Reasearching Getting my first ferret

[erika]

I have been looking into getting a ferret for some time and I am now seriously doing my homework.

I live in Halifax, so I am wanting to know where the best place is to get a ferret. I have a 5 year old and 2 cats, so I am looking for a younger ferret that hasn't known anything different.

Also where is the best place to get good quality cages and supplies?
I have a couple places that I know of, but wanting to see if there is more out there that I don't know about.

I already have an amazing vet that I work for so thats not a problem

Thanks for any information you guys can give me.

[Tressie]

Hi Erika,

Welcome to our forum! I am very glad that you are taking the time to do your research. There is much to learn and one never stops.

Getting a young ferret doesn't mean he/she will adjust better than a mature ferret. A lot depends on the individual personality and temperament of the ferret. I am going to post information for you here that I normally send to people who are asking about adopting a ferret. Please take the time to read all of it and it will give you much to think about before making the decision.

In terms of supples. Pets Unlimited carry the Midwest Ferret Nation, which is the best cage you can get. With ferrets - the bigger the better.

For food - Fairview Animal Hospital in Bayers Road Shopping Centre carry Innova EVO Ferret as do Best Friends pet supplies.

Do not buy Marshalls ferret food or god forbid Kaytee from Walmart these are not good ferret foods. If you go to our website you will find a link to a food comparison chart: www.flsatlanticcanada.org/foodchart

In terms of veterinarians - have you asked your veterinarian if she/he would treat ferrets? Most won't! Ferrets require specialized knowledge. Again on our website, you can find a list of ferret knowledgeable and ferret friendly vets:

www.flsatlanticcanada.org/ferretfriendlyveterinaryclinics

If after reading all the material I am going to post - you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Tressie
Chair
Ferret Lovers Society of Atlantic Canada

[Tressie]

Ferrets worth the trouble
Reputation does smart, sweet, cuddly critters a disservice
By Linda Lombardi, Associated Press
Friday, August 15, 2008


Poor ferrets - all those terrible rumors go 'round about them: They smell, they bite, they're mean and nasty. They're even illegal to own in some places.

But Robin Hochgertel knows the real secret: "People who get ferrets have a tendency to become ferret addicts." Hochgertel, who runs the Ferrets First rescue in Annandale, Va., says ferrets are actually sweet, cuddly and, most of all, entertaining to watch. "They'll get in your lap, but they won't let you them hold them for very long. They always have something to see and something to do," she says.

Ferrets are smart enough to learn their names, and they bond to individual people. "They're so expressive - when you talk to them, they look right at you," says Lisa Vible of Elkton, Md., education director for the American Ferret Association. Vible should know: She has 18 of them.

But if you're considering a ferret, remember that those charming characteristics come at a price. Being intelligent, curious and busy, ferrets have lots of chances to get into trouble. "They're perpetual 2-year-olds," says Vible. "They're always into something."

So you'll need to ferret-proof your house from the point of view of a clever, long, skinny 2-year-old. Hochgertel recommends lying on the floor to look for openings that would let them get behind or into cabinets and furniture, as well as unexpected ways out of a room or house.

And a social animal like a ferret needs company and attention. You should be prepared to let them out of their cages for several hours a day to exercise and socialize. They also enjoy rough play with one another, such as chasing and wrestling that their human friends can't really provide. So although you probably don't want to start with 18, you should consider getting more than one.

But even if your ferret has company, it's a high-maintenance pet, more comparable to a dog than to most small caged animals. And like dogs or cats, they need regular vet care, which can be expensive. You'll need to find a specialist vet, who might not be nearby, and be prepared for possible major illnesses, including adrenal-gland disease, which is common in these animals.

If you're prepared for all that, you're probably still wondering: What's this about the smell? Hochgertel and Vible both say the ferret's reputation for stinkiness is much exaggerated. Any animal has a characteristic body odor, but as with any animal, proper care will minimize it. Hochgertel recommends the following steps in particular:
* Keep the cage clean. A ferret's cage should be lined with blankets and contain a litter box (don't use clay litter, she says, which gets stuck in their noses if they root in it). Launder the blankets at least once a week, and scoop the litter every day.

