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Ferrets BUYING A FERRET
Because we are dedicated to educating our customers and allowing them to make informed decisions we would like to offer the following information for your consideration. If this is going to be your first ferret, ask yourself these questions BEFORE buying. AM I:1. willing to make a commitment of 6 to 8 years of giving love and quality care to my new ferret?
2. willing to give my ferret annual vaccinations, a veterinary checkup and provide necessary medical treatments as they are needed with a vet who is familiar with ferrets.
3.willing to feed my ferret with only high quality high-protein, high fat, and low ash food that is formulated just for ferrets and always have water available for my pet?
4. willing to provide close supervision of my playing ferret to ensure that young children, or other pets do not harm my pet or that my pet does not unwittingly harm others?
5. willing to supervise my ferret during play to ensure that it does not let its curiosity get it into any trouble that may threaten its life such as getting into the washer, under the refrigerator or squeezing through a hole and disappearing?
6. willing to ferret-proof my house to safeguard my pet?
7. willing to provide appropriate and clean housing to ensure security and a safe sleeping place for my pet?
8. willing to devote appropriate time for play and exercise and treat my ferret with respect care and affection?
9. willing to read and learn from knowledgeable texts all I need to know to success-fully raise and enjoy my pet?
10. willing to search diligently for another home for my pet if circumstances require me to give up my pet and promise never to just release my pet into the wild because it will surely die?
Now that you have considered all of the above, what else do you need to think about?
IS A FERRET RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY?
Is your whole family committed to having a ferret? Do you have very small children who are not experienced with handling an animal? A young ferret is a very active animal and not recommended for a family with young children. Because the ferret is very active and apt to get under foot, if you have an elderly person living in your home, you may want to reconsider the ferret as a pet. Do you live in an apartment? Are pets allowed? Even though a ferret is
considered a caged pet you best check the rules before rather than after acquiring a pet. Do you have other pets? If a rabbit or other rodent is your other pet you won't be able to allow both pets out at the same time because the ferret will definitely kill or very seriously hurt other rodent like pets. Ferrets are a serious threat to birds if the birds get down on the floor while a ferret is out. The bird won't be any match for the ferret.
Now that you have considered all of these questions and the answer is YES, what is your next step?
Before you bring home a pet ferret you need to prepare your home for its arrival which includes the ferret proofing of your home. You need to decide where you pet will have its freedom to roam and examine it for ferret hazards such as electric cords ( they chew), or small holes that lead to inaccessible spaces. If a ferret can get it's head in a hole the body is pliable enough to follow the head into the wall or to the great outdoors. Because the ferret likes to be a scavenger and a climber you may wish to remove small valuables that can be easily broken or carried away. Plants, recliners, mail slots, clothes dryers, and rocking chairs can also be hazardous. You also need to remove all rubber items because ferrets love to chew on rubber and if swallowed it can cause serious medical problems. It is not recommended that a ferret be given access to the kitchen because of its many hazards. If you do allow access be sure to close off all openings to the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, or baseboard openings that may lead to inner walls and areas that may contain household chemicals that are dangerous to your ferret's health. For other precautions you should consult knowledgeable books. Having a ferret means looking at your house with a new, observant eye.
Where do you go to purchase your ferret?
In most cases a pet store will be your most available choice. You should carefully evaluate the pet store as well as the ferret. The store should be clean, well-lit, and not smell. The staff should be knowledgeable and willing to spend time to answer your questions. The ferrets should be healthy, active, and housed in appropriate cages, not fish tanks or in shavings! The cages should be clean and odor-free and food and water should always be available to the ferrets. The store should have a large supply of ferret food, ferret litter, (not cat litter) toys and accessories as well as cages and good sources of information such as books and magazines devoted to ferrets available for purchase. Lastly, the shop should have a good reputation with its customers and should be willing to supply names of satisfied owners of their ferrets.
What does a healthy ferret look like?
Generally if you purchase a ferret from a pet store you will get a ferret that is neutered, spayed, and de-scented. A healthy ferret has clear, bright eyes with no sign of discharge, long whiskers and a sleek body. The fur should have guard hairs that stand out from the soft under hair. The young ferret should be inquisitive, have a gentle nature, and be socialized to people. Play biting is a normal reflection of play in the young ferret. Aggressive biting or behavior should be avoided. The ferrets should be supplied from a reputable ferret breeder. Ask your store where your ferret comes from.
What do I need to purchase for my ferret?
A good sized cage is 24" wide by 24" long by 30" high. A wire cage is easiest to clean. If your cage has a wire floor, it is recommended that the wire be covered with cloth or indoor/outdoor carpeting so that the wire does not harm the ferret's soft foot pads. The cage should be large enough to accommodate a separate area for a litter pan (use ferret litter NOT cat litter, clumping letter, corn cob, or cedar shavings). You will also need a sleeping area (ferrets like close, dark areas) and a soft rag or towel for snuggling. The ferret needs a constant source of water and a good ferret formulated food which contains 38% crude protein that is highly digestible. (animal not vegetable protein), 18% crude fat, less than 3% fiber, and 6.5% ash with 10% water. Ask the store what the ferret has been eating and initially continue that diet until the ferret has adjusted to your home. You may also wish to purchase ferret shampoo, a collar with bell, harness and lead, and toys and accessories such as a sleep sack, hammock etc. to fit your budget. Linatone or Bitter Apple may be useful in training your ferret as well as a squeaky toy to teach them to "come"
One or more of the following books will be very helpful in answering questions you may have on ferrets: The Pet Ferret Owner's Manual by Judith Bell: Ferrets Today by Mary Field: Guide to Owning A Ferret by Mary Field: A Step-By-Step Book About Ferrets by Mary Field (T.F.H.) Ferrets, A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Barrons: You First Ferret (T.F.H.)
We hope the above information will be helpful in making the right decision when it comes to purchasing a ferret. If you are able to come to the Crystal Parrot, we invite you to stop in and begin a delightful experience with the furry ferret.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FERRETS PLEASE CONTACT
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