Ferrety Ferrets.

[hiysinphlay]

Great Thread! I love it, up to date information and really well put together. ^^ I don't have a ferret right now but sometime in the future when I do get some, this thread will be a great source to help me out :3
For now I shall lurk quietly and stare in awe at the adorable pictures! >w<

Maybe you could have a section for the other information threads here's a list of them:
Rat Appreciation and Information
Basic Fish Care and Appreciation
~The Betta Appreciation and Info Thread~
Goldfish Appreciation and Information Thread
The Hermit Crab Appreciation Thread
Living with our Feathered Friends: Support and Appreciation
The LoveBird Appreciation Thread
Rat Appreciation and Information
Sugar Glider Education and Appreciation Thread!
Guinea Pig Education Thread
Gerbil Information
Hamster Thread
Chinchilla Help and Chat Thread
Hedgehog Help Thread
Leopard Gecko Care Guide
Red Eye Crocodile Skink, and no this ain't no yu-gi-oh card!
ENDBSL
The Bully Breeds: Information and Appreciation
Wolfdog Hybrid Thread
Goat Education Thread
Rabbit Appreciation & Information

And I'm going to go to the other thread and ask them to add you on their list! Never bad to have a little cross advertisement for proper animal care! ^^

[Shearaha]

How the blazes did I miss adding you to my list of useful threads eek

[SilverFerret801]

I think it's important to include what types of litter to buy and what to avoid, seeing as how some litters can be detrimental to a ferret's health, such as most cat litters and wood-based litters. I use recycled newspaper pellets.

Also, perhaps elaborate on ferret nature, such as how they like to steal things, how very curious they are, and what the "Weasel War Dance" is - the latter can scare many first-time ferret owners who may think their ferret's having some kind of seizure or something. One of our breeder friends actually had a ferret returned to her because the owner said that the ferret was "possessed by the devil." exclaim

Maybe include some common diseases and general health issues, such as intestinal blockages, and tips on "ferret-proofing" your home/room. After all, if you keep your ferret inside, it's important to let her out to play for at least an hour or two each day, and you wouldn't want to have anything around that could get her in trouble - glass objects to knock over, electrical cords to chew on, etc. I let my ferrets run freely through my room about 98% of the time, leaving their cage open so they can get to their food and water. And, to repeat an idea mentioned earlier, making a list of a "ferret starter kit" of sorts would probably be a good idea; what you have to get in preparation for your fuzzy friend, from cage to litter box to water bottle.

What are your views on the AFA? They could be a valuable resource, as well.

And to end my long post, here's a picture of my girl, Kurohime.

She recently lost her sister, so it's just her now. They were both rescues, and all of our ferrets before them have either been rescues or from experienced breeders. I'm planning on getting some friends for Kuro in the near future - rescues, of course.

This thread is a great idea, and you've put a lot of thought into it and clearly know your stuff. You have my respect!

[Antagonizing Protagonist]

I love ferrets. I took care of mine very well and he lived to age 10, which i heard was a little above normal. He loved to play inside tubes and loved to hide stuffed animals. smile heart

[Antagonizing Protagonist]

Ferrets!!!! heart heart heart

[Trash Mammal]

Love for Ferrets Bump! (Let's get these threads back to the front page!)

[Skeksis]

SilverFerret801

I think it's important to include what types of litter to buy and what to avoid, seeing as how some litters can be detrimental to a ferret's health, such as most cat litters and wood-based litters. I use recycled newspaper pellets.

Also, perhaps elaborate on ferret nature, such as how they like to steal things, how very curious they are, and what the "Weasel War Dance" is - the latter can scare many first-time ferret owners who may think their ferret's having some kind of seizure or something. One of our breeder friends actually had a ferret returned to her because the owner said that the ferret was "possessed by the devil." exclaim

Maybe include some common diseases and general health issues, such as intestinal blockages, and tips on "ferret-proofing" your home/room. After all, if you keep your ferret inside, it's important to let her out to play for at least an hour or two each day, and you wouldn't want to have anything around that could get her in trouble - glass objects to knock over, electrical cords to chew on, etc. I let my ferrets run freely through my room about 98% of the time, leaving their cage open so they can get to their food and water. And, to repeat an idea mentioned earlier, making a list of a "ferret starter kit" of sorts would probably be a good idea; what you have to get in preparation for your fuzzy friend, from cage to litter box to water bottle.

What are your views on the AFA? They could be a valuable resource, as well.

And to end my long post, here's a picture of my girl, Kurohime.

She recently lost her sister, so it's just her now. They were both rescues, and all of our ferrets before them have either been rescues or from experienced breeders. I'm planning on getting some friends for Kuro in the near future - rescues, of course.

This thread is a great idea, and you've put a lot of thought into it and clearly know your stuff. You have my respect!