* While regular cleaning of your ferret's litter box is obviously crucial, it's also important to start with a good diet. Some major commercial ferret diets are based on fish; avoiding these will result in a much less smelly output.

* Clean their outer ears regularly with a cotton swab. Ferrets also need regular nail trims, but Hochgertel says not to bathe them too frequently, which will actually increase odor by making their skin glands work overtime.

* Especially for a first-time ferret owner, try to get your new pet from a rescue group. A rescue organization, with its in-depth experience, will give you a better education in the care of your ferret than a pet store can. And a rescue will make sure you're a good match with your ferret, because they do have different personalities

[Tressie]

FERRETS - THE REALITY CHECK - WHAT PET STORES DON'T TELL YOU


This is going to be a major reality check because I am going to be completely frank with you. These are things most pet stores do not tell you when you are checking out their cute ferrets.

Two primary things to keep in mind before getting a ferret - they are HIGH maintenance and veterinary costs are high. They are prone to a host of illnesses, especially as they age and because most veterinarians do not take ferrets as patients you have to go to a ferret knowledgeable veterinarian and there are not many around. Consequently veterinary costs are considerably higher than for other companion animals because it takes specialized knowledge and experience to treat ferrets.

If you buy a kit (baby ferret) from a pet store some things to keep in mind:

• Kits have to be socialized and trained.

• Deafness is common in ferrets, watch for those who have white heads (pandas) or white blazes on their heads, adorable but high probability of deafness. Unrecognized deafness can lead to fear biting because pet store personnel aren’t aware the ferret is deaf and don’t approach it properly. Lack of knowledge on how to handle fear biters may make the problem worse.

• All kits nip as part of normal ferret play, much as kittens do, they have to be trained not to.

• Do not hit a ferret on the nose if it nips this creates fear biting and will make the problem worse.

• Ferrets do use litter boxes, however, outside of their cages it is about 50/50. Males are better about being trained to use puppy pads or litter boxes outside of their cage. But if you get 70% successful toileting outside of the cage - you are doing remarkably well. In the cage it is generally a 100% hit.

• Only two types of litter should be used with ferrets: Yesterday's News or Wood stove pellets. Anything else will create respiratory problems.

• Pine based cleaning products, e.g., Lysol, can be lethal to ferrets. Even the fumes can kill them.

• Cedar anything is deadly. Pine chips should never be used as bedding, it leads to severe respiratory problems.

• Purchase a good quality ferret food like Innova EVO Ferret or Innova EVO Cat/Kitten (essentially identical). Marshall's, Kaytee and many others are NOT good ferret foods. Do not feed them cat food, or commercial treats - they will develop bladder stones. They are obligate carnivores and cannot digest fruit or vegetables and should never be fed either. Raisins can cause renal failure and should be avoided. A good quality KITTEN (NOT cat) food is a suitable substitute as long as fat/protein levels are good and carbohydrates are low. Our website has a comparison food chart: www.flsatlanticcanada.org/foodchart

• Ferrets require a large cage, the bigger the better. A rabbit cage is not a suitable home for a ferret but can be used as a travel cage or convalescent cage after surgery. The best ferret cage is the Ferret Nation by Midwest and runs about $300.00. Ramps and levels must be covered over with cloth or carpeting to prevent delicate toes/paws from getting caught and injured.

• You should have a minimum of $1000.00 set aside at all times for the inevitable surgery all ferrets will require at least once in their lives and for veterinary medical expenses, which come up regularly.

• Ferrets have been socialized to humans for over 2500 years. They are completely domesticated and dependent on humans and could not survive in the wild.

• Ferrets require a minimum of 2-4 hours time out of their cages with their humans, they are not a cage animal like pocket pets. They will get depressed and stressed if not given enough time out of their cages. And when stressed they get ulcers, which need to be treated or they can die.

• Your home must be ferret-proofed to prevent fatal accidents! An excellent overview can be found at: www.ferretcentral.org/faq/part2.html#ferretproofing - Basically they need to be kept out of kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Reclining furniture causes more ferret deaths than anything else because they will climb up into the furniture and get caught in the workings. They will dig up a couch unless it sits flat on the floor or the bottom is covered over in a heavy canvas. Same thing for box springs.

