7 Important Considerations Before Buying A Ferret

It was just the other day that I fell in love with my friend’s pet ferret; these wonderful pets are playful, active, curious and loving. Ferrets are very popular pets in US; wanting to adopt a ferret means taking various points into consideration, with the first 7 considerations being very important.

7 important considerations before adopting a ferret:

 
1) Adopting a healthy pet ferret means paying attention to its behavior and general appearance. A healthy ferret has bright eyes, erect ears and has no discharge from its ears, nose, mouth, eyes, anus, or sexual openings, and its ears, mouth, and pads should be pink and clean. Also it should be alert, curious and playful.

2) It is best to understand that ferrets are interesting and intelligent companions; they are excellent pets that bond easily with animals and humans that spend time with them. Be prepared to take a life-long commitment once you adopt them. If you cannot spend much time with them, then make sure you adopt at least 2 ferrets to give each other company. Since ferrets are inquisitive and active they have a tendency to get into trouble. 

3) Some city, country, state or military regulations dictate whether you can adopt, breed or sell ferrets; find out these regulations of the area from your local Wildlife or Fish and Game department, with the Humane Society, or with your local veterinarian. Most pet ferrets are banned except male ferrets that are neutered in California, while it is illegal to own a ferret in a household where there is a small child in Carson City, Nevada. Ferrets cannot be owned in Hawaii and Puerto Rico due to concerns about the potential spread of rabies and it is restricted in New York City and Washington, DC. States like Rhode Island allow adoption of ferrets with a permit. Most states require rabies vaccinations for ferrets that are legally adopted. 

4) Ferrets available for sale with breeders and pet shops in USA are generally sprayed or neutered; it is very important if you do not plan to breed them for their healthy and happy life. Male ferrets that are not neutered could turn more aggressive and fight with other animals at home, while female ferrets would eventually die if not bred.

5) Ferrets are available at a price ranging from $65 to more than $250; there are additional costs of vaccinations, veterinary examinations, and basic supplies that would cost another $150 to $350. There could be costs of neutering the pet if it is young; you would also have to make additional provision for renewals of vaccinations, routine veterinary care, and applicable licenses, in addition to allotment for food, buying litter, deodorizing cleaners, over-the-counter medicines including hairball remedies, and vitamin supplements, shampoos, collars and leads.

6) You need to teach your pet ferret not to nip and bite; though domestically bred ferrets are not vicious or aggressive it is in the nature of ferrets to enjoy games that simulate hunting, tug-of-war, chasing, or mock combat. You need to teach a young ferret what hurts and establish boundaries without hurting the ferret to fear or mistrust you. Some ferrets bite as a response to fear, pain or certain sounds; eliminating the source of irritation would help stop its biting habit.

7) Lastly ferrets love toys to play with and they should be provided a variety of toys to make them less inclined to mischief. They chew vigorously and it is best to provide them hard and durable toys and avoid foam or rubber or small parts can get lodged in their windpipes or cause intestinal blockage. Some of ferret’s favorites are ferret tunnels, hammocks, and swings that provide them with hours of amusement.