Should I Get A Ferret?
When you are considering adding a new animal into your family, it is crucial that you consider all aspects of pet ownership, and ferrets are no different. Ferrets make fantastic pets for quite a few different reasons, but this article will discuss a couple of different things you should consider before bringing a ferret into your home.
How Much Do Ferrets Cost?
Ferrets are not cheap to bring home, as they can run between $125 and $200 to purchase from the pet store and $75 to $150 to adopt from a local shelter or rescue. Furthermore, it is not a bad idea to adopt or purchase two ferrets at a time so they can keep each other company while you are away.
A quality cage for your ferrets will cost between $100 and $200, with additional costs for food and water dishes, hammocks and beds, food, litter and litter boxes, adn toys. High quality food is important for ferrets, as they require high amounts of fat and protein.
Time It Takes To Care For A Ferret
Ferrets tend to sleep quite a bit throughout the day, but that doesn’t mean that they can spend all of their time in their cage. Ferrets should be allowed at least 4 hours per day outside of their cage, and at least two of those hours should include close human interactions.
How Long Can Ferrets Live?
Ferrets, with proper veterinary care, can be expected to live between 6 and 10 years. Proper veterinary care includes year checkups and booster shots for rabies and distemper, as well as preventative care and early screening for various diseases that ferrets are susceptible to.
What Do I Need To Do Before I Bring A Ferret Home?
Before you bring a ferret into your home, you should make sure that you have you ferret proof your home. It is important that you get on the ground and look at your home the way your ferret will see it. Any cords that they might be able to chew on should be covered or moved. Any cabinets or furniture that they may be able to get under that would be dangerous should be moved or filled in to prevent that. It’s a good idea to put baby locks on any cupboards that are lightweight or do not latch fully, as a determined ferret will be able to get in.
Conclusion
Ferrets are great pets, and with proper planning and understanding of what ferret ownership entails, you can expect years of companionship from these silly creatures. Check out our other articles to see how else to further prepare yourself for for ferret ownership.