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So, you are thinking of purchasing a ferret to keep as a family pet. There are many things one should consider before taking this step. As with any pet, you should not buy or adopt just because of what some call the "cuteness factor". "Cuteness" will not ensure the needs of the animal are met. Ferrets need much attention as well as other things to survive and live a healthy, happy life.
Considerations before purchasing a ferret include the following:
*Are you prepared financially for the expenses of owning a ferret?
*Are you committed to taking care of this animal?
*Should you get a male or female?
*What color?
*Should you buy one or get a pair of ferrets?
*What age?
*Where should you purchase your ferret?
All of the above should be carefully considered before you make a decision.
Purchasing a ferret or any animal should not be a decision made on a whim. Yes, babies and even grown ferrets are adorable, but looks alone will not ensure a healthy, happy life for the animal. You will need to make a time commitment. Ferrets need attention and lots of it. They will bond with you. You will need the resources to provide food, shelter and water. The ferret also requires a litter box. This will need to be handled as well. Think about what you will do if you have to leave town for a few days or go on a lengthy vacation. Who will care for your pet? It is also known that ferrets are notorious for having an odor. You will have to make the decision to get the animal de-scented and also neutered or spayed. Consider children as well. Are they responsible enough to handle a pet ferret?
The commitment issue is by far the largest issue to consider when purchasing a ferret. However, there are many other things one must consider beforehand as well.
Male or Female? This is just a matter of personal preference. Male and Female ferrets behave about the same. However, when it comes to having them spayed or neutered, having a male neutered is much less costly. Also to be considered is if you do get a female, you must have her spayed unless you plan on breeding her at each heat cycle. Otherwise, she will develop a disease called aplastic anemia and die.
Choosing a color is a matter of preference as well. There are many different colors of ferrets being bred today. Some of the more common color include: sable, red-eyed white (albino), silver-mitt, sterling silver, white-footed sable, and butterscotch. If you are out for a rare color, there is the beautiful cinnamon colored ferret.
Ferrets are very social animals. So, the decision to get one or two ferrets must be considered. One ferret will entertain himself very nicely when given toys and playtime, however if they have nothing to do they tend to just sleep. They are active animals by nature and get about 14 hours of sleep per day. If you don't want to purchase two ferrets, the one you do get will likely get along with other pets. Having two ferrets is a good idea say if you work all day and have limited time to spend with your pet.
A healthy ferret will generally live for 8 to 11 years. Your discussion to purchase a kit or an adult is an important one. A kit can be a great source of pleasure to raise, however it requires much more time and patience. An adult will have the ability to adapt to a family much easier if it has been handled gently throughout his life. Another advantage with an adult is that you will already be able to see the size of the ferret and the color of his coat right from the beginning.
The best place to get your new ferret is at a local pet store or a local breeder of ferrets. In any case it is advisable that whomever you purchase your ferret from that they have the basic knowledge of the animal as you are likely to have many questions. Be on the lookout for bright clear eyes, long whiskers, and a soft, full coat. These are all signs of good health.
Remember, that like cats and dogs ferrets need a yearly visit to the veterinarian for distemper and rabies shots.
It is helpful to have all these questions answered before you make your decision to purchase a ferret. In the long run, it will make your life easier as well as the ferrets.
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