Is a ferret right for you?
Ferrets are NOT just a one time pet, they can live from 5-10 years and even past that so you must be committed to cater for their long term needs. Before getting a ferret, there are a lot of things to consider such as cost of food, housing, enrichment and vets bills.
Please do as much research as possible.
Questions to ask yourself
○ Do you have the time for ferrets?
○ Are you committed to owning one for however long it may live?
○ Have you considered all the costs?
○ Have you found a reliable vet?
○ Do you feel ready to own ferrets and cater for all their needs?
○ Have you done enough research?
Do you have the time?
Owning ferrets does take up a lot of your time! You must have the time to play with them, clean them out and feed them. They need human interaction and if you are unable to provide them with that, then they are not the pet for you.
Have you considered the costs?
In the long run, ferrets can become very expensive pets. The costs of vet bills, housing, enrichment and food all need to be thoroughly researched before committing to a ferret.
Have you found a reliable vet?
A reliable vet is essential. As ferrets are classed as exotic animals, you must find a vet who caters for them and has experience.
How many ferrets should you keep?
Ferrets are social animals and keeping them in pairs or groups is best. I would recommend that 2 jills are kept together as they will get along all year round. You can keep two hobs together however they will oppose each other during breeding season. A Jill and hob kept together would result in a litter unless both are implanted or neutered. I explain more about this on the next page.
Ferret Stereotypes
There are a handful of stereotypes that are associated with ferrets, many of which are not true. Biting is commonly something which people associate with ferrets which is generally not true! Ferrets can form a strong bond with their owners and are very calm, playful pets which won't bite unless scared! With care and handling, a ferret won't bite. Another stereotype is their smell. Ferrets do have a smell due to glands under their skin. The scent can put a lot of people off of these wonderful animals but it can be reduced, but not totally eliminated, by neutering which I explain more about on the next page.