Thoughts on ferrets

[lgooden]

Hello - I am visiting from the pharmacy forum. I was wondering what you guys think of ferrets. I have wanted to get 2 for about 3 years now, but I haven't felt that I had enough time to devote to them. I don't think it will be any more feasible in pharmacy school. I was just wondering if any of you have experience with ferrets. How much time/attention do they need and what is the time commitment versus that for a reasonably sane dog/puppy? I hope to have at least 1-2 dogs and 2 ferrets when I "grow up". All of my friends say that I'm crazy, but I love animals, I grew p always having a dog, and I am very intrigued by ferrets. Any comments/feedback is greatly appreciated! 🙂

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[jm5furrits]

Ferrets are really great pets, but be sure you know what you are getting into. I have five ferrets ranging in age from 5 years to 8 months. I would DEFINITELY recommend more than one. They do best with others as they are VERY social and intelligent. It is also better because they at least have each other to play with. If you are worried about having time for them, I would also really consider looking into getting older ferrets, possibly from a shelter (there are tons of shelters that need help....they often have bonded pairs and can tell you about them personally). Kits require more time for teaching them to use the litterbox, not to chew on things such as cords, and basic handling so that they do not become biters. It should not go unsaid though that they are a big investment monetarily (esp. in terms of illnesses and vaccines).....I have two with adrenal disease. All five of my ferrets will be going to vet school with me. My best advice to you is that ferrets can fit into a busy schedule as long as you do the proper research, get a HUGE cage and tons of enrichment items/bedding for the cage, and make sure that you let them out to play whenever possible (studying, making dinner, etc). Sorry this is long....just wanted to get it all out for you.

 

[NMH2001]

I love ferrets...can you tell? 😉

I am starting my 3rd year of med school, and I have 4 ferrets. I would say they are "medium" on the level of maintenance needed. They are a unique pet in that there are a few things to know-
They are very intelligent animals, and like the above poster said they need a LOT of enrichment. Lots of time out of the cage (min 4 hrs per day, preferably whenever you are home), and toys to play with. Ferrets can be litter box trained with about an 80% accuracy rate-they're not 100% by all means! Definately get more than one b/c they will play and entertain each other. Have $$ set aside for vet bills like an annual checkup and distemper shot, and of course emergency cash in case of an illness or injury. An lastly...check into ferret rescue groups in your area and consider giving a weasel a second chance. www.petfinder.com is an excellent source not only for ferrets but for other animal listings as well. I have 2 from a pet store and 2 adopted "kids". They are all absolutely wonderful! 😍

 

[indiegirl]

Hi where are you going to vet school?

Ferrets are really great pets, but be sure you know what you are getting into. I have five ferrets ranging in age from 5 years to 8 months. I would DEFINITELY recommend more than one. They do best with others as they are VERY social and intelligent. It is also better because they at least have each other to play with. If you are worried about having time for them, I would also really consider looking into getting older ferrets, possibly from a shelter (there are tons of shelters that need help....they often have bonded pairs and can tell you about them personally). Kits require more time for teaching them to use the litterbox, not to chew on things such as cords, and basic handling so that they do not become biters. It should not go unsaid though that they are a big investment monetarily (esp. in terms of illnesses and vaccines).....I have two with adrenal disease. All five of my ferrets will be going to vet school with me. My best advice to you is that ferrets can fit into a busy schedule as long as you do the proper research, get a HUGE cage and tons of enrichment items/bedding for the cage, and make sure that you let them out to play whenever possible (studying, making dinner, etc). Sorry this is long....just wanted to get it all out for you.

 

[tkim]

they are also rabies-resistant. that's a great selling point.

 

[bern]

they are also rabies-resistant. that's a great selling point.

Are they rabies-resistant? From what I've read, it would seem that ferrets are only as likely or unlikely to contract rabies as dogs or cats in the same situation (which is why ferrets are given rabies vaccinations). Just because there have been few/no reported cases of rabies in close relatives of ferrets doesn't necessarily mean that ferrets are resistant to rabies, especially as there have been documented cases of rabies in ferrets. A reason why they might be unlikely to contract rabies is simply that they are unlikely to be exposed to it, being kept inside, but that's different.

Not that ferrets aren't great pets - my point is that it's not very useful to think of ferrets as being naturally resistant to rabies or to view it as a selling point. Better to consider them susceptible and vaccinate them just as you would an indoor cat. In the event that the animal bit someone, it could mean the difference between quarantine and euthanasia.

 

[jm5furrits]

Hi where are you going to vet school?

I am going to Mississippi State for vet school. 🙂 The ferrets will be going on quite a long car ride (I am from PA).