Are you ready to adopt?
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO ADOPTION: ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS AND ANSWER HONESTLY TO SEE IF A FERRET IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
1. HOME LIFE: You should first consider if it’s ok to have a ferret living with you. If you rent, is it ok to have pets? If you live with others, are they ok with a ferret(s) in the house? Does anyone in the house have allergies? Do you have other animals?
2. JOB/MOVING: The biggest reason we get surrendered ferrets is owners move and are unwilling to take them with you. Do you have any intentions of not taking your family pet with you?
3. TIME: Our second reason for getting surrendered ferrets is owners just don't have the time. Will you be able to let the ferret(s) have their own playtime? We recommend 1 hour twice a day. It is not fair to have them caged all the time. They need to run and play. You can get a lot of enjoyment watching them run around while you relax after work. Often times parents get a ferret for the kids. Do they lose interest quickly or will they be able to give them love and attention? They can let them run around the room while they do homework. Most ferrets live 9 years, some even longer. Are you willing to take this responsibility? If not, consider adopting an older ferret.
4. COST: Ferrets are considered an exotic pet. Will you be able to provide for them? They will need to go to the vets at least once a year. Often times they will need medicine or surgery which can be costly. Are you able to afford treatments? Costs can be $50-$500 or more for minor checkups and surgeries. They also require special "ferret food".
5. FERRET PROOFING: Please go to our ferret proofing section for tips.
6. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FERRETS HOME: You should have a cage large enough for an area to eat, sleep, and poop. They should also have enough room to roam around till you can let them out.
7. WHAT IS THAT SMELL?: Ferrets are in the mustelid family, that means they will have a musky smell. This can be offensive to some. Ferrets should only be bathed every 6 weeks to keep the oils in their skin. Owners have surrendered ferrets to the rescue due to the smell. Many times, the owner will also donate their bedding with the ferret. One good wiff of the bedding, and we can "smell" why they were returned, (no one cleaned the sheets). As long as you change the blankets, and hammocks, the smell will be very slight. We recommend changing linens at least once a week. Twice a week is ideal. When they have fresh bedding, they smell fresh too.
8. HEALTH AND CARE: Before you adopt any ferret, you should be familiar with their typical health conditions. (ie adrenal and insulinoma). Also know how and when to clip their nails, clean their ears, teeth and bath them. Check out videos on this site.
BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR FERRET HOME...
1. Make sure you watch the video on ferrets 101.
2. Review the information in this website to help educate yourself.
3. Make sure you have the home ferret proofed.
4. Make sure you have an appropriate size cage.
5. Make sure you have ferret food, don't just pick up a bag of cat food.
Type of cage we recommend
Bigger is better with cages.
Best size for 1-6 ferrets
This gives your ferret room to stretch his legs and get some exercise while they are in the cage. It also keeps the litter box and food on a separe level.
Not recommended for ferrets
Although the pet stores like to sell these, there is no room to move or walk. They also have the water and food bowls right near the litter.