• They do not see very well and love to climb and will walk off the end of a coffee table or book case and can break their necks or backs or legs if they fall .

• They are fearless and will go up to animals that could be dangerous to them; consequently they must be supervised at all times around other animals. Dogs are particularly dangerous to ferrets. Ferrets are notorious for nipping at dogs' paws and an annoyed dog typically retaliates by biting. One bite will kill a ferret. They do better with cats because a cat can jump and get away from them. Keep in mind nipping is part of ferret play and they never learn that nipping other animals is NOT okay. You can train them not to nip humans but not other animals.

• They are predators and will kill birds or rodents if not supervised. Ideally birds or rodents should be kept in a separate room that is not accessible to a ferret to keep them safe. Your geckos, hamsters, birds, mice and rats would be at risk. Your dog would be a risk to the ferret.

• Ferrets are not a lap animal and do not sit quietly on your lap and be petted. They are go, go, go - high energy into everything and anything. Think of all the work a toddler requires and then triple that and you will have some idea of what's involved with having a ferret.

As you can see they aren't for everyone because of the high cost of care and requirement for constant supervision. On the plus side they are inquisitive, extremely intelligent, love human companionship and bond profoundly with their human families. Two are better than one because they will entertain one another and keep each other company. Just a note of caution, a bonded pair is exactly that and should never be separated or they can die of grief. Because of that most people have more than two, because if one dies the other one at least has a friend or two left to help with the grief. They live on average 6-8 years, although because of all the illnesses they get 5 is probably more realistic.

Caring for a sick ferret is like having a sick infant, because they require round the clock care.

This is the reality of having ferrets, something pet stores will not tell you. If people knew all that was involved few would get ferrets and we wouldn't exist as a ferret rescue because typically after a year, many people surrender them because they are more care than they bargained for.

Ferrets are cute and that makes people want them but you need to be aware of everything involved before getting one. If I sound discouraging, I am. I don't want to see another ferret grieve the loss of his/her family and be re-homed or surrendered because adequate research wasn't done.

I am very glad you are taking the time to read this - that is an intelligent and well thought out decision. If a person still decides they want a ferret after doing all the research and armed with this information, then I am confident they can provide a good home to a ferret.

If you have any other questions or wish clarification on any of the things I've written, please don't hesitate to write or call.

Tressie Dutchyn, PhD (c)
Chair
Ferret Lovers Society of Atlantic Canada
[phone]
[e-mail]

www.flsatlanticcanada.org/

[Tressie]

ADOPTIONS

We take the adoption process very seriously for many reasons. Animals suffer because humans just don't think things through completely. Animal shelters/rescues exist because people create the need for them. Just as not all animals make good animal companions, not all humans make good animal parents. We want the people who adopt our ferrets to be part of the solution, not part of the problem! Ferrets need and deserve love, positive attention, lifelong commitment, safety, and veterinary care in addition to the basic things such as food, water and shelter.

Ferrets are not temporary. They are not disposable. They are not commodities either. They are loving family members who depend on you to love and care for them forever. They will grieve if left behind, or abandoned by their family. So, think carefully before committing!

Take a good look at your lifestyle and your habits. How much time do you have to devote to a ferret? Ferrets require between 2-4 hours out of cage, one-on-one time with their humans daily. Ferrets are more expensive to maintain than other animal companions. Are you financially ready to meet a ferret's needs or an unexpected emergency?

No one needs a ferret RIGHT NOW! Not you, not your teenager, not your mate. Do your homework first. Take your time before making a decision that will impact the life of an animal as well as your life. Ferrets (or any pets) do not make good gifts, and all family members should be involved in a decision like this.

I personally spent a year researching and reading everything I could get my hands on before adopting my first pair of ferrets. I have never stopped! You will never know enough. They are complicated animals that many people, including most vets, know little about.

Why are you getting the ferret? "Because I love animals" is not a good enough reason. Lots of animals suffer under the care of real animal lovers. Ferrets are not status symbols or cool pets to have. Ferrets can provide companionship and joy; they can be something to look forward to after a hard day.

