|
Post by Xander66 on Dec 17, 2018 14:55:43 GMT -5
Hello!! I'm new to the forum - just waiting for my application to get approved. My name is Xander and I am looking into adopting my first ferret. Me and my husband are going to meet him tonight, he is being re homed by his previous owner because she is moving and can't take him with her. I was wondering if there was a list of pre-adoption questions that someone could link me to, or if not, what do you guys recommend asking? I tried to find a thread on it but all I could find were questions from new owners (although those were helpful too!). Some questions I've thought of already:
- Is up to date on vaccinations? - Is he microchipped? - Are there any health problems I need to be aware of? - Is he neutered/de scented? I'm hoping that I can learn as much about him as I can if we decide to take him home. I've been reading a lot on the forums and doing research about care, how much time they take, etc. I've also been talking with a friend of mine that has two ferrets of her own. I believe I have all of my questions answered for now, but I'm sure I will have more in the future. The boy we're looking at comes with his own cages/supplies, so I'm waiting to see what that entails before I really start buying things. I'm not sure if what he comes with will be suitable or not. I've seen some pictures/videos of him. He's albino and his name is Jak. Wish us luck! We're so excited to meet him. I'll update on what happens. Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by Charlie on Dec 17, 2018 17:50:26 GMT -5
How old is he? What does he eat now? Is he on any medications?
The other questions you have are good too!! Good luck with your adoption!!!
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on Dec 17, 2018 19:31:24 GMT -5
Hi and welcome! The most important considerations are what he is eating now, and ferret-proofing a play area before he comes home. Everything else can be dealt with over time, like getting a good cage, litter training, feeding better foods, etc. I learned the hard way that ferret-proofing is CRITICAL, prior to allowing any kind of free roam, even supervised. When we moved to this house, I watched a ferret go under a bathroom vanity, no big deal. When she didn't come out right away, I looked under and saw her tail disappearing into the floor THRU A PIPE HOLE!
Depending on where you live, vaccinations are not so important, but if he has had distemper vaccination, that's a positive. Don't expect the owner to be 100% honest about health issues, as they might be ignorant about ferret problems, or they might know something and that is why they decided to re-home. I learned that lesson the hard way too, but I've never turned away a fuzzy in need.
Best wishes, and know that this forum is all about helping each other to keep our ferts happy and healthy. Ask us anything, and someone will have answers or at least direct you to information.
|
|
|
Post by abbeytheferret6 on Dec 18, 2018 6:17:16 GMT -5
Hi and welcome to the forum and congrats on the new family member.
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Dec 18, 2018 11:11:50 GMT -5
Also, ask to see any paperwork that comes with him, especially vet bills. That can confirm age, etc.
|
|
|
Post by xander on Dec 19, 2018 8:13:10 GMT -5
Thank you for all the advice! Yay for being approved! We ended up loving him. He is very friendly and well socialized. He met our cat and our dog and loves them. He's even been playing with our cat a little bit. Luckily our cat is very gentle. We brought him home yesterday, and so far he hasn't shown any signs of aggression or nervousness. He hasn't nipped or anything, and is very good about coming out of his cage on his own. I'm going slow with him and trying to let him adjust to our home. He's very energetic and seems like he will fit in with our family great. He has had his vaccinations, thanks for recommending I ask for the vet records, that helped a lot! I didn't even think to ask that. The previous owner said he is two, but I'm going to take him to our vet too and see what they say. I'm going to post in the introduction forum with a little more about him. Thanks again!
|
|