They are cute, they make you laugh, they have 2 speeds- over drive and stop and they can dance much better than most people you know, but is a ferret really the pet for you?
Every year people decide to add a ferret to their household only to realize, they don't fit into their lives for what ever reason. Ferret shelters are overwhelmed trying to keep up with the surrenders. This year, many had stopped accepting new surrenders because they couldn't take anymore, other shelters had to close their doors for good.
With just a little reasearch, you can decide if you are ready to add a ferret to your life .
Decisions, decisions......
Another thing to consider is time. Ferrets are not animals that do will being in a cage 24 hours/7 days a week. They should be allowed out for at least 4 hours a day and a good part of that time should be interacting with you!
Ferrets can also be a heartbreak pet. Unfortunately, they are prone to several different disorders, such as adrenal disease and insulinoma. Not only is there the cost associated with these disorders (surgery, ongoing medication), but it means you have to be available to give medication at the appropriate time or to make someone is aware of the issues is available to care for your ferret, if you must go out of town. Sadly, these disorders can shorten your ferret's life. Are you ready to handle the emotional cost?
The addition of any pet to your life should not be taken lightly. Research and read, contact shelters to ask questions or volunteer, join forums and email lists to learn from others, the more information you have the better.
Price of Owning a Ferret
Prices will vary depending on the area you live in, product brand and source.
- The Ferret- from a pet store- $120-$175
from a breeder- $200-$400
from a shelter- $50-$100 - The Cage- minimum for 1 ferret 2' by 18" by 2'; the bigger the better- $90-$250
- Cage accessories-
food bowl- $3-$7
water bottle- $3-$8
litter pan(s)- $3-$10
hammocks and other bedding- $5-$20 each
Sleeping den- $5-$10 - Toys-
Clear tube- $10-$20
jingle balls- $0.50 - $3.00
Play Mat- $15.00-$30.00 - Food and supplements-
Ferret Diet- $7-$15 for a 3-5lb bag
Supplements-
Oil supplement-$3-$8
High calorie supplement- $3-$7
Hairball remedy- $2-$5 - Medical costs- yearly vaccines- $30-$60
possible surgery- $500-$1000
daily or monthly medication- $20-$40 - Not including the cost of the ferret, surgery or medication, the initial cost of a ferret is 179.50 to 393.00 with just one of each item above.
Looking for more information on ferrets?
- American Ferret Association
- offers information, vet listings, shelter listings
- Ferret Central
- has information and links to other sites
- Ferret Facts
- has articles, links, shelter listings and a forum
- Everything Ferret
- has articles, links, shelter listings and a forum
- Ferret Universe
- has articles, links and a forum
While you're waiting, check this out...
This seller offers great bedding and the sale of the bedding goes to support her ferret shelter.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byFerrety Opinions
Books and magazines to get you started
Ferrets for Dummies
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
Training Your Pet Ferret (Training Your Pet Series)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Ferret: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/25/2008)
New The SuperStore
"TheFerretStore.com Ferret Nation 2 Story Complete Ferret Home"
Price: $229.99
"Designed by ferret experts the Ferret Nation is the most thought out, well designed cage available on the market today. The features of the Ferret Na... more »
"Marshall Ferret Hanging Ferret Nap Sack"
Price: $17.60
"The Hanging Ferret Nap Sack from Marshalls is used both as a hammock and as a cozy napping sack. The fleece lined inner sack is ideal for a ferrets n... more »
"30lb Totally Ferret for Active Ferrets"
Price: $79.99
"Totally Ferret? for Active Show and Pet Ferrets? provides balanced and complete nutrition for your growing ferrets as well as for active adults, preg... more »
"Marshall Ferret High Back Litter Pan"
Price: $12.53
"The Marshall Ferret High-Back Litter Pan is ergonomically designed for the unique habits of ferrets and integrates the best features of regular and c... more »
N-Bone Ferret Chew Treats (1.87 oz; Chicken)
Price: $2.99
Ferret chew treats from N-Bone are an all-natural, edible, and digestible chew treat for ferrets of all ages. Formulated to be long-lasting, the Ferre... more »
"4oz TheFerretStore.com Superior Choice One Ingredient Chicken Ferret Treat"
Price: $8.97
"Superior Choice One Ingredient Ferret Treats are the healthiest treats you can feed your ferret. Why? Because they contain only one ingredient - eith... more »
"TheFerretStore.com Giant Tunnel Sack"
Price: $20.42
"There is no bigger or better sleep/play sack than our Giant Tunnel Sack. Your ferrets will love crawling into this 22'' x 22'' fur lined sack which d... more »
New The Link List
Below are some links to shelter listings.
- Ferret Facts
- listing for both US and International shelters
- Support Our Shelters
- listing of both US and International shelters. This organization also works to raise money to help shelters who are in dire circumstances. This site is defintely worth looking over to see how you can help.
- American Ferret Association
- listing for both US and International shelters as well as veterinarians who treat ferrets.
- Everything Ferret
- listing for both US and International shelters
New Guestbook
Great lens! As a new ferret parent, I'm always checking in the "Ferrets for Dummies" book -- it's very informative. And the Ferret Nation two story cage is the best -- the easiest to clean by far.
Posted August 10, 2007
(by 4 people)









