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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 14:37:47 GMT -5
I understand that ferrets are sociable creatures and would rather have another furry friend to talk to, but is this necessary? I only ask because of my financial situation... Thank you for your answers in advance!  |
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Post by bitbyter on May 27, 2015 15:02:13 GMT -5
No, they don't HAVE to have a buddy but it actually works out as being easier because they keep each other entertained. Single ferrets are much more demanding when it comes to your attention and interaction.
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 15:26:56 GMT -5
My experience is that they are truly happier with a friend.
I've talked about this before on the forum. My first ferret was an only ferret and I was with him all the time. He was free roam and I know he had attention, love and enrichment.
After he crossed over, I brought home a bonded pair. Once I saw their love, how much fun they have and how they care for each other, I wish he had known that kind of joy.
We can play games that they enjoy, but there are ferret only kind of games that are so much fun for them and we just don't dance the Wild Weasel War Dance properly.
Ferrets are super smart. They need alot of attention. If your schedule is busy and you can't give an only ferret at least four hours of attention a day, I really would suggest you find a way to bring home more than one. They will be much happier and so will you.
It might help to visit some shelters or rescues and see some ferrets and watch them play.
Maybe you could volunteer and get some community service hours.
Watching them will give you a good idea of what a ferret is capable of and what a ferret needs are like.
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Post by Blue on May 27, 2015 15:36:21 GMT -5
If you have a rescue/shelter within reasonable distance, you could try to find out if they have any ferrets that need to be solo. There are some. Mine hates all other ferrets with a passion. She likes being the center of my attention  |
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 17:22:24 GMT -5
Most ferrets love groups, but I've had a few in the rescue that didn't like most ferrets. We have one right now the often prefers people andvfusses at ferrets.
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Post by Heather on May 27, 2015 18:45:13 GMT -5
I have 2 right now who are much happier on their own. Lady Morgaine and Tico both prefer a solitary life instead of sharing both space and their humans.
ciao
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Post by Sherry on May 27, 2015 18:49:42 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 19:07:17 GMT -5
So if I was to buy from a pet store, should I buy two at that time because they are so used to being together?? Thanks for your guys's answers; it really helps |
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 19:41:13 GMT -5
It is an individual thing. Each has its own personality. Honestly, I don't think a pet store will know their ferrets well enough to honestly know. Many will guess to get the sale, but I doubt they have spent enough of the right type of time with each ferret to truly know.
Bennett will play with the other ferrets, but tires of them and doesn't want touched by them when sleeping. When free running he play with our pit more than the ferrets. He loves to be held by people. Foster based rescues usually know the individual personalities better. That said, they still open up more in their forever homes. I've seen very few ferrets that I think might be better as the only ferret. My suggestion is lots of research in your area and give it the to find the right ferret for your home.
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 19:47:16 GMT -5
It is an individual thing. Each has its own personality. Honestly, I don't think a pet store will know their ferrets well enough to honestly know. Many will guess to get the sale, but I doubt they have spent enough of the right type of time with each ferret to truly know. Bennett will play with the other ferrets, but tires of them and doesn't want touched by them when sleeping. When free running he play with our pit more than the ferrets. He loves to be held by people. Foster based rescues usually know the individual personalities better. That said, they still open up more in their forever homes. I've seen very few ferrets that I think might be better as the only ferret. My suggestion is lots of research in your area and give it the to find the right ferret for your home. Even though the pet shops don't know the ferrets personalities, I'm just thinking that it would be better for their mental health (less stress, ya know) to stay with the other ferret they've been in the store with? |
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Post by Blue on May 28, 2015 11:45:13 GMT -5
I would think so, yes, especially since very young kits have been known to cry when they come home alone from the store. It's heartbreaking. Just make sure you get 2 that seem friendly, because sometimes they pick on each other! Hopefully by getting them young and feeding them well, you'll have time to save up enough for a double emergency fund.
Although really, if there is any shelter near you, or within reasonable driving distance, I would recommend going that route.
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Post by Blue on May 28, 2015 11:48:10 GMT -5
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Post by miamiferret2 on May 28, 2015 20:25:59 GMT -5
I have a single. He is fine. Happy, he plays with us, etc.
he has plenty of stimulation.
he lives in a ferret proofed room so he's never caged. He also spends a lot of time in the rest of the house when we are home. I play with him a lot.
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Post by RedSky on May 29, 2015 6:37:24 GMT -5
I have 2 right now who are much happier on their own. Lady Morgaine and Tico both prefer a solitary life instead of sharing both space and their humans. ciao , do either of these have polecat in them? I've heard that ferret x polecat sometimes results with offspring that prefers to be more solitary, typical of polecats. Of course some ferrets HATE all other ferrets. The rescue I got my trio from has two females (not sure if females are more common to want to be alone) on their website that won't accept any other ferret. One lost her friend and went into depression, so may in time accept another one but the other has been there a long time and all attempts have failed. So they plan on rehoming them both as single ferrets. I'm a bit of a softy and like to do what makes my pets feel safe and happy. I personally think bringing home a kit from a pet shop, that cries for constant attention shouldn't be alone. I think the same for adults that have been living together, I was so glad that my trio was just that. They weren't part of a larger group, they (well Korra mainly) wouldn't mix with other ferrets so when I brought them home no-one was left behind (well except for the other 70+ ferrets, but you know what I mean). |
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2015 7:50:57 GMT -5
First of all, do what you can afford.  TWO BETTER THAN ONE |
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