What to look for when buying a ferret?

Answer 1

Buy them from a reputable dealer. Get them when they are very young. They should be slightly on the plump size (not fat). However, I have had ferrets for years and I have never had one I did not totally enjoy. They are great pets, they get along very well with cats (if you have one), they are extremely funny, and easy to keep. Watch out, they love to steal things and hide them.

Every ferret has is own distinct personality, Females tend to be more hyper than males. Females are smaller than males. When buying a ferret, consider your own lifestyle. Baby kits are full of energy, they will need a lot of training, along with time and patience. A young ferret will need a lot of attention for properly socialization. Do you have about 4 hours a day to dedicate to the care, training and playing with a ferret when it is out of the cage. Older ferrets that are adoptable will already be trained, socialized, has had vaccinations and tend to sleep more.

What to look for when buying or adopting a ferret, make sure it's fur is soft and shiny, it has clear eyes and nose, clean teeth, and a clean bottom. A ferret should be alert and curious about it's surroundings.

There's not specific one type of ferret that is better that another, but if you look for a breeder of ferrets that breeds with a knowledge of genetics (breeding ferrets in regards to good genetics for health and disposition), then that would be the best. The largest breeder in the U S is Marshall Farms, where ferrets are available at any large pet store, there are questions about their genetic breeding (inbreeding), and because these ferrets are prone to many illnesses.

For first time owners of ferrets: a young ferret from a pet shop requires a lot of time, patience, training, ferret-proofing, and knowledge on the behavoir of ferrets. These are not good pets for households with small children under the age of 8.

Make sure the ferrets eyes and nose are clean and clear, as well a the rear end. Observe the pet shop that the employees have knowledge of ferret ownership and the pen is kept clean and away from being handled from people without knowledge of ferrets. A pet store with poorly trained personnel on care of ferrets run the risk of selling them hurt from poor handling, hygiene, or not properly fed the right nutritional diet.

From ferret shelters or rescue - which there are usually many adoptable ferrets and are run by people very experienced and are very caring of ferrets. They will screen to make sure you are the right owner for a ferret. These ferrets are already trained and are made sure they are in optimal health from a veterinarian with all necessary vaccinations. They can tell you about the personality of the individual ferrets they have.

Make sure the ferret has bright, clear eyes. Also make sure they have a proper amount of hair on them. Make sure they do not have a white stripe on their head because these types of ferrets can have genetic problems.

Answer 2

Ferrets need a large cage that you can find at almost any pet store. They require lots of attention too. They need to be out of their cage for at least four hours a day. You should also have a bed or hammock, water or bottle, food, a food dish, toys, litter, a litter box, grooming supplies, and I highly suggest buying them treats. Young children should not have ferrets. Also make sure he or she always has food. Make sure to have everything you need before adopting or buying a ferret. They live an average seven years, and they are a huge commitment.

See related question below on how to care for ferrets