I want to get a ferret (animal), please advise.

[Azraele]

Ferrets are high maintenance pets. Do not get one unless you can spend a lot of time with one. Ferrets do best in pairs, as they are social animals. The poop a LOT, but generally it's smaller and less stinky than say dog or cat. Ferrets themselves can smell, but they make dry shampoos that can help. Washing and changing bedding regularly helps too. Do NOT use pine or cedar bedding. It can cause respiratory problems.

Ferrets need a good amount of space, so large cages are best. The need somewhere on the order of a few hours playtime out of the cage a day, in a ferret proof environment (these animals can get into quite a bit of trouble), and it's always best that playtime be interactive and supervised.

As far as vets and shots, ferrets have been known to have near deadly allergic reactions to distemper vaccinations. Due to poor breeding they also have a high instance of cancers.

if you have the time needed to care for them, it's quite a rewarding experience.

 

[Thegonagle]

They need a lot of attention. Like birds and dogs, they get a bit neurotic if they?re always lonely.

Consider a cat. Or Fish. Or both. Your cat will enjoy the fish.

 

[dugweb]

wait, didn't i hear once that ferrets are illegal pets to have??

 

[BooneRebel]

Originally posted by: LongCoolMother
my brother has a prairie dog, 2 alligators (monitors), 3 parrots, 2 cats, a python, and some fishes.

let me tell you, the prairie dog is the noisiest and most reckless. he broke out of his cage 3 times, and while he was out, he chewed up all these wires. how did he get out? he kept on dumping at the top screen of the cage until it ripped open. note that this was a metal screen too. these guys are crazy!

its pretty cool i wouldnt suspect ferrets to be much different.

Thatsa powerful dump!

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: JudistPriest
wait, didn't i hear once that ferrets are illegal pets to have??

if you did you heard wrong.

well it might be illegal where you live. some places have strange pet laws.



Anyway to the orginal poster do not get a ferret unless you have a lot of time, energy and patiance!
if its for your parents let them get the pet they want. if you want a ferret wait until you move out.
my grandfather had ferrets for years. One of them did not like people (besides my grandpa) and would attack. they can be mean.


if you want something easy to take care of get a ball python. i have 2 myself and they are great. when me and the wife move into a larger place i want to get a jungle carpet and some other pythons (no burmese or larger). though i have a redtail boa that is pretty large.

just stay away from cats. they suck.

 

[Azraele]

Originally posted by: JudistPriest
wait, didn't i hear once that ferrets are illegal pets to have??

They are in some area. They're illegal in CA, parts of TX, etc.