Are You Ready?

 Are you a first time ferret owner? Maybe it has just been a long time.  None the less, how do you know if you are ready. Fill out this  questionnaire to get an idea. 

• Why a Ferret? Ferrets are creative, mischievous and playful creatures that are sure to enchant you as well as frustrate you at times. Why this creature and not a guinea pig or a hamster?
• Ferrets are not like other small animals and can't spend all their time in a cage. This means feret proofing your home. Are you prepared to do this? This is above and beyond toddler proofing. Ferrets can get into small  spaces,  climb onto tall shelves if given the opportunity and will usually take anything not nailed down, including the cat. If they can get their head through, the body will follow
• What other pets do you own? While some dogs and cats can learn to get along fine with ferets, the ferrets have little respect for the other animals. They also have no fear of these creatures. Warning growls and hisses often mean nothing to these playful little scamps. Do you have a cat with a strong hunting instinct or a grumpy dog who hates having things in his face? A ferret may not be the best companion for your home.

• How old are you? If you are under 18, we require a parent or guardian to sign off on the adoption. Are you almost ready to graduate and go off to collage? If so who will look after the ferret when you leave home?
• Where do you live? While most apartments do accept ferrets as a caged pet, its still best to ask. Most private landlords can and will be picky about the little critters. Don't sneak them in either. Should one escape and you need the landlord's help, it could be tough to explain.
• Are you ready to commit for 5-8 years? That is about how long you will be signing on for. Ferrets on average can live from 5-8 years depending on health and age at adoption. If you are unsure about the time limit, if you will be moving, then let's rethink this, shall we?
•  Are you blessed with a "Green Thumb"? Ferrets find a plant a  particularly great challenge - along with your socks, shoes, TV remote  controls, cell phones, etc. 

Not all vets are created equal when it comes to ferret care. You may have a wonderful rapport with your current vet when it comes to your dog, but they may be lost when it comes to ferret care. Here are some things to think about.

•  Who is your veterinarian? Are they experienced with ferrets? if not are you willing to switch to one who is, or at least have two vets? One for your ferret specifically and one for everyone else? 
•  Are you aware of the cost of health maintenance and possible surgery which may be required? 
•  Ferrets require an annual check-up with shots and many require surgery  later in life at a cost of $300 -$350. Can you afford this? 

• Ferrets are like potatoe chips, you can never have just one.
• As silly as that sound, it is kind of true. When you have a single ferret you are that ferrets sole means of entertainment. They require a lot more work. When you have a pair or more, they tend to entertain each other, not to mention the antics are a lot more fun.
• Ferrets can get VERY attached to their cage-mates. So much so, that when one dies, they can get depressed. Often this leads to a rush to find a new friend for the remaining ferret, and the cycle begins a new. Once you sign on to ferrets, you may be signing on for a very long time.

Ask anyone who has ever owned a ferret. They are not just a pet, they are a companion and a lifestyle. You have to make changes to your home, your routines and your in it for the long haul. Ferrets are wonderful companions and worth every moment you invest into them. If you are still interested come see us.