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Post by unclebatman on May 28, 2011 19:26:51 GMT -4
My fiance and I are experienced rat owners but she wants to move on to a ferret. She had two very well trained male rats for 3 years but was heart broken when the first died last year (Radar). A few months ago the second one died (Antonio) and she went through the grieving process again.
She always wanted a ferret but at the time we got our rats ferrets were out of our price range and appeared to require a bit more expertise to own. Now that we've both got more money and more experience with rodents she wants to move on to a rodent with more longevity than a rat. We've both read up on ferrets and she's very excited that they both live longer than rats and have a bit more intelligence/personality.
We'd like a pair if possible so they can play together when we aren't home. We're both graduate students so we have flexible schedules and often work from home.
Please feel free to ask any questions. I've checked Kijiji and responded to some of the ads but there's nothing very recent on the Fredericton site and neither of us own a car so travel is difficult (it's nice living so close to campus when it comes to gas bills, but in times like this I'd love a car!).
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Post by unclebatman on May 28, 2011 19:30:51 GMT -4
I should add that we'd like a cage as well. I'm hoping for a Ferret Nation cage. That's what we both wanted for our rats. We would prefer to start with a very large cage with multiple levels for this cage. Our rat cage was good for them (2.5"x1.5"x1.5") but would be too small for two ferrets.
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Post by cody n christina on May 30, 2011 7:04:12 GMT -4
Now that we've both got more money and more experience with rodents she wants to move on to a rodent with more longevity than a rat. We've both read up on ferrets and she's very excited that they both live longer than rats and have a bit more intelligence/personality. Ferrets are not Rodents... Polecat and weasel.. |
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Post by Tressie on May 30, 2011 9:32:57 GMT -4
Hi! Welcome to our forum! As already mentioned, ferrets are not rodents but belong to the weasel family. They are also not compatible with rodents or birds because they are predators to these species. Send me an email to: flsac@live.com and I will email you the kit I send out when people are enquiring about adopting ferrets. There's a lot to know about these critters and I would strongly encourage doing some extensive research on ferrets before acquiring one. Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling is an excellent resource and something experienced and inexperienced ferret folk value. I can send you more info - email me at the above email address  Tressie |
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Post by Johnny and Demon on May 30, 2011 14:59:52 GMT -4
No offense but I am scared of rodents .. so I love my ferrets ! lolll in fact, ferrets are carnivores. No rodents. Actualy, Demon seems to be a very good mouser and loves to play with his remote control mouse. He only takes 2 secs to attack the toy  lol Like Tressie said, if you like owning rodents and birds, a ferret is maybe not what you are looking for. My ferrets love chasing ducks when we walk them (well .. they try!), when the wheater is ok for them. I suggest you to read Ferrets (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) by Vickie Mckimmey 2008 and Ferrets for Dummies 2nd edition. Ferrets love human attention just like dogs, but they ain't dogs. Ferrets love playing and exploring just like cats, but they ain't cats. They are not the usual pets so I stress you to read BOOKS and magazines about them NOT websites because some websites aren't up on date with new ferrets medecines and some still say you can feed raisins as treats but raisins can cause them renal failure ; its very toxic (just like cats - raisins are toxic for thems). The only type of litter you should use for them is Yesterday's News (or Marshall Litter, basicaly same product) or puppy pads (if your ferrets don't chew it). Anything else will create respiratory problems. Since you got rats, you are probably awared that wood chips is no good for any kind of pets. Don't use clay, clumping litter. Only recycled pappers. Ferrets system is really sensitive. They live an average of 6-8 years and most of them recquiered medication or/and surgery by 6 years old. If you want them to live long, healthy and happy, you should know that they are strick carnivores and CANNOT digest fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals (grain such as corn, barlet ect), sugar and dairy products. These foods can lead to health problems such as bladder stones, insulinoma, diabete and more. You can not feed them dog food as it doesn't contain taurine which keeps their heart and eyes healthy and fonctional. Morover, its poor in protein. Only HIGH quality ferret food such as Evo ferret food or KITTEN (not cat) food such as Orijen kitten or Go! Natural grain-free food can be a substitude. The first 5 ingredients should be chicken, turkey, meat, poultry. Grain free and the diet should be very low in carbs (carbohydrates - fruits, vegetables). Nutrition is the key of your ferrets health so, life ! Another thing you want to know toe keep them as long as possible ; exercices and stimulations. Ferrets are smart (stubborn thats for sure, but very intelligent). They need a minimum of 2 to 4 hours outside the cage to play with you one a daily basis. Trust me, its only a minimum. They need even more when they are kits ! What most people failed at, with ferrets, its to keep them entertained. Not so easy ! This means : let them explore your house with close supervision (after having ferret proofing it), let them chase you or/and a toy, get down and dirty and play tug of war with their favorite toy, re-organize their cage and play area to keep the dooking going and love them as they were your children. Actualy, thats what they are supposed to be for real ferret people : their furkids ! They crave for human attention, but thats ok .. they are so lovable !  I'm sure Tressie will help you out with any of your questions : she is very knowledgeable and very helpful ! Please read this article (What Pet Stores don't tell you, by Tressie) : www.flsatlanticcanada.org/whatpetstoresdonttellyouIt will give you a good start ! Have a good day ! & Welcome to the forum |
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Post by unclebatman on May 30, 2011 15:24:28 GMT -4
Thanks for all this info! I've emailed Tressie for that kit and I'll read that as soon as I get it.
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Camille
FLSAC Board 
Secretary, FLSAC
Posts: 63
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Post by Camille on Jun 1, 2011 17:11:48 GMT -4
I have kept both pet rats and birds at the same time as having Ferrets(I have birds at the moment but got out of rats 2-3 years ago) and It can be quite challenging at times and my suggestion is that it shouldn't be done unless you have separate room for both and never the twain shall meet. My birds are in my bedroom and my ferrets in the living room. It CAN be done but you have to be aware of the risks. I have some co-workers i know who's ferrets have gotten one of their birds before. And I know that would be devestating to me if it were to happen.
Ferrets will kill rats if they can, Its just their nature. Ive been told by some rat enthusiasts that the smell of ferret can put rats on edge But mine never showed any signs of it when i had them. Seeing them would be a different story.
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Post by Tressie on Jun 1, 2011 17:51:26 GMT -4
My last rescue came to me because he had killed 4 birds in the household he was in. Unfortunately, neither the birds nor the ferret were caged or confined to separate rooms. They were free roam with tragic consequences.
I will send you that package.
Sorry for the delay I had another unexpected, tragic loss .... my precious little deaf ferret Donnola died yesterday : (
Tressie
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Post by unclebatman on Jun 2, 2011 4:14:15 GMT -4
I'm so sorry for your loss Tressie!
I'll definitely make sure there's always a door between the ferrets and any of their prey species!
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lol Like Tressie said, if you like owning rodents and birds, a ferret is maybe not what you are looking for. My ferrets love chasing ducks when we walk them (well .. they try!), when the wheater is ok for them. 
We love you precious babies !
