Do ferrets make good pets?

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Azraele

Elite Member
Nov 5, 2000
16,524
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how do ferrets fare as low-maintenance house pets?
They don't. They're high maintenance animals. Ideally, they need large cages (200$) and at least a couple hours playtime outside the cage daily. When they are outside the cage, you have to make sure that the area where they play is 100% ferret-proofed. These creatures WILL get into trouble when there's trouble to be found.

Ferrets are nippy unless trained otherwise, much like a puppy has to be trained not to bite when it is young.

They are smelly, although frequent bedding washes and changes (do not use anything like pine litter, it can cause respiratory problems, old towels and tee-shirts work well)) helps keep down the smell. You can also buy dry powder shampoo that makes them smell nice. Males smell more than the females, and unaltered ferrets can be quite rank.

Because of poor breeding, these guys are also prone to cancer. They live from 6-10 years on average.

As for shots, distemper is one to watch out for. Distemper is 100% (or nearly so) lethal in ferrets, however, some ferrets have had adverse allergic reactions to the vaccine. It's recommended you keep a close eye on the little one after that vaccine (or any for that matter) to make sure everything's ok.

Ferrets can be one of the most lovable, comical pets a person can own. They are illegal in some areas, so check local and state laws before purchasing one. You can also get them at shelters if you're looking to rescue one and give it a good, loving home.
 

xirtam

Diamond Member
Aug 25, 2001
4,693
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I could have a real live animal for half that!

Um... sorry to burst your bubble, but they sell live lobster at my grocery store for $8 a pound.

Ferrets make expensive pets and more expensive dinners.

Stick with the lobster.
 

Shelly21

Diamond Member
May 28, 2002
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Originally posted by: gplanet
you can take a ferret on a walk? can't do that with cats :) put a leash on a cat and try to walk it around and they'll just lie down and give you a clueless look

Not true, a friend of mine trained his Siamese cat to walk with a leash. Since she's an indoor cat, she loves to go out sometimes to eat grass. She would carry the leash in her mouth and wait at the door for a walk.

 

Gulzakar

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
3,074
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Actually, I'd like to see what a 9mm round would do to one :) I'm not joking.

I was late for my flight (and missed it) because a friends ferret decided to steal my keys and hide them behind the dresser.

Nothing more than exotic squirrels if you ask me...I don't care if they are a part of the weasel family.
 

Gunbuster

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,852
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A Hedge Hog is much lower maintenance exotic pet



One more thing, never ever ever buy a pet from a mall "pet store" some of the most low grade messed up pets you will ever see
 

Mani

Diamond Member
Aug 9, 2001
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Originally posted by: Gulzakar
Great for target practice with a little .22 :)


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