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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 22, 2011 21:20:39 GMT -5
My fiance doesn't feel he can handle 3 furries yet, so I will respect his feelings. After all, we will be caring for the fuzzy together as a family. He has never had a ferret before, so I can understand his feelings.
I think under the circumstances, maybe a local adult ferret is our best choice for now. I don't want to endanger or hurt a rescue fuzzy who has already been through so much, and I have absolutely no experience in helping a ferret overcome trauma. I have a lot of love to give and the best intentions, but I just feel I am not experienced enough, so I want to make a responsible choice.
I hope everyone can understand, this is a very difficult decision because I absolutely had my HEART set on a rescue from the earthquake. But I am trying to decide what is best for the ferret, for my fiance and for myself.
I hope I am making the right decision.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 21:32:55 GMT -5
You need to make the best decision for you and your family  I completely understand not wanting to take on too much at once. Any ferret will be blessed to have a new warm forever home. But you must post pics when you get him/her. Once you feel more comfortable, I'd definitely look into getting your baby a friend - they make taking care of one a little bit easier. |
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 22, 2011 22:26:11 GMT -5
Oh thank you so much Jackie!
I feel SO much better now! I will definetly post tons and tons of pictures of the baby when we make the adoption. It will be anytime after April 16th. I decided to wait for after my short out-of-town trip (did I mention that already?) to make sure the fuzzy gets tons of love and TLC for those very important first few days.
That also gives me and my Japanese-half plenty of time to ferret-proof as much as possible. I am focusing a lot on ferret-proofing because I only intend for the fuzzy to be caged at night, when we go out and can't bring the fuzzy (we will bring with us as often as possible), or sleeping sense I heard they poop shortly after waking up! Otherwise it will be out and about all day with me. We have a studio apartment, so I think it will be almost like giving the ferret it's own room.
...actually, come to think of it. The store up the road has an absolutely adorable chubby adult silver boy right now. I think i'll go visit him today, I hope he's not sleeping like most times I try to visit. ^_^
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 22:31:11 GMT -5
Belated welcome. I've spent a lot of time in Japan, so I've been very worried over the earthquake myself. And please feel free to ask any questions about the fuzzies. We love them (obviously!).
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 22:39:20 GMT -5
Oh thank you so much Jackie! No problem! I'd also look into finding a vet before you bring your baby home. It's always easier to find a vet BEFORE you need to take them in, that way you know you have someone you feel comfortable to go to when you need.  Ohh, good luck! |
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Post by Sherry on Mar 23, 2011 9:19:56 GMT -5
Hey, everyone here understands perfectly about taking on too much ;D Kudo's to you for knowing what your limit is ahead of time, too  And no one thinks any the worse of you. I'd still talk to that rescue. We are simply assuming them to all be together. They might not be. So ask- they'll recognize if those three are all cuddling together all the time! |
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Post by ttfr on Mar 23, 2011 13:03:57 GMT -5
Welcome! Welcome! I love your avatar. Even before I had ferrets, I always loved how a lot of animes have a crazy ferret in them. Forgot which anime it was but there was one where the weasel looking ferret got stuck behind the big amore and they were trying to rescue him. I don't watch it as much now days but my father is obsessed because of it.  ..So don't ever let your parents watch anime if they already watch cartoons in the morning. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2011 18:45:01 GMT -5
Everyone here understands so don't feel bad! Everyone here was a new ferrent at one point, heck I've only had ferrets for a year and a half, it will be 2 years come August.... and I started out with two and now are owned by 12! Gotta love ferret math! I'm definitely at my limit now!!!
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 23, 2011 21:17:51 GMT -5
I just want to say all of you are absolutely wonderful people! I have been on a lot of different forums in the past for different pets or hobbies, and this is the sweetest one by-far.
novemberkris
Did you keep ferrets while you were in Japan? I am trying to find the best ferret food brands here. I need to bring my fiance to the store when he has a day off work to ask him to read the ingredients lists, because it is in Japanese of course. From what I understand, the first 5 ingredients are what the food has the most of.
