1 or 2

[leafwhisp]

1. I've heard a lot about how ferrets should have a friend with them if you don't have enough time on your hands. My ferrets would have all day with me during summer and at least 4 - 5 hours during school. My parents I'm sure would only let me get one. This is only right, because they are paying for them. I could still ask for two, but probably not. Is one ferret ok in this situation?

2. How much would 1 and 2 ferrets cost yearly.

3. For my time, would 1 ferret need a single unit ferret nation cage or double unit? I will get double if I can somehow get two, but is one unit ok for 1 ferret with no friend to play with?

[Deleted]

I think a single would be good for even two ferrets as they like sleeping together. Mine only on occasion go to top floor and hardly ever use potty there. However, mine r free roamers until at night, so if you r not going to let them free roam then a double would be better for two non-free roaming ferrets. I am not sure if you  can add onto a single---- will have to look that up. Do what u can afford.


As far as cost---If you get a kit ---the vet bill will be lower,but if you get an older ferret--like 3 years old or older--they probably will have some health issues---particularly  if they have been fed  a poor kibble diet. Who knows what that might run. 

Older ferrets generally have adrenal disease or insulinoma-------u do not want to go there.  Your parents will not like paying the vet bills , and you will need to buy meds.

All ferrets need nails clipped. It runs me about 9.50 a ferret. I usually go every two months. I do not clip nails--because iam too squeamish, and hubbie has brought the blood, so i do not let him do it anymore.

It is very important ferrets get time out to play. To me it is like locking up a kitten in a cage or worse.

Will let others talk about food.

Sorry if I sound discouraging about the older ferret. Of course some their health issues are because of what people have fed them.

HOWEVER, I do not want to discourage u too badly in getting an older ferret, if it is in your heart---just want you to know what u will probably be facing.

[Deleted]

My first was an only ferret. I was home with him and he was free roam. He had all my attention.
But, I couldn't play some games as well as other ferrets do.

After Ponce, I brought home a bonded pair. Once I saw the way they love each other, play together and take care of each other, I wish Ponce had known that kind of joy.

When the time comes, look at rescues and shelters for a bonded pair. They will cost much less than from a Petstore and will give you back all the love they have.
Petstores will often discount ferrets who are no longer babies.
Craigslist is another place to find someone or someones who need to be rehomed.

You can always start with one ferret nation, whether you have one or two. Then add on, when you get a little extra money or have a birthday or holiday wish list.

Costs will vary on whether you have vet bills, how you shop and feed, and if you want to buy toys.
None of mine have needed a vet this year, so I haven't had that expense.

Given that you are still in school and probably have activities and friends, I'd love to see you bring home more than one. They will be happier and you will not stress over being busy or wanting to go out with friends and leave one alone.

[unclejoe]

A single ferret may bond with you more, but you will need to give it attention at playtime and make sure he's out enough. A single unit is fine. We have 7 in a double, (9 once) but they only sleep there. The Ferret Nation is designed so you can add the upper level later.

[Leafwhisp]

I guess 2 is better for me because our coming home time is anywhere between 4 and 6 usually five. I wouldn't want it to get lonely. Once they are litter trained they will be allowed to roam around the house though not in my parents room or near my gerbils(don't want them eaten) will probably get single über then save up for second. Have to work on parents though... Still a maybe and maybe means they are trying to avoid the question for a while.

[Deleted]

The two big R's you do not want around your ferrets--- a recliner and rubber.

Husband got rid of our recliner---that was a big,big sacrifice Bless his heart.

Ferrets will eat anything rubber. One of my previous ferrets was trying to eat latex backing off a throw rug. Now all throw rugs are woven on back.

[RedSky]

I think even if you get a kit vet costs can quickly mount up. Even if he or she is a healthy kit most ferrets are neutered too early and any artificial lights can increase their risk of developing adrenal disease which can be costly to treat, especially if you can't get your hands on a DES implant.
Aside from that their are blockage surgeries, injuries, infections, IBD and cancers that often crop up regardless of age. Plus eventually a kit is going to be 3 or 4 years old and while a decent diet (all for raw feeding here) will help prevent some things that doesn't mean your ferret can't develop them at some point.

I have three from a rescue centre. All were fine when I picked them up just before Christmas last year, today I've dropped the only one who hasn't needed something costly of at the vets to have a lump removed. She could probably have coped without it for a while longer but it's in a tricky place and if it continues to grow it's going to cause too many problems so it needs to come off sooner rather than later. One had his spleen removed, a common problem in middle aged ferrets and his was causing serious problems. The third has injured his back, again a common thing as ferrets tend to get underfoot and fall off things. We think he's fallen of a shelf or hammock in his cage. So he's had x-rays, blood tests and now has a wheelchair on the way and needs his bladder expressing 2 or 3 times every day.

I think I have had seriously bad luck with them, and I don't think I could have done anything different to prevent any of this, other than not had a critter nation (identical to ferret nation but smaller bar spacing) or put more hammocks in to catch falling ferrets. Even then we aren't sure what happened to him, fine in the morning, dragging his legs after lunch...

In regards to number, some ferrets HATE other ferrets. If you are going to get a single ferret I recommend getting one from a rescue who HATES other ferrets. I can't think of anything worse than a social ferret being kept all alone. No matter how much time you spend with one you can't sleep with them, play ferret games properly or communicate properly with them. I wanted a trio so that if one was ill or sleepy that they would still have a friend to play with. I love watching them interact and it's nice knowing that they are there for each other while I'm out or asleep.

I've no idea how old you are or your future plans but ferrets can live 10+ years although many are lost younger due to the illnesses they often suffer. Where are you going to be in 5, 7, 10 years time. Are you still going to be able to commit all the time to your ferrets, are your parents still going to pay for them?

I too have rodents, I LOVE gerbils. I think they are amazing little creatures and I love spending time with all my animals and make sure they all get some time each day with me or playing in their playpen. Do you have time to split between all your animals?