CHECK LIST BEFORE GETTING A FERRET:

No major life change will affect your ability or desire to continue holding up your end of the commitment deal. A new baby? A new pet? A new car? A lost job? A geographical relocation? A new spouse or partner? Sometimes things happen and it's out of your control. We understand true emergency situations. But, when you just had to have that cute ferret (with a lifespan of 5-8 years), did you intend on staying childless, or did you just figure you'd dump the ferret when the kid arrived to take his place? You would not give up your child if life threw you unexpected curves; and if you can't say the same about your ferret - get a plant instead.

You have found a vet who is willing to look after your ferret. Even if you can find a veterinarian who will treat this type of animal, will you be able to afford it? There are a bazillion dog/cat vets out there. Have you considered what will happen when your ferret needs veterinary care (not to mention routine care)? Vets are not all-knowing! Ferrets require specialized knowledge and experience. Many vets will not treat exotic animals like ferrets. Others may want to, but admittedly lack the knowledge. Vets who "specialize" in or treat exotics are also frequently more expensive.

You are willing to go to any length to ensure the ferret remains a family member-in-good- standing.
When your ferret destroys your couch, eats your cat's food, or poops on your expensive antique hooked rug, are you willing to seek advice from an experienced ferret person? Are you willing to change your routine to be part of the solution instead of getting abusive or dumping the ferret? Ferrets can't chew your favourite flip-flops and require emergency surgery for the resulting blockage - if they can't get to them. Having ferrets frequently means creative problem solving. Can you adjust your preferences to accommodate a ferret's basic nature? Or do you expect the ferret to bend to your will (NOT)? If you would get frustrated because a ferret doesn't do what you want it to - get a house plant instead. Bottom line ¡V do you have what it takes to keep a ferret happy, healthy, AND safe??

You have a back-up caretaker in case of vacation or hospitalization? While you may be willing to forego any vacations for the sake of your ferret, what would happen if you were unable to care for your fuzzkid temporarily? All pet owners need back-up plans. Would it be easy or difficult to find responsible, reliable help for your ferret? Have you looked into availability of ferret sitters in your area? Do you have a friend who is willing to learn about ferret care? Do you have a back-up?

If you're grappling with any of the questions above, then chances are you are NOT ready to provide a good home to a ferret. Do some more thinking and researching. Ferrets run, play, jump, climb, dance, poop, eat, poop some more, get into trouble, sleep, grow, demand attention, get sick, poop even more and make nuisances of themselves on a regular basis. If you or any of your family members cannot accept this simple fact of animal companionship, then head back to the local garden center.

[Tressie]

SO YOU WANT TO ADOPT A FERRET?

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The Ferret Lovers Society of Atlantic Canada is a non-profit ferret rescue organization. We arrange adoptions for ferrets who have lost their homes. We have a number of local rescues available from time to time for adoption. We also work with our sister organizations The Ferret Rescue Society of Ottawa & Area (FRSO) and Massachusetts Ferret Friends (MaFF) to screen adoption applicants for suitability to provide forever homes for their rescue/shelter ferrets.

We highly recommend that you purchase Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling or Ferrets (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) by Vickie Mckimmey and download for free The Ferret Owners Manual by Dick Bossart (www.miamiferret.org/ferret_manual.pdf) as basic reference manuals. Ferrets for Dummies is relatively inexpensive and can be ordered through Amazon.ca or ordered through your local book store if not on the store’s shelf. There are a number of other excellent resource manuals available and we encourage you to research as much as possible about ferrets before making the decision to adopt one.

Ferrets are not for everyone. They live on average 6-8 years if perfectly healthy, however, realistically it is more like 5-6 years. They are playful, engaging, extremely intelligent and high maintenance animal companions requiring a minimum of 2 - 4 hours per day out of cage time with you. Veterinary costs run high and are a necessary component of having a ferret because ferrets are prone to a host of illnesses, especially as they age. If you cannot afford the necessary veterinary care, please consider getting another type of animal companion.

They have a pleasant natural musky scent. If you find their natural scent unpleasant (and some people do), do not get a ferret.

We arrange transports from FRSO and MaFF several times a year depending on availability of volunteers. You may have to wait a few weeks or several months to get your new fur family member. Before we approve your application there are several steps that you need to take.

