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Post by maddiesmom on Apr 14, 2011 17:16:45 GMT -5
 lol I'm actually looking for some input, if ya'll don't mind. It hasn't been very long since I lost my sweet boy...  but this has been in the back of my mind for the past a couple of days. I'm very attached and in love with Izzy and Isaac, of course  Isaac is very young, and still learning not to nip and how to play appropriately with humans... but he's switched to raw, and is very much apart of the family and comfortable here. But I've been thinking about "just one more" for a couple of reasons... in case I ever take one of them somewhere, the other two won't be lonely, or heaven forbid something happen to one of them... the others wouldn't be alone...stuff like that. Oh, and not to mention they're FERRETS and I love them ;D lol Plus I really miss having a big breeder ferret <3 What are some things you would consider before adding a third? Can you think of any Pros and/or Cons? I was thinking about the monetary aspect of it all, vet bills, food, etc, but I can't really think of anything else lol
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2011 17:39:16 GMT -5
I truly believe if I was ever to have more than one, that three is the perfect number for just that reason - something happens, and one is not alone.  That is an enormous pro for me... Save up some extra in your emergency medical fund, get your current fuzz insured if they aren't already? Just some ideas to make adding another go smoother in case medical things pop up. |
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Post by Sherry on Apr 14, 2011 21:36:14 GMT -5
Cons: Personality of the ferrets certainly comes into play. What happens if you get another big breeder boy, and the other two don't get along with him? It is something to keep in mind. As you mentioned- cost. Are you prepared if for whatever reason, he's a bit...slow? As in, doesn't quite grasp the concept of a litter box when out and about? I'm not talking about the 70-80% hit rate that most have. I'm talking someone like Heather's Thor. Litter boxes are for stashing toys in, and that's it ;D Pros: THEIR FERRETS!!!!! 'NUFF SAID  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2011 21:59:52 GMT -5
3 is definitely a good number for the exact reasons listed Just wanted to mention that, I don't know about everyone else, but I haven't noticed a particularly huge increase in money I spend on food/litter for mine, I have two kits with a massive appetite and a ~2 yr old. I really don't use that much more litter to even comment on it, and the additional food cost is minimal. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2011 23:13:25 GMT -5
I vote for 3  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2011 5:11:47 GMT -5
I've been maintaining 3 for a few years.. It's a great number so long as the personalities mesh well. You've got to have.... certain elements in a business, I think, and you might not get all of those elements in just any 3 ferrets. I think you always need an instigator, for example, who will get everyone to play (without being mean). Like the life of the party. I don't have one right now, so even tho 3 is a great number I think I'm going to 5 next week. We'll see. In short, it's more about personality chemistry than numbers. |
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Post by shilohismygirl on Apr 15, 2011 6:30:17 GMT -5
I've got four, and barring occasional emergencies, having four is not that much different cost wise than two. However, with emergencies make sure you have some saved because as we all know, when it rains it pours with these guys.
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Post by maddiesmom on Apr 15, 2011 15:09:12 GMT -5
Absolutely agree with the $$$ problems  I don't have pet insurance, but every paycheck I have a certain % that goes into a special savings account, that I can't just spend on whatever It's for emergencies only... It's a little low right now... I mean, lower than I'd like it to be, but still a decent amount. So, part of me is thinking I should wait a little longer and let it add back up... But I'm actually "okay" with the $$ worries (for now) I've read that going from 1 to 2 is a "bigger change" food, litter, and money wise than 2 to 3... not sure about that haha 'personality chemistry' is what I'm worried about  Not getting along, I have the set up for them to be separated (totally separate FN 141), but I wouldn't really want it to be like the forever, you know? |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2011 16:17:07 GMT -5
Well... I could always tell meeting a ferret if they would get along. Once I brought home one I had a bad feeling about but... was a silver mitt and SUPER CUTE. They didn't get along at all, so I took him back and got the one I knew would work. I was so not set up to separate, nor did I have any idea as to how to deal with that kind of problem back then. You just know when you meet them Also, if you're working with a rescue or pet shop, there is usually the opportunity to take them back if its not working. Better yet, take them to meet each other. Don't just bring home whoever. Although some here who sortof get rescues plopped in their lap due to circumstance, and my hat really goes off to them taking in so many different babies and making it work! I'd love to do that someday. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2011 16:39:55 GMT -5
I agree with bringing In your present business to meet potential newbies. Just be careful of fleas, mites, and even ADV.
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Post by maddiesmom on Apr 15, 2011 18:51:46 GMT -5
I know I posted just yesterday that I really wanted a breeder ferret, but today the rescues are tugging at my heartstrings ;D I think I'm just going to wait and let it sort of play its way out... I feel as if the right one will find me, eventually (hopefully). I'm probably not thinking very clearly still, because I know I'm still grieving... Thanks for all the thoughts! I will most definitely want my ferrets to meet a newbie, first. But their health will always be no 1 priority, that always concerns me. But I was (needlessly) worried when we had a recent play date, even. Which reminds me, I don't think I posted those pics on here! Although some here who sortof get rescues plopped in their lap due to circumstance, and my hat really goes off to them taking in so many different babies and making it work! I'd love to do that someday. Me too! Maybe after I move I will be able to "foster"... I love fostering, and I've always fostered dogs (taking a MUCH needed break and time to myself now) but I'd love to eventually foster ferrets (instead). |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2011 21:38:30 GMT -5
eh...I went from 2 to 11 in a year and a half (I'd actually have 14 but I've had three cross) ....whats one more if you already have 2...you have all the necessary supplies, the difference food, litter and ferret crack wise isn't really that much... if you go with a rescue, bring your fuzz with you and let them pick the fuzz out, first making sure it's ok with the shelter of course...
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lol
Isaac is very young, and still learning not to nip and how to play appropriately with humans... but he's switched to raw, and is very much apart of the family and comfortable here.
