Post by jackdaw on Apr 2, 2021 11:55:47 GMT -5
Hello!
I've been a lurker of this forum for many years. I've learned SO much from all of you quietly in the background. I've been reading up from others posting their questions also, and writing down notes and drawing up ideas for future set ups.
So this won't be for a while- and while I do have some savings alongside with my partners I want to make sure that I have everything 100% before taking the plunge.
I've owned 4 ferrets in my life (2 are still with me) and their care and current vet I owe all to this forum. My ferrets are marshall ferrets or adopted from people who got them from marshal lines. Recently I lost one of my girls last month due to insulinoma. And one before that from cancer. I don't want to think about it, but cant help but worry about my two boys who are marshall ferrets and it hurts. I would love to be apart of a community who raises healthier ferrets to start bringing in better bloodlines over to north america so others have options and the potential of having a companion that has a shot at a healthier life than many of the ferrets here do. And there isnt many options aside from petstores in my location.
I am an american living as a permanent resident in canada so I know covid restrictions would prevent me from doing much at all anyway, so this will be a future thing for sure.
But I would love any wisdom, maybe mentoring or any advice given would be extremely appreciated. I think my biggest worry is just the heart break of me making an error with a Jill and losing her life. But I know that I want to make every effort possible into trying my best. And like I said I'm, making a little book of notes to try and study from to compile all the advice here. And I'd also love to potentially get ferrets also from anyone here also who maybe is near or in British Columbia!
Now onto some questions!
- No.1 I realize a lot of breeder ferrets may not be as healthy as marshals 100%, but what should I look for and what sort of questions could I ask before I buy intact ferrets? Or where to look? I also don't want to accidently buy 2 ferrets that are related down the line either from getting from the same breeders as others do.
- For those that have gotten ferrets outside ca/us What was your process and costs? I read up that BREXIT has made it not possible to obtain pet passports now.. Are there special permits you need for this?
- What are your ballpark expenses on one litter? Such as medical? I know food can be difficult to price because it always just depends on the food supplier. But luckily in my location in Vancouver I have lots of options for my animals in terms to raw/whole prey. - When would you recommend switching over/introducing the kits to whole prey? Any specific foods?
- In the future when the kits and Jill are separated, should she be put back with other ferrets soon? Or should she be left alone still for a bit?
- Should all the intact hobs always be apart? Or is it just by personality?
- Ferrets that have polecat in them, do you ever house them with regular ferrets or do you keep them separated?
- edit: another question when would be best to start handling the babies without stressing out the mom? I would want them well socialized, theres always people in my house and other animal smells.
And last, but i'm sure not least cause I know i'll have more. What do you look for in someone who wants to purchase a ferret from you? I would love for my future ferrets to go to experienced owners..but I wouldn't want to also deprive someone who wants to learn and was educated in a ferret to also get one. What is your individual criteria's in handing out your babies?
Thankyou for reading all of this! I really look forward to hearing any feed back.