Adoption Application

The first step in our adoption process is to fill out an adoption application. This gives us a profile of our applicant and whether you are an experienced ferret owner or new to ferrets. After your application is received it will be reviewed and you will be contacted by an adoption coordinator to arrange for a Pre-screen Interview.

Pre-screen Interview

The next step in our adoption process is for an adoption coordinator to have an informal chat with you. This step is usually conducted by telephone and takes from 5 - 15 minutes.
You will be asked a number of questions which will help us to get to know you better and to get an idea of how much you know about ferrets. It also allows us to assess your current lifestyle (i.e. children , other pets, etc.) and will help us to find an appropriate match for your family.

In-home Assessment

The third step is the in-home visit. Whenever possible an adoption coordinator will meet with you and your family in your home. This visit can be helpful for both the first time ferret owner and 'old hands' alike. We are adept at helping you to prepare your home for a new ferret!

During the in-home visit we are more than happy to answer any ferret-care questions you have and we will also assist you in identifying areas of your home which may require ferret-proofing.
Eligibility for adoption is determined with the best interests of the ferret in mind. Sometimes following a home visit we may decide that we have a wonderful potential family for one of our ferrets, however, there may need to be some changes made in the home before it is safe for a ferret. Experienced ferret owners understand the need for ferret proofing. People new to ferrets may not realize what needs to be done. We may ask you to make some changes before bringing your ferret home, for example, putting up a baby gate to the kitchen area.

Available ferrets

Once your application has been approved, one of our adoption coordinators will discuss which ferret(s) are currently available and might be a good match for your home. If you have expressed interest in a particular ferret that will be the one we consider first.

When arranging long-distance placements our adoption process is more stringent to make certain a good match is made between ferrent (you) and ferret/s. You may be offered a couple of different ferrets to choose from.

Once you have selected your new family member(s) we ask that you purchase basic things for your new family member in advance of your fuzzy being placed with you, i.e., suitable cage and accessories, high quality ferret food, etc. The transition from foster home to forever home will go better for the ferret if everything he/she needs is already in place the day of arrival.

Finalizing the adoption

An adoption coordinator will make the arrangements to finalize the adoption when you either pick up your new fur family member or when he/she is delivered to you. We will ask you to sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee at this time.

Adoption fees and policies vary between the organizations:

FLSAC: $100.00 per ferret, which includes veterinary health check and Distemper vaccination. There is some flexibility with fees if the person is willing to take a special needs ferret or a senior (4 or older).
www.flsatlanticcanada.org/availableforadoptionatflsac

FRSO: $100.00 for Atlantic Canada residents, which includes ADV test. FRSO do not as a policy vaccinate their ferrets. Fees may be less for ferrets over 4 years of age or those with special needs. FRSO require that any ferrets you have in home test negative for ADV. www.ferretrescue.ca/adopt.php

MaFF (USD): All animals (except where noted) are in good health, and come with all of their shots. Adoption fees are determined by each individual shelter operator, but generally adoption fees are $75 for singles, $125 for pairs of ferrets under 4 years of age. Ferrets over 4 years of age are $50 for a single ferret or $90 for a pair. This includes rabies and distemper vaccinations. All ferrets have been checked by a vet, and are in good health at the time of this writing except where specifically noted.
www.maferrets.org/shelter/foster.php

NOTE: We do not generally place ferrets into homes with young children, i.e., 5 years of age or younger. This is for the protection of the child as well as the ferret. A young child does not have the developmental cognitive ability to know what might be hurtful to a small animal. They also lack emotional control and consequently may drop, throw, squeeze or step on a ferret accidentally. A frightened ferret or one who feels threatened will bite and may cause serious injury to a young child.

Please note: there are generally more ferrets available for adoption than posted on the websites. The websites are run by volunteers and newly available ferrets may not get on the website for several weeks.

[erika]

wow, that is a lot of great information!!

Thanks!

[lufta]

I have adopted 2 ferrets at an older age and they have adjusted to new ferrets, cats and dogs.

I just thought I would let you know first hand. Good luck!

And can't wait to hear your decision.

Aletha