Thinking about getting a ferret

[Tori-ferret]

I wasn't sure what to title the thread as so I hope this is okay. So, I am thinking about getting two ferrets. A nearby pet store has them and I have fallen in love with the little fuzzies!!!  (dance) I have done a good amount of research but I still have a few questions:

1. Does better breeding make ferrets less prone to illness?- The pet rats I bought from Petsmart died very sad and early deaths that could have been prevented by good breeding so, naturally, I am worried about things like that. This applies to anywhere whether I'm buying them from pet stores or breeders.

2. So, where do I buy ferrets?- I want to get healthy ferrets from a good source but I am not sure where to go. A local pet store called Petsupermarket has them, but I am worried about this for the reason stated in #1. I live in the U.S.

3. Do ferrets get medical issues as easily as I have read? If so what kinds do they get (commonly) and how to treat/prevent them?- From reading up about ferrets, it seems like they are very prone to tumors, cancers, insulinoma, blockages, etc. and this really worries me and is what has kept me from buying them. I don't want my little pets constantly getting sick and I don't think I can pay for the massive surgeries and medicines.

4. How to find a good vet?- I am aware ferrets need vaccinations and if issues arise I will  need an emergency vet and a normal vet. I would be trusting the vet with my ferrets and I would want the absolute best for them.

5. Pros and cons of owning ferrets?

So, if I decide to get them, I would get two and house them in a Ferret Nation Double Unit. I would be feeding them on a frankenprey diet and would sign up for a mentor on this site. I know they need lots of out of cage play time and are little trouble makers! Any extra info, tips, do's and do not's, etc. would be extremely helpful!!! :boing:Thanks!

[Heather]

Hmmm....
1. Breeding vs store. Any ferret you get at a petstore will be of one of the a couple of farms, Marshal being #1 (Path Valley and Real Canadian being the other 2 larger firms). I'm not saying the best (is any mill better than another), just the one that is usually available. Marshals are a good beginner ferret. They are usually docile.
Have you thought of a shelter ferret? There are many well deserving wee ones who need a good home. Shelter moms are usually good at coupling up ferrets with their new people and can often find a very loving ferret who would really love to get a forever home.
Breeders...many will not place ferrets in a beginner home, they expect you to go the extra mile to get to know you and they expect to meet you. This isn't a bad thing. Breeder ferrets are what a ferret is. Many people feel overwhelmed when dealing with them. They are faster, smarter, bite harder, play harder. A marshals ferret is trouble in a small furry package a breeder's ferret is a small furry whirlwind on steroids.
Are they healthier...yes and no. You will have to do your homework. Many of the diseases are a matter of husbandry. Adrenal and insulinoma though have genetic links in some cases are a matter of husbandry. Proper care will help prevent both. A breeder's ferret will help in removing the genetic predisposition. That doesn't mean that they won't get it if you decide to keep them under artificial lighting and feed them kibbles. There is no guarantee about lymphoma, ferrets are little cancer machines. But....breeders know that by breeding for colour, fancy markings means you can remove the whole waardy problem and deafness. That is a big step in avoiding some cancers
Vet....you must have a good vet and know that they treat ferrets before you get your ferret. Don't be looking for a good vet after your ferret get's sick. It's stressful enough without finding out the only vet who will treat your ferret isn't in your town. Your pet vet may not treat your ferret. My original vet absolutely refused to have anything to do with ferrets. I've since gone through half a dozen vets before I found my present god-send for a vet. There is a sticky here that gives a vet listing that you should check out
Good luck with your research. Keep asking questions
ciao

[RedSky]

Ferrets are amazing animals and I am completely in love with my trio.
I'm going to answer each of your questions as best as I can but I'm going to start with a very blunt comment. If you can't afford the vet bills don't get ferrets. I got my three from a rescue and have only had them just over 3 months. In that time each one has gone to the vets for something (after their initial check up too). One has had an operation to remove his spleen (otherwise I don't think he would be here now), another has had x-rays, blood tests, pain killers and steroids and still isn't 'fixed' and the third has a little lump (cream and monitoring).
Now your questions
1) Ideally yes, better breeding is supposed to make a big difference, finding the best breeders isn't easy though. And even then there are other factors. The biggest two that are within your control are diet (we promote raw food) and natural day/night cycle. Not following these can lead to the two biggest ferret illnesses/diseases. Even with doing these right you might still end up battling them.
2) I got mine from a rescue. I couldn't find any local breeders and decided for my first ferrets I wanted adults, rather than trying to train kits from scratch. I felt that was out of my reach for the time being. I'm in the UK so can't help too much but can try to find info for you regarding rescues.
3) Yes, adrenal and insulinoma are the most common. Adrenal is thought to be caused by having them neutered and day/night cycle. Insulinoma is a bit more tricky but feeding anything they aren't supposed to eat is thought to contribute to it. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, they eat animals, nothing else, no fruit, veg, grains, sugars etc. Blockages are the other big thing, and can often be prevented but ferrets are super smart and super dumb at the same time, great at getting into things and eating things that can't possible be passed through they digestive system. I advise a decent vet fund per ferret which will constantly need to be topped up. Vet fees depend on your area, some places/vet charge for more or less than other places. I also have mine insured but many have trouble with the insurance company paying out. Plus the amount I put in would soon build up to a nice vet fund in a bank account anyway.
4) We have a list on the forum, I'm not sure if visitors can access it. Hopefully you can find it once/if you become a full member. If there isn't a local one registered it can be helpful to ask local rescues or we can help you make a list of questions (and what the answers should be) to help 'test' your local vets.
5) They aren't like typical small pets, I have had rats, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and while they were all unique and I adored them they were all so so so so much easier than ferrets. They are sort of a cross between the cute playfulness of a puppy crossed with the arrogance and 'I'll do what I like' of a cat with a dash of a cunning thief (seriously they will steal the most random things). Similar to rats males are generally bigger and more laid back, while females are often more agile, daring and mischievous. Although as with any animal, they are all individuals and some males never sit still and some females are serious snuggle bugs. Mine are more typical and my female doesn't stay still (except for the 16 hours a day she tends to sleep).

