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So You think You Want A Ferret.

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 4 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #662 in DIY, #13359 overall

Donates to Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter

Rated G. (Control what you see)

 

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...... 

One thing to consider when deciding on a ferret is cost. Not just the one time cost of getting the ferret, but also the ongoing costs of food and medical care. Many people advocate starting a savings account where you deposit a set amount each week so you are prepared for any emergency that may arise.

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 

Some of the cost in owning a ferret are one time costs, but many of the costs are ongoing. Adding a pet is a huge responsibility, are you ready for the costs 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? 

Check out some of these links.....
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.

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eBay

Ferrety Opinions 

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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 

These are some of the items that my ferrets and I like...
"TheFerretStore.com Ferret Nation 2 Story Complete Ferret Home"

"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"

"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"

"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"

"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)

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"

"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"

"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 

Ferrets are often given up because the person is not prepared for the amount of care, time and money needed. If you are looking to add a ferret to your life, PLEASE consider adopting from a shelter. Mnay ferret shelters are full to overflowing because of the number of ferrets surrendered.

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 

AmyB

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

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dazsgeo

About dazsgeo

Thanks for stopping by my lens!  Being a big animal lover, I share my home with dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits.  Training is something I love to do with my crew, It really helps establish a bond.  My lenses show some of the different activities my furry crew and I participate in!

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