7 Choices to Consider When Buying a Ferret

There are a number of choices to consider whenferret. If your time is going to be limited, getting a
buying a pet ferret. They can be grouped into twosecond ferret as a companion to the first may be a
major categories: the ferret and the provider.good idea. The pair of them will play together when
The Ferret:you are not there. This can lead to some fun times
1- Male or Female?with them playing with each other and you when
Are you going to choose a male or female ferret?they spend time outside of their cage.
What are the advantages and disadvantages ofThe Provider:
each?5- Pet Store?
The male ferret will be larger than the female. MalePet stores are the leading source of domesticated
ferrets tend to grow to about 16 inches in length andferrets in the United States. You will typically have a
weigh in at close to 3 pounds. The female may reachchoice among several pet stores. Find a store with
12 inches in length and weigh about 1-1/2 pounds.employees that are knowledgeable about ferrets and
Although it is a good idea to have your ferret spayedcan help you with your choice. Kits purchased from a
neutered regardless of gender, it is a health necessitypet store will probably be neutered and de-scented.
for you to have your female fixed unless you areMake sure to verity this with the pet store. Also,
planning to aggressively breed her. The easiest wayknow what vaccinations have been given. Figure a
to handle the neutering issue is to buy your ferretbaby ferret will sell in the $100 range.
already fixed. Make sure this matter is handled with6- Breeder?
the breeder, shelter or pet store.Finding a local ferret breeder may be difficult as there
Whether your new ferret is a male or female, he/sheare not many. Check with your local shelter or
will require the same amount of love and care. Theveterinarian for a referral. Ferrets raised by breeders
gender choice becomes simply a preference.have more human contact than pet store ferrets -
2- Baby or Adult?who get their stock from commercial ferret farms.
A baby ferret requires more care than an adult. IfOn the downside, breeder ferrets are not neutered.
you bring your baby ferret home before he is 14Your ferret will likely be larger if from a breeder due
weeks old, you will have to bring him to theto the delay in neutering. This necessary surgery will
veterinarian for his canine distemper vaccinations untilbe up to you to schedule with your veterinarian.
the series is complete. The advantage of an adultBreeders tend to concentrate on particular colors so
ferret is that he may already be trained to use theyour new friend is likely to cost you more money
litter box. The pros and cons of age seem aboutthan the pet store variety.
equal.7- Shelter?
3- Color?Too many ferrets end up in shelters. Many well
The color of your new pet is totally a matter ofintentioned people jump into ferret ownership
taste. There are various colorings available: black,ill-prepared for the responsibility.
black sable, champagne, chocolate, cinnamon,Adopting a ferret from a shelter is a good option.
dark-eyed white and sable.First, you are rescuing a life that never intended to
4- One or More?be sheltered. Secondly, those who work at the
The choice of purchasing one or more ferrets is,shelter can give you practical guidance about the care
thankfully, not a once for all decision. If you purchaseof ferrets. Third, it is most likely the most
one now and a second one later, the establishedinexpensive route to go.
ferret will likely accept the new one without aHaving considered all these options you are now in a
problem. Part of your consideration is the amount ofgood position to make an intelligent choice in buying a
time you are able and willing to invest in your newnew ferret.