How to Buy a Ferret

Contrary to common misconception, ferrets are not rodents. They're more like a cross between a cat and a dog, and they're extremely friendly and playful. Ferrets are quite active and require a lot of initial training and care; be prepared for your ferret to command your daily attention.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Exercise Pens For Ferrets
• Ferret Ear Cleaning Solutions
• Small Water Bottles For Pets
• Dry Ferret Food
• Ferret Cages With Starter Kits
• Ferret Deodorizing Sprays
• Ferret Hammock
• Ferret Shampoo
• Ferret Toys
• Litter Boxes For Ferrets

1. Contact your local wildlife or fish and game department, the humane society or your local veterinarian to find out if ferrets are legal in your area and whether or not you'll need a license to own one.

2. Collect these supplies before welcoming your new ferret: food, a cage, food and water containers, vitamins, treats and toys.

3. Ferret-proof your house. Ferrets are mischievous and get into everything.

4. Check at local pet stores, but read up on state law - just because a store in your town carries ferrets, that doesn't necessarily mean they're legal. Also consider ferret shelters and look for newspaper ads for breeders.

5. Choose the age and gender of your prospective ferret. Babies are called kits until they are 4 to 6 months old, at which time they are considered adults.

6. Consider the ferret's size. Males are considerably larger at 18 inches and 2 to 5 lbs. Females can grow to about 15 inches and weigh in at 3/4 to 2 1/2 lbs.

7. Examine the ferret's appearance. Look for bright eyes, a soft coat, healthy skin and whiskers and a playful attitude. Coat colors vary greatly, ranging from albino and dark-eyed white to sable, chocolate and silver. Some ferrets may have white patches or stripes.

8. Prepare to spend $75 to $100 on a ferret.

9. Expect to enjoy a good 6 to 10 years with your ferret.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have to do daily cleanup; ferrets can be litter-trained but are prone to shredding their floors and bedding.
• Expect to spend $1 to $5 per pound for high-quality ferret food.
• Obtain the appropriate vaccinations for your ferret, including rabies and canine distemper.
• Find a good vet who understands the complexities of ferret care before you adopt - you want to be prepared for an emergency.
• Be prepared for the ferret's distinct, strong scent. Before you get a ferret, make sure that you can tolerate this odor and that you don't have an adverse reaction to it.
• If you have a child in the house, realize that ferrets have sharp teeth and may bite when startled. Small children should never be left alone with ferrets.

[ferretlady]

on 10/30/2008 Whoops, my apologies, zekethecork- you were talking about racoons getting rabies! Ferrets are not in the same family as racoons, but in the Mustelidae family along with otters, mink, badgers, and wolverines. Also unlike racoons, ferrets have been domesticated for hundreds of years, and cannot survive in the wild.

[ferretlady]

on 10/30/2008 Hi,
I need to dispute what one commenter said about ferrets being prone to rabies. That is absolutely NOT TRUE. It is actually almost impossible for a ferret to get rabies (Seriously, google it guy!); however you are still legally required to vaccinate them for it. And please also vaccinate against canine distemper, as ferrets CAN contract that WITHOUT direct contact, and die a painful death as a result!

[ferretlady]

on 10/30/2008 Be aware that many "blaze" (white stripe) and "panda" (white head) ferrets sold in pet stores carry a congenital defect that makes them deaf. This does not mean that they wouldn't make lovely pets, but they will require extra care, and you should know that you're supporting a very questionable breeding practice.

I also second the comment that FERRET SHELTERS are the best way to obtain a ferret, because, in addition to saving a deserving animal, shelter staff are the BEST people to get advise and continuing support from. Go to Petfinder.com and search for "Animal: Small & furry" and "Breed: Ferret" with your zip code to see pictures of ferrets near you who need homes!

[Heather909]

on 3/2/2008 The comment that says Marshall food is good is WRONG!! Its bad for them, EVO ferret food is the best!!! NEVER EVER give your ferret fruit either!! Don't post wrong info do your homework first!!

[zekethecork]

on 8/29/2007 I'm originally from Michigan, and ferrets remind me of Racoons. They used to be legal to have as pets, but now they have found out they can become rabid very easily. So now their are illegal to own. But quite a few of my friends still have them for pets. Are ferrets in the same famlily as racoons? Racoons are quite playful and mischevous, but they will bite if agravated or threatened. I had one on my shoulder pulling out my hair to line his nest and when I tried to shoo him away he almost tore my ear off.