 0:25:50 GMT -5
I would suggest a shelter if you've never owned a ferret before. They can set you up with a gentle soul whom is in need of a loving home. Shelters will match you up with a beginner's type ferret and not give you something you cannot handle. Age is totally unimportant and babies get dumped at shelters too. I would suggest not getting your first ferret from the "free" adds or online craigslist and such. Why?...because there are too many who are looking to dump their problem ferrets. I'm not saying that there aren't beautiful ferrets who are looking for homes on the lists but to be honest, if there ever was a way to be lied to and fleeced out of your money that's that the place. Age and health are common "lies" and you can leave yourself open for a lot of heartbreak and vetting costs by picking up a ferret who's supposedly healthy but is really a senior who's suffering from disease and neglect. At least with a shelter you will know approximately what you're getting.
ciao
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on Aug 25, 2016 6:55:52 GMT -5
I think age is very important to consider for a newbie. If you have an older ferret who has been fed nothing but kibble, you r going to have to deal with insulinoma and probably bad teeth pretty quickly.. If you have the budget or can get funds, then age is not important. If it is in your heart to do rescue to provide a better life for ferrets that have not had a good life ---age is not important. Just so you know.
I would do research on raw diet so as to make your ferret as healthy as you possibly can.
It is true a shelter will be up front with you than will someone on craigslist.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 25, 2016 9:45:00 GMT -5
Which is why shelters are the best bet. I agree about age not being a concern for a first time owner who is looking to adopt. At least if there are issues, the shelter knows about them and can help. They will also steer you in the direction of a healthier animal if that is your preference. And by age 3 they are more likely to be snugglers once they start to trust you  |
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Post by Heather on Aug 25, 2016 12:15:48 GMT -5
There is nothing worse than a first time owner trying to deal with a 5 to 9 month old kit who is just entering their terrible teen years or a tiny sweet looking RC or PV kit who's actually a wee furry daemon in disguise with massive sharp teeth and long talons that rend at flesh  . There's a reason why an older ferret from a shelter is often better for a first timer ciao |
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Post by unclejoe on Aug 25, 2016 12:32:03 GMT -5
the thing about craigslist, etc, is that people will post whatever may or may not be true. I got 2 pairs that were supposed to be a year to a year and a half old, with no paperwork. I'm pretty sure now that they were al over 2 -3 years old. I loved em all, and that's what you have to commit to when you take in someone elses's used pets.
That said, with any luck, a slightly older ferret should be litter trained and calmer, past the biting stage. But, kits are so much fun!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2017 22:05:44 GMT -5
I agree that getting from a shelter is better. Classified ads aren't that great. And I like adopting ferrets from shelters because they have a bigger need
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2017 8:18:19 GMT -5
i too did A LOT of research on ferrets back in 2015 and got my first two ferrets oct of 2016. Best pets ever! I love my two! So much so I fostered some neglected boys and my biggest warning/advice is make sure you have money saved. Stefan required over $800 for shots, test, medicine, and a broken tooth and Damon was about $200 for shots and tests. I recommend taking them to a vet first chance you get and look them over for health issues. Now, don't be afraid. Stefan and Damon are going to a friend who can take care of all their needs financially and they are the two sweetest ferrets I know. Once I got their weight up, cleaned the dirt and litter from their fur and scrubbed down that cage; they became the happiest most playful fuzz butts I've ever seen. I have two kits and the Salvafuzz brothers are more playful then my babies. Just be aware you could be investing a lot into your new ferrets but they are so rewarding. Wait until you see that longing look of "pick me up!" And "can I has what you have?" All the dooks, dances, and tail wags are worth adopting. Can't wait to hear about your two fuzzies!
Edit:
Forgot to add that I got my fosters through a friend of a friend who was concerned for their well being. Good thing, they were pretty bad off but are healthy now!
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