F.A.Q.

About Ferrets

Are Males better than Females? It is just a matter of personal opinion. Males are larger and easier to find. However, girls are more cuddly, find interesting hiding places and loved to be held. Males just seem to want to play all the time. In the end, it doesn't seem to matter one way or the other really.
Can I have just one? Sure, but more are always better. One will depend on you for entertainment. A pair will keep you entertained. Two do not raise the cost or work by much at all.
Can Kids get along with ferrets? Yes but we really do not recommend placing a ferret in a home with a child under 5 years of age. Frequently the ferret can be treated like a toy and can be dropped or injured. A ferret that has been mistreated or injured will turn on its handler and bite. Be careful!
Can cats and dogs get along with ferrets? Generally yes, but ferrets must be carefully introduced to other pets. Some pets are afraid of ferrets and stay clear. If the ferret is aggressive, the dog or cat may turn on the ferret and someone will get hurt. BE CAREFUL!
What do you feed ferrets? There are many foods available and made for ferrets such as Marshall ferret food, Zupreem, and 8 in 1. The food we us most at the shelter is actually Purina one healthy kitten. It has 40% protien and the ferrets have enjoyed a long healthy life with this diet. We have avoided raw meat as their are problems that can arise with a raw diet including ecoli and samonila. It is important to keep their food and water fresh.
Do ferrets stink? Domestic ferrets have glands throughout their bodies and a main scent gland under their tail. When frightened, they discharge a strong smelling secretion to warn of the attackers. This action is known as 'poofing' and the odor dissipates quickly. Ferrets are usually descanted and spayed or neutered at a young age, before they are fully weaned and sold to pet shops.
Do they bite? Ferrets are a carnivorous animal, this means they eat meat. As such, ferrets have sharp teeth, and under the right circumstances, anything with teeth bite. A poorly socialized or abused ferret will be more likely to bite than a well socialized and happy ferret.
Can I breed them? No, all shelter ferrets are spayed or nurtured by a vet before being placed up for adoption. Most ferrets from pet stores are also sexually altered before sale.

About the shelter

Where are you located?
Can I volunteer? Yes, but please understand volunteering is not just playing with ferrets. You will get dirty and if you are under 18 you need permission from a parent or gaurdian.
Can I bring my ferret to help choose a new one? Yes, it is actually important that a new pet be introduced to an existing before you take them home.
Do you take donations? Of course. Any way, shape or form, excluding other animals.
Do you know a good vet? I know many good vets. I do not know many good ferret vets. I am sure there are many good ferret vets in the area I have never heard of. Your best bet is to call a local vet office and ask if they treat ferrets and ask if they can treat adrenal disease. If they don't know what you are talking about keep trying. Adrenal disease is a common cancer among ferrets.

About the website

How accurate is this information? All of the information on this website is provided by The owner's 40 years of experience and by Dr, Sue Whitman.
What are these shows you mention? They are a variety of events we attend with the ferrets for the purpose of educating people about the shelter and ferrets in general.
Why don't you have ferrets up for adoption on your website? We have a high turnover at the shelter. Often as soon as the ferrets come in and go to the vet they are placed. The only ferrets that stay for the long term are seniors and disabled ferrets. To list them would give the appearance that that is all we have. If you want to see who is available, it is best to just come visit.
Who do I contact regarding the website? Sara Patterson at Ellis1342@gmail.com

Contacting us

What is your e-mail? Masonferret@gmail.com
What is your phone number? 765-349-0265
Don't you have a cell phone? We do, but we choose not to give that number out to the general public.
When I call, I only ever get voice mail. Why is that? The shelter is run by a single woman most of the time. Some times she simply isn't home or is out in the shelter. She is usually very prompt calling back, so leaving a message is just fine. Speak clearly and leave your number. She will get back to you.
There are a lot of volunteers, can't I just call them? They live closer to me. Sure, if you like. They may or may not be home. We only have one shelter though and no one knows more about ferrets than mason. Any of the volunteers will do their best. In the end they still may tell you to call the main shelter.
What's better, phone or e-mail? Dealer's choice on this one? It really doesn't matter. Mason tries to be prompt about both. She is a little quicker with the phone, but she is a busy woman. My suggestion is if you can't find the information on the website and it isn't information you need right that moment, shoot her an e-mail and be patient.