I personally thing ferrets should have at least one friend, of course some don't get along with other ferrets at all and HAVE to be kept on their own, but these needs lots and lots and lots of interaction. They can become easily bored and depressed.
Ferret nation cages are the most popular on here, some use others and some even keep them outside (generally not thought to be the best, but each to their own and I plan on moving mine outside). They are great cages and can be added to and in the US parts and even the whole cage can be found pretty cheap. Many recommend getting them second hand and just giving them a good scrub.
Play time, ideally 4 hours a day, if not more. Mine have coped with 2 hours before but then had much more the next day as they have been so hyped up. Most have an area that is safe and let them out while they are home and awake. Others have them 'freeroam' sort of like with a dog or cat. There might be areas they can't go (such as a bathroom or kitchen) but they don't cage them up while they go out (work etc) or at night. This depends a lot on your home, the safety and of course the ferrets themselves.

I don't know if you have any other pets, I know you mentioned having rats previously. I have rodents (as pets only, not feeder animals) I work really hard to make sure there is no way the ferrets can get to them or the rodents can escape. The ferrets would make a light snack out of any of mine and it is the biggest concern I had when bringing them home. Even cats and dogs can be bullied by ferrets, and many have lost their ferrets to dogs in a blink of an eye.

The only other thing I can suggest is keep researching, it took me almost 10 years to get from wanting ferrets to being ready to have them and I did lots and lots of reading in that time.

[Deleted]

I think Heather and RedSky mentioned all the most important issues. One thing I want to add about breeder ferrets, besides the genetic predisposition to diseases that is reduced to the minimum, which is an advantage of course. They are usually more.."natural" in the sense that they are usually bigger, stronger and less docile. Mine are all breeder ferrets, with the exception of Gizmo whose real origin we don't know (most likely fur farm). I personally would choose a rescue, or a breeder ferret, as I refuse to support ferret mills and petshops. Breeder ferrets are more difficult to handle, especially for a first time ferrent. Another thing to be aware of - I don't know how it is in the US, but in Europe, especially Northern Europe, hybrids are common. Depending on where you get your ferret from and what the practices of the breeder are, there are hybrids (polecat-ferret) or actual polecats (we did have 2 in shelters as well). The breeder should inform you (however, the shelter did not inform me in one case until after adoption - not that it would have changed my decision!), so I have two of them (potentially 3 since we don't know the real origin of the third, but behaviour wise, size-wise he's definitely a hybrid), they are completely different animals. They are not docile, they are more aggressive than ferrets and they are more difficult to train and to control. It is of course very possible, but they will never be like a domestic ferret for example. Or at least mine aren't. They are more territorial and more independent, even solitary I would say. Mine for ex don't accept any other people or other animals, and they don't hesitate to bite the "invader" of their private space.

Another issue to think about - where are they going to stay. Ferrets are not cage animals. They can sleep in a cage but they need over 4 hours outside to roam around. Mine are all free roam in the house. Here is the issue - ferret proofing. That is a long process where you make the rooms safe for ferrets. Which means removing all the dangerous items (any rubber, plastic, small objects, etc) from the ferrets reach. As an example, one earplug = one blockage surgery. We removed bottom support legs from the sofa, from the bed, the closets all have child-proof locks now, all the drawers the same, all shoes are out of range, all rubber or plastic, or foam objects are closed in boxes and sealed in the closets, all the kitchen cabinet drawers are locked. all cleaning supplies are in a closet locked with a key. Consider you have a 2 year old with ADHD. That never grows.

