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THE ADVANTAGES OF ADOPTING OLDER FERRETS
Pamela E. Troutman
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All About Ferrets
Michael F. Janke, South Florida Ferret Help Line
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The American Ferret Association, Inc.
American Ferret Association, Inc.
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Ferret Central
Pamela Greene
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Ferret FAQ
Pamela Greene, Ferret Central
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The Ferret Owner’s Manual
Richard K. (Dick) Bossart
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Ferrets & Children
Judith A. Bell, DVM, Ph.D.,
PetEducation.com, Foster & Smith, Inc.
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Ferret Universe
Ferret Universe
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HSUS Statement on Ferrets as Pets
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
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South Florida Ferret Help Line
Michael F. Janke
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The UK Indoor Ferret-Owners’ Group
Helen Taylor, The UK Indoor Ferret-Owners’ Group
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FERRET DISEASES,
FERRET HEALTH PROBLEMS
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FERRET CARE,
CARE OF PET FERRET
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FERRET ADOPTION,
ADOPT A FERRET
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SO YOU THINK YOU WANT A FERRET?
What is a Ferret, Anyway?
Domestic Ferrets (mustela putorious furo) are members of the
“mustelidae” family of mammals. This group also includes
weasels, otters, mink and badgers. Domestic ferrets have been bred into
captivity and, as such, have never existed in the wild.
What ferrets are not, are rodents. Although this seems to be a common
assumption, a quick look at a ferret’s teeth versus the teeth of
any rodent shows the vast difference between the two. They are very
different species.
Ferrets are carnivores and must be fed a diet that is high in animal protein.
What is a Ferret Like?
One of the most commonly asked questions at information tables given by the
ferret shelter where I volunteer is, “Is a ferret more like a dog
or a cat?” Tough question. Is a parrot more like an eagle or a
pelican? While it is normal for us to try to define what we do not know
by comparing it to that which we do know, trying to describe a ferret in
this manner is akin to trying to describe the color purple. It has to be
experienced. With this being said, I absolutely do not recommend that you
rush out, uneducated in the ways of ferrets and acquire one to
“experience” it. While ferrets are not, technically, exotic
animals, they are absolutely specialty pets. A specific knowledge of
their needs and behaviors is necessary in order to ensure that you are
ready, able and willing to provide them with a healthy and safe environment
in which they can thrive and you can enjoy their unique characteristics.
Perhaps the best way to start an investigation into the ways and wiles of
ferrets is to begin with some reading. Go to the ferret specific links
recommended by this web site, go to the library or to the book section in
pet stores. Another good idea is to seek out, through your local humane
society or information web sites a local ferret shelter and then volunteer.
Often these organizations will allow you to foster surrendered ferrets in
your home while providing you with the support and information that you
need in order to do so. Many people purchase ferrets on impulse, only to
discover that they are unable to meet their rather specific needs. As a
result, shelters are seldom short on ferrets who need foster care and,
ultimately, permanent homes. The shelter where I volunteer has a hotline
phone number to provide assistance to those who wish to adopt, surrender,
receive answers to ferret questions or volunteer. It also staffs
information tables on weekends in local pet stores, giving the public an
opportunity to see ferrets and speak with ferret owners.
Please do your homework before you rush out and get a pet ferret. I cannot
stress this enough. Ferrets have very specific needs when it comes to diet,
housing, training, medical care and a safe and stimulating environment.
Unless you begin with a sound understanding of these needs and a reasonable
ability to provide them, I guarantee that you will encounter problems that
can be potentially life threatening to your ferret.
Yeah, yeah, but is a ferret more like a cat or a dog? Answer: no. A
ferret is like a ferret and ferrets are truly incomparable. Just a few of
the many adjectives that can be used to describe them are: good
tempered, adventurous, inquisitive, persistent, exasperating, energetic
and intelligent.
It is important to remember that when we apply the word intelligent to any
animal, even animals considered to be highly intelligent relative to humans
are still only as smart as an average two-year-old. So visualize a
two-year-old who is small enough to fit anywhere and determined to explore
anywhere it fits. Picture a two-year-old who may bite if provoked and has
the teeth to do it in style. This two-year-old has no regard at all for
either your authority or your possessions. It steals; it removes its
diaper and poops in the corner — repeatedly. It chases your toes,
teases your pets, and stashes its food, your food and anything else it can
get its paws on. With absolutely no provocation and for no apparent
reason, it bursts into fits of ridiculous joyful dancing. It thinks that
the toilet is a swimmin’ hole. Picture all of this and add to it the
ability to melt your heart with just one silly stare from its beady, bright
little eyes and you are just beginning to understand what a ferret can be.
So do you still think you want a ferret? Welcome to a select group of people
who are convinced that when it comes to pets, wild and crazy is the way to
go. Ferrets Rule!
Authored by
Cherie Demers, Alberta Ferret Society, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Original article published 29 May 2006, copyright Ten Spider
Enterprises & Cherie Demers.
Follow links to the right to learn more about ferrets as pets, proper pet
ferret care, ferret health problems including ferret health symptoms and
ferret diseases, and ferret adoption and rescue.
At the left margin, Related Links address topics of interest
pertaining to locating a pet, protecting the well-being and health of
your pet, and maximizing your pet’s quality of life. If you have an
interest in pet ownership that goes beyond pet ferrets, check out
Pet
Adoption & Rescue. If you already own a pet, whether a pet
ferret or another type of pet, you may be especially interested in
Pet
Care & Pet Health and, for ferret pet supplies,
Pet
Products & Supplies. View the
Exotic Pets SiteMap
for a complete list of exotic pets topics.
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