Can't believe I missed this post. Apologies!
Thankyou for the suggestions, I will take them on board, particularly the ferret proofing. Nothing shows up flaws in ferret proofing like a cunning and hyperactive ferret. XD

Ah, the AFA. I have mixed feelings. I like that they seek to protect ferrets from harmful legislation.

What I don't like, however is the AFA 'breed standard' and the associated ferret shows in which it is used. I don't like that the 'breed standard' attempts to pigeonhole ferret structure and find the term 'breed standard' inappropriate as the ferret obviously isn't a breed; it is a species. And I do truely abhor efforts to reduce physical variations in such a manner [I refer specifically to conformation, not coat colour when I say this]. I personally don't believe that you can evaluate structural soundness simply by checking a ferret against the standard. Work them hard, treat them well and breed the best to the best- that is how you will end up with structurally sound ferrets.

The standard also contradicts itself. First it states, " Anything outside the 'norm' is discouraged as is the selective breeding of traits that are not normally found in the species Mustela [putorius] furo."
And then goes on to describe an official standard for Panda and Blaze marked ferrets, which, as you know, are more likely to suffer from Waardenburg's Syndrome. This standard is then used to include and reward such ferrets in their show rings.

So that is what I will say about the AFA right off the bat. Their mission of increased ferret welfare is admirable, but I don't think that parroting the Kennel Club is the way to achieve it.

Your jill is adorable and good on you for rescuing and supporting decent breeders. Thankyou for not supporting the ferret farms. smile and as you made your post ages ago- how goes the search for more ferrets to add to your family?

[batsandcrows]

Ferrets are so mischievous. <3

[DeeSpark]

I am moving to tasmania soon... well in the next year or two. Very happy, as both rabbits and ferrets are legal there! Anyway, so far my parents and I have planed for two or three pigs, though they will only be family pets, not actually mine. We may never get them. Rabbits are something I want as well, but not to soon.

One animal I have always wanted is a ferret. So here is some questions for you:
Can ferrets live happily by themselves, if given plenty of human interaction, and toys etc when the human is not around?
How often do females come into heat, and what are the average prices of the shots?
When the female is not in heat, does this mean I can let a male near her? Is it a bit risky?
Would it be wise to raise mice for my ferret, if so, do you know how I could go about it? Not sure if I would be able to kill them, but it's a possibility.
Do they like toys? What kinds?
Can they be toilet trained?


My ferret(s) would be fed raw food, and would be coming from a rescue. Oh my. I want to move right now haha

EDIT: Just looked at some rescues online, a lot of ferrets are desexed in rescues...

[Skeksis]

DeeSpark

I am moving to tasmania soon... well in the next year or two. Very happy, as both rabbits and ferrets are legal there! Anyway, so far my parents and I have planed for two or three pigs, though they will only be family pets, not actually mine. We may never get them. Rabbits are something I want as well, but not to soon.

Awesome! Tassie is an absolutely gorgeous place. Very very exciting that you'll have more pet options. biggrin

Quote:

One animal I have always wanted is a ferret. So here is some questions for you:
Can ferrets live happily by themselves, if given plenty of human interaction, and toys etc when the human is not around?

Absolutely! If not socialised at a young age ferrets will generally be quite solitary and will happily live alone if they are cared for adequately by their human.

Quote:

How often do females come into heat, and what are the average prices of the shots?

Jills come into heat during Spring and will remain in season until brought out- sometimes they will have a second heat after this, though it is not overly common. When I used the jill jab it cost $50, Suprelorin cost me $150 and has been far better value IMO as I had my jill implanted last September and it still shows no signs of wearing off. She likely won't have a heat for another year.

Quote:

When the female is not in heat, does this mean I can let a male near her? Is it a bit risky?

Yup! If she isn't in heat they physically won't be capable of mating and nor will they be interested in doing so. There's no risk at all if she isn't in heat. smile

Quote:

Would it be wise to raise mice for my ferret, if so, do you know how I could go about it? Not sure if I would be able to kill them, but it's a possibility.

It is certainly less expensive than buying mice for that purpose and they are a wonderful food source so it certainly isn't a bad idea. Mice are quite easy to breed nd you can make effective, good quality mouse housing out of storage containers. I'm not on my own comp atm so will come back to add some pics. I use a harem system in which I run four or so females with a male and these get seperated into their own containers once pregnant. By that time I usually have another group of females ready to go back to the male and the cycle continues.

Quote:

Do they like toys? What kinds?

Toys are a requirement! They love playing and will endlessly find ways to amuse themselves, but toys can provide a lot of enrichment. They needn't be complicated or expensive; cardboard boxes and black drainage pipes are all the rage in this house. Commercial toys tend to get discarded quickly, but cardboard boxes [with extra holes cut in them] never go out of style. Dig boxes are also wildly popular; that is, a storage container filled halfway with recycled paper cat litter or long grain [non instant] rice.

