| So...you think you would like a Ferret in the Family? 
Please don't run out and get a ferret unless you are sure you are right for each other. Ferrets attach emotionally to their humans very quickly and strongly. Be ready for a forever commmitment before you make this extremely important decision. Ferrets are one of the most unique and fun pets in the world. Commonly called "fuzzies" they are cute, energetic, intelligent, playful and very loving. However, ferrets are not for everyone. Ferrets require a great deal of devotion and dedication. They need to have a lot of play time, and unfortunately they can sometimes run into expensive health issues. Homes have to be adjusted & ferret proofed to meet the safety needs of living with inquisitive ferrets. Before deciding if a ferret is right for you, and if you are right for a ferret, you should read as much information as possible about them. I will summarize a few basics here on this page, but there is a lot more to learn than this. I will add some helpful links at the end of page 2 that will expand and give more detail. Please explore all of our site pages for much more information as well. We suggest buying the book "Ferrets For Dummies". It is a good, basic care book for the beginning fuzzy owner, and the experienced one to! First, ferrets are not rodents. Ferrets are small furry mammals. They are a member of the Mustelidae family. Females are Jills, males are Hobs, babies are Kits. Ferrets are domesticated, they are not wild animals. Ferrets live an average of 7 to 10 years but this varies. Ferrets can be found at pet stores, private breeders and at ferret shelters. Mill ferrets found in pet stores are already descented and altered. However, you should be aware that many folks (myself included) believe the mills alter the ferrets at too young of an age which may possibly lead to health issues later on. Adopting an older ferret from a shelter is also a wonderful thing to do - to give a ferret in need a forever home. Initial costs include the pet store or breeder's price, or the adoption fee of the shelter. You will also need food, treats, bedding, water bottles or dishes, food dishes, toys, litter pans, litter and a cage if you are going to use one. Bedding should be soft blankets, hammocks and nap mats. Do not use wood/cedar chips. Do not have exposed wire for your ferrets to walk on - their feet are delicate and will be hurt. In addition, you will need to have a first check up visit at the Vet and initial vaccinations for distemper and rabies. These vaccinations are annual after the initial vaccinations are completed in kits. You will also want to test all new ferrets for ADV before exposing them to other ferrets. (You can do this at your Vet, or on your own, see ADV page). One of the most important things you can do for your ferret is find a ferret experienced Vet. Most people are not allergic to ferrets however, there are cases of some folks that are. It is a good idea to go to a shelter or pet store and handle the ferrets first before getting one to see how you react. Ferrets when young tend to nip or bite a bit while playing. Training your ferret not to bite is part of raising them. Handling is the key. The more you handle your ferret and teach them love the less they will bite. Some ferrets never nip, others like to play bite. It really isn't any different than having a puppy or kitten. Have patience. You can teach them hands are good things by giving them treats and petting them, and you can scruff them and say "no" or blow in their face a little - but never, ever, hit them on the nose to try and stop them from biting. Hitting a ferret will upset them and it will hurt them and is not the way to teach them love. Ferrets do not smell bad. They have a light musky odor which I find very pleasant. If your ferret has not been decented, they may "poof" from time to time when excited or scared. The "poof" is not exactly a pleasant smell but a spritz of air freshener can clear that right up. Ferret grooming is not complicated. Unless your ferret gets into some dirt digging or other messy fun, baths are really not necessary on a regular basis, although the occasional bath is fine. Over bathing a ferret may actually hurt their coats and dry their skins and overproduce natural oils causing a stronger scent. Ferrets need to have their nails clipped and ears cleaned on a regular basis and ferrets enjoy having their coats brushed with a nice soft brush. Ferrets are carnivores and require a diet high in protein. Many people feed their ferrets a diet of meat which is their natural diet. You may also use a high quality/high protein store bought ferret kibble. Some high quality/high protein kitten or cat kibbles are also fine for ferrets. A mix of good kibbles is a great idea. Asking your local ferret shelter what they feed is a good way to find a recommended mix of kibbles. Ferrets have a natural sweet tooth however, sugar is not good for them. FerretTone and FerretVite are popular treats. >>>continued on next page<<<
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