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Posted by fullottermoon on April 19, 2003 at 04:46:52:
In Reply to: Might get a Ferret...A few questions first though. posted by Sobera on April 17, 2003 at 08:36:36:
OK! But I doubt you're gonna like it! However, my advice is honest. I also suggest you scroll down a couple of messages to "Should I get a Fuzzy" frm Sharky- there are many questions already answered right there (it's posted right under your post). Ferrets are not novelty pets, which is obviously what you are looking for. Ferrets require much more time than mice. They are very intelligent animals that require training (often for many months) so that they are pleasant and don't bite. Biting is one of the big turn-offs for people and they don't want to or don't know how to deal with it. It takes alot of time, patience and understanding of ferret behavior. hey are NOT wild animals that can just be left in a cage for people to look at. They require daily care and interaction with their humans- as in several hrs. every day. They must have time out of their cage to run and play and get exercise- these are crucial to ferrets. Ferrets are very different than any pet that we are used to. Their behavior and habits are unfamiliar and are not close to cats, dogs and definitely not rodents. They are NOT rodents which many people believe. And ferrets are definitely NOT for everybody!
Plus ferrets are prone to some diseases that we are not used to seeing- the symptoms are not the usual. We just spent $1000.00 in the past 6 months on one of our ferrets- surgery by a specialist, follow up visits; ultrasound; medications; special foods and emergency care. And then she had to be put to sleep. That was in about 6 months time. Are you ready for all of these responsibilities and costs if they should happen? Are you so committed to a ferrets good quality of life that you will take several hours out of EVERY day to dedicate to this ferret? Will you make sure that wherever the ferret might be out to rn & play is ferret proofed? They can get into very small places and do whenever given the slightest opportunity. They are attracted to eating things that you would never suspect that can cause grave illness & death. Now, about the initaial expense.
Ferrets generally cost $100 - $150. A decent sized cage for a ferret is usually
$200 - $300. Then there's the food (need specialized food-not cat food)- the vitamins- the special corner litter box- different litter for the box (cat litter is NOT recomended as they can ingest it and cause a bowel obstruction)- hammock for sleeping- maybe a few toys. And these are the very basics to start a ferret off with-- total? approx $75.00. Are you prepared for this expense? Oops! forgot to mention the vet visits for shots & check ups as required by law. Get a cat- they don't require as much of your time. If you just want a "novelty" and not just a pet- buy a shrub and treat it well. Animals are not here to provide us with things to show off- they are a very significant and integral part of our learning process and growing as humans. They should be treated as no less! Most
sincerely, Nancy Lizotte