Quote:

Can they be toilet trained?

Yup! Ferrets will instinctively choose a corner to toilet in and most will readily use a litterbox if one is placed there. However, they are rarely 100% reliable[ though some come extremely close] and if your ferret happens to be struck with the urge to go he or she may choose to use the first corner available. When they need to go they need to go OMGRIGHTNOWCAN'TWAIT and this can lead to accidents. We put newspaper in all corners whilst they are out and it means it doesn't matter if someone gets caught out too far from a box.

Quote:

My ferret(s) would be fed raw food, and would be coming from a rescue. Oh my. I want to move right now haha

EDIT: Just looked at some rescues online, a lot of ferrets are desexed in rescues...

Super awesome! Most rescue ferrets will come already desexed, and you will also be able to find ferrets that were raised alone and therefore won't yearn for ferret company. You should be able to track down exactly what you want. smile

[DeeSpark]

Skeksis

DeeSpark

I am moving to tasmania soon... well in the next year or two. Very happy, as both rabbits and ferrets are legal there! Anyway, so far my parents and I have planed for two or three pigs, though they will only be family pets, not actually mine. We may never get them. Rabbits are something I want as well, but not to soon.

Awesome! Tassie is an absolutely gorgeous place. Very very exciting that you'll have more pet options. biggrin

Quote:

One animal I have always wanted is a ferret. So here is some questions for you:
Can ferrets live happily by themselves, if given plenty of human interaction, and toys etc when the human is not around?

Absolutely! If not socialised at a young age ferrets will generally be quite solitary and will happily live alone if they are cared for adequately by their human.

Quote:

How often do females come into heat, and what are the average prices of the shots?

Jills come into heat during Spring and will remain in season until brought out- sometimes they will have a second heat after this, though it is not overly common. When I used the jill jab it cost $50, Suprelorin cost me $150 and has been far better value IMO as I had my jill implanted last September and it still shows no signs of wearing off. She likely won't have a heat for another year.

Quote:

When the female is not in heat, does this mean I can let a male near her? Is it a bit risky?

Yup! If she isn't in heat they physically won't be capable of mating and nor will they be interested in doing so. There's no risk at all if she isn't in heat. smile

Quote:

Would it be wise to raise mice for my ferret, if so, do you know how I could go about it? Not sure if I would be able to kill them, but it's a possibility.

It is certainly less expensive than buying mice for that purpose and they are a wonderful food source so it certainly isn't a bad idea. Mice are quite easy to breed nd you can make effective, good quality mouse housing out of storage containers. I'm not on my own comp atm so will come back to add some pics. I use a harem system in which I run four or so females with a male and these get seperated into their own containers once pregnant. By that time I usually have another group of females ready to go back to the male and the cycle continues.

Quote:

Do they like toys? What kinds?

Toys are a requirement! They love playing and will endlessly find ways to amuse themselves, but toys can provide a lot of enrichment. They needn't be complicated or expensive; cardboard boxes and black drainage pipes are all the rage in this house. Commercial toys tend to get discarded quickly, but cardboard boxes [with extra holes cut in them] never go out of style. Dig boxes are also wildly popular; that is, a storage container filled halfway with recycled paper cat litter or long grain [non instant] rice.

Quote:

Can they be toilet trained?

Yup! Ferrets will instinctively choose a corner to toilet in and most will readily use a litterbox if one is placed there. However, they are rarely 100% reliable[ though some come extremely close] and if your ferret happens to be struck with the urge to go he or she may choose to use the first corner available. When they need to go they need to go OMGRIGHTNOWCAN'TWAIT and this can lead to accidents. We put newspaper in all corners whilst they are out and it means it doesn't matter if someone gets caught out too far from a box.

Quote:

My ferret(s) would be fed raw food, and would be coming from a rescue. Oh my. I want to move right now haha

EDIT: Just looked at some rescues online, a lot of ferrets are desexed in rescues...

Super awesome! Most rescue ferrets will come already desexed, and you will also be able to find ferrets that were raised alone and therefore won't yearn for ferret company. You should be able to track down exactly what you want. smile

Thank you, great advice! Also, I'd likely watch tv or go on the computer with my ferret around, but as for actual one on one time, how much do they need. Would one hour be enough as a min amount of time? I would probably be able to spend 2-3 hours most days (this is assuming I get an 8 hour job, get 8 hours of sleep, and still leave time for my other pets.) Would it be better to get two ferrets so they can keep each other company while I can't play with them as much?

[Titan4]

when i was on FL for a summer in '03 i had a babysitter with 2 ferrets xD

[Skeksis]

DeeSpark

Skeksis

DeeSpark

I am moving to tasmania soon... well in the next year or two. Very happy, as both rabbits and ferrets are legal there! Anyway, so far my parents and I have planed for two or three pigs, though they will only be family pets, not actually mine. We may never get them. Rabbits are something I want as well, but not to soon.

