Need help with ferrets

stalk · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 02:55 AM

Hi guys,

If there's one pet I've always been fascinated with but never got around to trying, it's ferrets.

Someone dumped, I kid you not, 29 ferrets at the Husky Rescue. I'm not sure why they picked her, as there's surely some closer animal shelters. To have managed to get 29 ferrets, I don't think the person was too bright.

None of them are spayed or neutered so I'm assuming the person started with a pair, and it got out of control. Something tells me the person kept a few s/he really liked, and it'll go out of control again. Sigh.

She is already taking care of 49 Huskies right now. (24 of which are up for adoption, the rest are in the testing/training stages). She can't take care of them. For now some people sent her unused crates to borrow (I sent her 10 of my unused crates), along with some ferret food I found at the local Petco.

A bunch of us are splitting in to get them spayed and neutered.

I'm wondering about caring for them. I don't think I can manage a ferret because having a ferret involves keeping my cats and dogs separate. I think I could get them along with the cats but my dogs have never seen a ferret before in their life so it's a definite no-no to have them anywhere near each other.

While there's plenty of information on the internet, there's good sites and bad sites. If someone has any recommendations of a good site to learn about taking care of them, I'd appreciate it.

And what's the best way to take care of them. Are they as independent and self-entertaining as cats are? My cats are content playing with each other and spending a hour with me on weekdays, a little more on weekends. What little I know of them is that they are highly destructive, but that you can keep them in a crate, letting them out only when you're around?

I don't want to take one in and only give it a mediocre life. There's also the whole thing of having to keep them separate from the dogs. But any info and personal experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ophiophilia · #2 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 03:15 AM

Oh, ferrets. They like to be around other ferrets and people, they are very social animals. They get depressed when left alone. It's best they are kept supervised when out of their crate/cage. They need to play and get excersize for more than 3hours everyday. If there is any aggression towards on another, then seperate them. I've only had to deal with 2 ferrets at a time. Be careful When they bite... It hurtsMy one ferret TORE into my hand with her huge chompers. . I suggest you get some of this stuff called Bitter Apple and spray it on your hands (and anyone else who handles them) before handling. If I remember correctly, Males are very agressive towards females when mating. I dont remember when or how this goes on but just be careful. I hope this helps in some way, shape or form

ja-rod4545 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 04:59 AM

my girlfriend has two ferrets and my dogs love to play with them, but they are border collies.

Ophiophilia · #4 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:06 AM

I wouldnt recommend putting them with dogs, or even with some cats. They bite, and they bite HARD. Their skin is alot tougher than ours and most likely dogs or cats. When they play, they like to bite. Always. And the dog or cat may not like that. Someone on the site a while back lost a ferret to a dog.

stalk · #5 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 06:03 AM

I'm not worried about my dogs getting hurt. I'm worried about the ferret getting eaten.

Dark and Light only accept cats that I introduce to they have no qualms about hunting cats or any other furry creature outside. I'm 80% sure that Dark will think it's food.

Ophiophilia · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 06:07 AM

That's kinda what I meant. The ferret bites the dog/cat and if dog isnt already trying to eat ferret then the very painful bite will trigger a defense attack

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