[Heather]

LOL....hmmm, the hybrid or poley. I didn't even introduce that one to the equation of breeder ferrets because those of us who breed them usually won't sell to a first time ferret owner over here. They're a whole different game and that would definitely be trial by fire for a newbie. Not that it can't be done I'm sure, but lets just say it would have to be a very exceptional first time owner. I'm nervous in even considering someone who's only owned Marshals ferrets and that's not a first timer. My wee girlies still tie me in knots on occasion and as adults they're amazing ferrets with deep passions, loyalties and are very easily offended but still very different from my rescues. As kits they were little furry daemons who could out jump, out run, out eat, out fight and out think any of the rescues I've got here. They are territorial, and that's why they don't co-exist with any other group than their own (sometimes they don't even do that well :pullhair:)
ciao

[Blue]

I think the #1 Con on my list is that you just have to accept that they'll never be fully litter trained. Some are better than others, but there's always the chance that you could end up with a fuzzy who just can't/doesn't/won't get it. If you're OK with that, I think you'll be OK.

Do start an emergency medical fund right away though -- 5 months after I got Maisie, she had gastritis that caused a blockage and cost me a total of $1,300. She would have died without the surgery.

[Tori-ferret]

Thank you for the info!

[Deleted]

Hi and Welcome to the HFF

It's wonderful to find that you are trying to learn about ferrets. They are complicated little ones, but also funny, smart, curious, loving and did I mention smart??? I mean smart, like a two year old or a smart dog or cat.

Because everyone on the forum loves these little fellows so much, we want what is best for them. We see too many stories where the ferret's needs aren't considered first and it's the ferret who pays the price.

They need alot of attention and stimulation. Mine are free roam in the house and like everyone else has mentioned, that means constant ferret proofing. It's not for everyone but regardless, the little ones do need enrichment and are happier with a friend or two or five...

I'm familiar with PetSupermarkets. My guess is that their ferrets are Marshall's. They will already be fixed and their scent glands removed.
Babies go faster than someone who is overlooked and is a little older.
My Wynstan came from Petco and was just over seven months. I talked to the manager and she reduced his price. However, my guy is priceless.
My others had to teach him to run, play, climb and get in trouble. He's a sweetheart and so are all of mine.

Mine are all close in age. My oldest two Roamy and Juliet, I found on Craigslist. I was fortunate. Their ferrent was going off to college and couldn't bring them. Everything she told me about them was true.
My baby Mika came from our local petstore, she is a Marshall's and so is Wynstan, as I mentioned.
Keller, my newest girl is deaf. My doctor gave her to us. His family was not giving her enough attention. She is also a Marshall's.

I have been very lucky. After my first (heart) ferret passed away and I began a larger business with five ferrets, we have had only one Vet visit. Roamy developed ECE from my pet store baby and a vet visit and a course of antibiotics later and he is fine. Everyone else is very healthy and thriving on a Frankenprey diet.

I won't try to tell you where to find your ferrets. Each and every one needs a home. Whether it's a breeder ferret, pet store ferret, rescue or rehomed ferret, they each deserve a loving and forever home.

Currently one of our members has her kit cam up. Look for Devon County ferrets. Here is a link.
www.devoncountryferrets.co.uk/

If you are interested in looking into a shelter ferret, look on Petfinder. Under breed, type in Ferret. It's a finicky site, but shelters and rescues will pop up and you can type in 'within so many miles".
Petstores like PetCo and Petsupermarket carry ferrets and there is also Craigslist.

Take your time looking around. Choose your ferret (s) when you feel the connection with them. Often they choose you and you will know it, when they do.

Ferrets in a group are called a business. Girls usually rule, my Juliet is the head honcho of our business. Ferrets also bond to each other. Roamy and Juliet are bonded. They love each other and will grieve over the loss of their bonded mate. They also will grieve over the loss of their friends and their ferrent. You want to make sure that bringing home a ferret is the right thing to do and suits your lifestyle. Returning them or rehoming them is very traumatic for them.

Since you are trying to learn about them, you might like to know that in August, there is a Ferret Buckeye Bash. Breeders and other Non Pro's show their ferrets and there are fun games and a chance to meet other ferrents.
It's in Columbus Ohio. There are other shows around and you might enjoy going to one and talking to breeders and Ferrents. Here is a list of shows:

www.ferret.org/events/shows.html

We also have a vet list, actually two.
holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/6/list-vet?page=4
holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/13638/vet-country-state

You might look for one in your area and call the office and ask them about costs for shots, checkups etc... You want a vet who sees ferrets regularly. Not a vet who sees cat and dogs and every now and then a ferret. Ask about After Hours emergency vets also.

Unhappily, ferrets are prone to illness and disease. The average lifespan is 6-8 years. The reason the Forum exists is in large part due to other Ferrents hoping to help our community learn more and thru education avoid the illnesses, accidents and other ferret issues that shorten their natural life span.

Then there is the pure and simple joy of having, loving and taking care of ferrets. They are so silly and funny and there are not enough adjectives. We call it Ferret Math, the little guys are addicting. Once you have one...well, you can tell that most of us here have more than one for a good reason.

We can talk ferret all day long and the stories are so much fun to share. We adore pictures here and everyone is always asking to see pictures.

I hope you will hang around and get to know our community. If you become a Ferrent, we'll love hearing who comes home with you and of course, we need pictures.

(dance)