Awesome! Tassie is an absolutely gorgeous place. Very very exciting that you'll have more pet options. biggrin

Quote:

One animal I have always wanted is a ferret. So here is some questions for you:
Can ferrets live happily by themselves, if given plenty of human interaction, and toys etc when the human is not around?

Absolutely! If not socialised at a young age ferrets will generally be quite solitary and will happily live alone if they are cared for adequately by their human.

Quote:

How often do females come into heat, and what are the average prices of the shots?

Jills come into heat during Spring and will remain in season until brought out- sometimes they will have a second heat after this, though it is not overly common. When I used the jill jab it cost $50, Suprelorin cost me $150 and has been far better value IMO as I had my jill implanted last September and it still shows no signs of wearing off. She likely won't have a heat for another year.

Quote:

When the female is not in heat, does this mean I can let a male near her? Is it a bit risky?

Yup! If she isn't in heat they physically won't be capable of mating and nor will they be interested in doing so. There's no risk at all if she isn't in heat. smile

Quote:

Would it be wise to raise mice for my ferret, if so, do you know how I could go about it? Not sure if I would be able to kill them, but it's a possibility.

It is certainly less expensive than buying mice for that purpose and they are a wonderful food source so it certainly isn't a bad idea. Mice are quite easy to breed nd you can make effective, good quality mouse housing out of storage containers. I'm not on my own comp atm so will come back to add some pics. I use a harem system in which I run four or so females with a male and these get seperated into their own containers once pregnant. By that time I usually have another group of females ready to go back to the male and the cycle continues.

Quote:

Do they like toys? What kinds?

Toys are a requirement! They love playing and will endlessly find ways to amuse themselves, but toys can provide a lot of enrichment. They needn't be complicated or expensive; cardboard boxes and black drainage pipes are all the rage in this house. Commercial toys tend to get discarded quickly, but cardboard boxes [with extra holes cut in them] never go out of style. Dig boxes are also wildly popular; that is, a storage container filled halfway with recycled paper cat litter or long grain [non instant] rice.

Quote:

Can they be toilet trained?

Yup! Ferrets will instinctively choose a corner to toilet in and most will readily use a litterbox if one is placed there. However, they are rarely 100% reliable[ though some come extremely close] and if your ferret happens to be struck with the urge to go he or she may choose to use the first corner available. When they need to go they need to go OMGRIGHTNOWCAN'TWAIT and this can lead to accidents. We put newspaper in all corners whilst they are out and it means it doesn't matter if someone gets caught out too far from a box.

Quote:

My ferret(s) would be fed raw food, and would be coming from a rescue. Oh my. I want to move right now haha

EDIT: Just looked at some rescues online, a lot of ferrets are desexed in rescues...

Super awesome! Most rescue ferrets will come already desexed, and you will also be able to find ferrets that were raised alone and therefore won't yearn for ferret company. You should be able to track down exactly what you want. smile

Thank you, great advice! Also, I'd likely watch tv or go on the computer with my ferret around, but as for actual one on one time, how much do they need. Would one hour be enough as a min amount of time? I would probably be able to spend 2-3 hours most days (this is assuming I get an 8 hour job, get 8 hours of sleep, and still leave time for my other pets.) Would it be better to get two ferrets so they can keep each other company while I can't play with them as much?

Most welcome! 3-4 hours out of cage time is generally recommended, and as a minimum one hour of one-on one would likely be fine for most ferts. It will depend on the ferret to a large extent- some will be quite happy with less than that and others will demand more. I've had ferrets that weren't interested in interacting with me for more than 15 minutes a day at a stretch- and others that wouldn't leave me alone the entire time they were out of their cage. If you managed to get one of those needy ferts then one hour probably wouldn't be enough, and if you were really worried about that possibility then adopting a bonded pair would be a great option.

Keep in mind that they don't need their 3-4 hours all at once. You could quite easily have the fert/s out for an hour in the morning whilst you got ready and then again in the evening for the other few hours. They are flexible and will adapt to your routine. smile If there is the occasional day where they get to have less out of cage time than usual then that is ok too. There will likely be days when you have them out for longer than usual to make up for it. smile

And if for some reason the rescues don't work out for you and you start looking at kits instead, let me know. smile The breeder whom I got Athena from has relocated to Tassie and she has some very nice ferts.

[DeeSpark]

Thankyou. I will likely keep mine inside, but I was thinking depending where we live, I may be able to section off a bit of yard, ferret and other animal proof it (however that may be done), put a shade over it, water toys etc, and leave it in it's little exercise yard when I am gone. Would it be a goos idea or not?