Has anyone heard of "Path Valley" ferrets? Are they like Marshall ferrets? I saw some "Path Valley" ferrets and never heard of them before.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2011 21:35:46 GMT -5
Heather can tell you about Path Valley fuzzums. Mine is a Marshall. I did not keep ferrets in Japan--got into my fuzz after I came home. You definitely want a food that has a meat 肉 as the first ingredient (its usually chicken 鳥肉). The higher the protein the better. I don't know how interested you are in raw (it might be a bit more challenging in Japan), but that is of course an option and there are lots of great mentors here. |
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 23, 2011 21:56:11 GMT -5
I am a little interested in raw for my fuzzy, because I actually want to become raw myself someday! But in my case veggies/fruit are a little more expensive in Japan, although very good quality! Some meat that is normally cheap in the USA because no one wants to eat it, is normal priced here because it seems the Japanese will eat almost anything! I think raw is more accepted here then the USA, because my fiance eats raw egg with rice (they have a special sauce for that), and sashimi (raw fish) is also very popular. At the moment we are striking compromises so we can save money for the big things ahead. A wedding, a car, a house...kids at some point. I think once we get past buying a house, we'll have more money for trying things like a raw diet...for both me and my fuzzy. For now, I was thinking about using the best ferret food we can afford, and giving raw chicken organs and wings as a "treat" so the fuzzy is at least familiar with raw meat. Maybe that would make a transition in the future easier, and also add health benifits. What do you think? Heather If you stop by again, I would love to hear the difference between Marshall and Path Valley ferrets, because apparently I get a choice at a store my fiance found in Tokyo. I am still doing my homework before the big day. |
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Post by Sherry on Mar 23, 2011 21:59:49 GMT -5
I've also got a couple of path valley ferrets They do tend to be a bit larger, a LOT nippier as kits, full of attitude, but loving little creatures at heart  My oldest pv is just turning 3 in May, and she's finally starting to calm down a bit, and enjoy a bit of a snuggle. Our younger one is still a bit of a handful, but then she was abused. If you've not had ferrets before, or are looking for one that's a bit calmer, try to find a Marshall's. They'll have two blue dot tattoos in one ear. Path Valley have no tattoos. Real Canadian have a single bar. Not sure about the other mills. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2011 22:03:31 GMT -5
I'm not sure how much meats cost in Japan, but I feed my business of 3 for about $45-$50 a month. It would cost me more to buy a high quality kibble. Also, with kibble, I had to buys several different brands in case one couldn't be bought, because ferrets imprint heavily on food and can refuse to eat new foods. I pay about $1.5 per lb of food, sometimes more sometimes less.
From what I've read, path valleys are very big fuzzies, where marshalls are smaller, more docile (because they're bred for temperament rather than health).
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Post by sakuraferret on Mar 23, 2011 22:35:01 GMT -5
Actually I am not sure myself about meat prices compared to the USA, but I have to assume they are at least a little more expensive. I didn't really buy meat when I lived in the USA because I was a veggie for a while, so I can't compare. Im kind of half-back to being veggie. I don't really buy meat much unless it's fish, but i'll eat any meat if it's offered (ie future mother-in-law cooking).
I think i'll try a Marshall fuzzy, I know ferrets are not calm by nature but it doesen't hurt to take the calmest side of the options. I am hoping for cuddling and falling asleep in my lap, if I am lucky to get that kind of personality ferret. But of course i'll love my fuzzy no matter what personality they have!
Do you have any advice for chosing a ferret when the day comes? Are there signs of their personality I can look for?
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Post by Sherry on Mar 23, 2011 22:42:07 GMT -5
That, I'm probably not the best one to ask- I prefer them with some attitude ;D But, I'm thinking look for one that doesn't nip, seems to enjoy giving kisses and being petted. However- virtually any kit is going to be full of energy, and want nothing more than to run,play, and dance. Generally they'll want nothing to do with cuddles, unless they are really sleepy. If you pick them up and cuddle them all the time when they are sleeping, they will become more used to being held, though. If you want a ferret already(hopefully) trained, go to a shelter, and talk to them there. I have no idea if the shelters in Japan are run along the same lines as ferret shelters here, but in the US and Canada, the shelter moms know their ferret's personalities, and can help you pick one out that will fit in with your family the best. For kibbles, here's a good link: holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=food&action=display&thread=125 |
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My oldest pv is just turning 3 in May, and she's finally starting to calm down a bit, and enjoy a bit of a snuggle. Our younger one is still a bit of a handful, but then she was abused.