Saturday, May 22, 2010

Are ferrets just wonderful pets?

My hamsters are near the end of the rope, I've had them for a couple years, and today I was thinking of a pet to get when they are gone. I want some sort of smaller companion, I have a dog, but she is a Lab so it's not likeley that I can pick her up anymore. I was thinking of another hamster, a Teddy Bear Hamster, but then today I was reading a lot on ferrets, and they looked pretty cool. Except for the cost it was like 1,000 dollars for all the crud you need. Do they really need all those shots and vitamins and vet visits? Or are they more like hamsters, where you don't have to take them to the vet? Tell me how much it was for your ferret, please? And if you gave it all those shots. I can't recall the website I was on.
Answers:
Ferrets ARE wonderful pets, for those who can afford them. I own three, and the can cost you a pretty penny. You will think NOTHING of the cost of a ferret when you figure in vet bills, cages(around $200), toys(ferrets always need new toys or they get bored), food(around $15 a bag), litter pans, litter, food bowl, water bottle, and beds. And you also need to ferret-proof the area the animal is staying in, meaning keeping the room clean, keeping rubber and small items off the floor. They need at least four hours out of their cage a day to play. And you should get more than one, because they are social animals and need someone to spend time with when you're not there. Depending on the area you live in, you may not have to get a rabies shot, but you do need canine distemper, as it is an airborne disease. If you can't afford all those vets costs and ammenities, then you're better off with another hamster, rather than having that cute face who'd be an impulse buy in a pet store.
I had 3 of them and not sure if I was supposed to but didn't give them any shots. The pet store had not said anything that they needed them. They were so much fun and I loved having them but the smell is terrible. Even if you clean there cage all the time and bath them often they still smell. I had 1 that stole everything we called him buttons and then our first one was a terror so we called him razzmatazz but razz for short. Our third was something else, we called him Timon. Like I said they were so much fun but the smell was bad. That was the reason we got rid of them. It was over 7 years ago when we had them and I cannot remember how much we paid for them but I know it was not 1000.
Mine were neutered but they still have the sent. They are part of the skunk family and that odor is just there.
First, make sure ferrets are legal in your state. I know they are in California but pet store still carry supplies for them. To begin with the prices I think ferrets are around $100-$200. Cages are another $150+ depending on the size. Food price isnt included because they need to eat anyways. I dont see where this $1000 coming from. Maybe several visits to your vet is required that could cost you but not TOO much. Keep in mind that these wondeful creatures are very sensative. They need to be neutered or theyll die without a mate. Good luck.
p.s. the smelling is probably because they were giving off their sexual attraction to the other ferrets. This is why you need to neuter them.
Neutering and descent are different things. Descent can help the smell down a couple knot (vet will take it out) and in Pet stores, they have these drops that you can put it in their water to help with the smell also, you can ask the people that works there. Sure they might be smelly, but very faithful. If you love them, they'll return the favor. I don't think they cost up to 1000 but i would personally get them shots such as temperament and other shots to prevent diseases. I've also heard that they are easily prone to cancer so one check up a year is also require to catch it. Otherwise they are fun and play really rough and i like how they dance their war dance.pounce, pounce.hehe..
Ferrets are wonderful animals. They are not at all rodents. They are more related to cats and dogs. They require the same kind of care a cat or dog would need. A typical ferret will cost $100. Please do not buy one from a pet shop, there are plenty of shelters around. Ferrets needs shots yearly, depending on your location, its usually about $50-$100 for the shots/checkup. Most ferrets are already neutred/decented when you buy them. Female ferrets die if left in heat and not bred, so be sure to get one thats fixed. They are indeed pricy animals. They require a large cage for plently of room to climb/sleep/relax. These cages cost anywere from $100-$200. Food is expensive. Ferrets must have QUALITY ferret food only. I have 7 ferrets and I feed mine a high quality cat food called California Natural. This is the ONLY kind of cat food that should be fed to ferrets. It has the same amount of protien/fiber etc levels as ferret food. Its recomended by the best ferret breeders out there. If you buy ferret food I recomend 8 in 1 suppreme (i think its called), all the other foods are crap and make your ferret smell bad. My 7 ferrets don't smell, only their poop does. But thats because they are on quality food. They use a litter box if trained to. They sleep about 17 hours a day and are most active at night. They need 1-2 hours a day out of their cages in a secure "ferret proofed" area. They can climb almost anything and squeeze into the tiniest holes. There are pens designed for ferrets now so they cant climb out. I've lost 5 ferrets in my lifetime that never came back and 1 that killed himself falling behind a dresser. So i'm extra careful now were I let my ferrets run. They are VERY active and need to be socialized. They aren't like hamsters were they can be left in a cage all day or weeks without interaction. Like I said, they are just like dogs. With toys, that can cost you about $30-$50 to get some fun tunnels and hammocks. Often, you can make toys or buy tunnels from the hardwere store for $5. Ferrets will enjoy anything you give them. They are mischivious animals. Food is usually $15 for a 3LB bag, so much more expensive then hamster food. For one ferret that should last nearly a month. The food I get is 15# for $23.99 since I have so many and its much cheaper to buy in bulk for me. When they reach around 4 years old, most poorly bred ferrets from ferret farms (marshall farms, real canadian ferrets, triple F) will get whats called Adrenal Disease or Cancer. They require shots every month that cost $30-$50. If you do not get the shots the ferret will loose all his hair and be very depressed. They get very ithcy and have a hard time peeing. Ferrets are awesome, but they require a dedicated owner. They live anywere from 5-8 years old. So if you prefer to have a pet you can hold once in a while or not have to worry about, a rodent is better for you like a guniea pig or rabbit or even a rat. Ferrets do require alot of care, time and money. But you can't go wrong with a ferret, they are fun bundles of energy and will make you laugh for hours. Do loads of research if you can if you decide to go through. I am a member of the american ferret association and the inland northwest ferret association. I have some website for you below to research. Go to www.ferretstore.com or www.ferretdepot.com to see prices on ferrets supplies. If you live near Idaho or Pennsylvania they have ferret shows twice a year, those are tons of fun. Good Luck To You :)
http://inwfa.org/
http://www.ferret.org/index.shtm...
http://www.washingtonferret.org/...
Also,
Somebody above said they got rid of their ferrets because of the smell. This is what irresponsible people that don't research ferrets or know how to care for them do. Thats why so many end up in shelters. Also, you should never bathe a ferret more then twice a year because it makes them smell worse. The natural oils in their coats are there for a reason, when they get taken out, they need to produce more.

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