Surrender and Adoption

How do you adopt a ferret? You come to the shelter, fall in love, sign some papers and take the new love of your life home. Pretty straight forward, though it does take a little longer than that. If there is more than one volunteer there you may get bombarded with help, but that is just because we are so happy to help you find a new friend!
How much does it cost? We are a non profit organization, so we ask for a donation of $90 for each ferret and $150 for a pair. There are exceptions. This covers their vet expenses and helps pay for their upkeep while in the shelter.
I don't really have any supplies. Where can I get some? The shelter has been given more cages and supplies than we could ever use. We will happily sell you these items at a low cost with proceeds going back to the shelter. We also have bedding and toys made for the shelter by volunteers. You can also order supplies online from websites like Chewy.com and Ferret.com. Large pet store retailers also have most of the basic supplies you will need. Ferret club and other crafty sources can sometimes have custom bedding and toys too.
I can't keep my ferret anymore, what goes into surrendering? You bring your ferret in, sign some paperwork and that is pretty much it. Make sure you are certain about this. Once you surrender, getting your ferret back may not be a possibility. If you don't plan on keeping supplies, the shelter will accept anything you want to donate.
What will happen to him? He is old and kinda sick. I just can't pay for the vet bill. We see this more than we would like too. We are a no kill shelter and will do whatever we can to help the ferret through whatever ails them. Mason and most of the volunteers have spent many hours snuggled with a sick ferret hand feeding them, so never fear.
I'm in a better place now, can I get my ferret back? This is played on a case by case basis and up to Mason's discretion. Once the ferret is surrendered it becomes the property of the shelter. It would all come down to why you surrendered in the first place, the condition the ferret was in, if you had any interest in the ferret while he was in custody of the shelter. There are a lot of factors and that is assuming the ferret wasn't adopted out. If you are in a bad place and cannot care for you ferret, the shelter does offer boarding options as long as we have the space.
I can't drive, So How can I get the ferret to you? Call us. We will find a way to get to you and get the ferret. Please if you find yourself in a situation where you can not get to the shelter let us know. We will find a way to you. NEVER TURN YOUR FERRET LOOSE. THAT IS NOT AN OPTION. there anticipated lifespan is 3-4 days should you do

HELP!

Why is my ferret going bald!? If the ferret is just loosing hair on the tail and has black dots on the skin, he may just have clogged pores. cleaning the skin well should help. This is called rat tail. If the ferret is loosing fur everywhere else this could be signs of Adrenal Disease, a form of cancer and you should get your ferret to the vet as soon as possible.
Why won't my ferret move. It's breathing but he looks dead? Calm down. He is just asleep. Your ferret is very very fast asleep. Its actually called a dead sleep and can be kind of scary for owners. The ferret could be shaken, poked and prodded (I don't recommend doing any of this) and never flinch. He will wake up on his own. Carry him around and talk to him. Be gently. Sudden shakes and movements could lead to bites or poops.
My ferrets are fighting and dragging each other around. They are even screaming in pain. I think they hate each other! Don't panic too much just yet. Believe it or not, this is more than likely just them trying to decide who is boss and whose games they are gonna play. If it turns into a real fight one will be absolutely relentless on the other and it wont be squeaking as much as screaming. It is pretty easy to tell the difference. Also remember ferret skin is really tough. There teeth don't hurt each other as much as they do us. Just break it up and scold the agressor and spray the other ferrets neck with something foul taisting like 'Bitter Apple' or 'Phooey'.
I can't find my ferret! I looked everywhere, how can I find him? Lost ferets are never a fun thing. First thing to check for are holes in the walls , access panels, vents and anything that could give your little friend a way out. Also remember if their head can go through, so can the rest of them. Next get a squeaky to with a loud squeaker and be very quiet when you squeak. Not all ferrets will come to one, but most will usually at least move or scratch around. Keep in mind that just because you checked a spot already, doesn't mean they aren't there. Check up as well. I found my ferret in the top of my closet once. Ferrets have a 3 hour digestive system. Leave food and water available and be patient. If you do determine they made it into the floor or a wall, come to terms quickly you will be putting a hole in it. no getting around it. If you suspect your ferret may be outside, set a live trap baited with its favorite food and check it every 3-4 hours. Set the trap near the door or exit the ferret may have escaped through. In winter put blankets in the trap. You can get the traps at most farm stores. Call your neighbors, call the sheriffs offices, call animal control/humane society. At that point put flyers up for anyone who may have seen him. Watch out your window for any odd movements.
My ferret won't eat, now what? Try watering down the food to a much. If he still won't eat, call your vet.