The Complete Ferret Book Chapter 2

DECIDING TO BUY A FERRET

Purchasing a ferret should not be a spur of the moment decision. Your first consideration should be the expense of

adding a new pet to your home. There is the first visit to the Vet , your pet should be examined by a Vet BEFORE

you take them home. It is always best to be sure a pet is disease free before introducing them to a new

environment. (Or your other pets) There are also start up costs , cage , food , and bedding for example. Please see

chapter 3 'First Things First' for a complete list of supplies you will need to purchase for your ferret.

You should also take into consideration the time involved, although relatively simple to care for, ferrets are very

social creatures and need a certain amount of interaction daily. Ours have several hours in the morning and an

hour in the evening play time and lots of love throughout the day. If you work and are away from the home for large

amounts of time you might want to consider a companion ferret for your pet. Two ferrets can keep each other

company when you are occupied and don't worry, your pet will still love you when you get home.

If you have children they must be a large part of the choice. Ferrets can be very lovable pets, but they don't like to

sit still and snuggle, and a ferret will bite if they are hurt or feel cornered . Small children and ferrets rarely mix,

and older children should be supervised. When they grow up together, and children are taught to handle the ferret

properly, they can be great friends.

Your next thoughts should be on how you are going to house you ferret. A cage is vital. The cage must have room

for food and water, the litter box , a sleeping area and a good place to play, a cage should be at least twice the

height that your ferret is when standing. If you purchase a baby ferret remember he could grow to be up to four

pounds. You may want to consider giving your ferret a small room of their own, as this makes the necessary task of

ferret proofing much simpler. If you don't have a separate room for your pet it is best to use a room with a

minimum amount of furniture, all power cords, ornaments and plants must be out of reach, and you must make sure

there is no way for your ferret to escape the room, if he can get his head through, the rest WILL follow.

If you have decided to purchase a ferret, congratulations !!! And welcome to a wonderful world of fun and discovery

with your new pet.

The Complete Ferret Book chapter 3

An Introduction to Ferrets