Ferret ownership can be hard

It is like having a perpetual 2 or 3 year old turned loose in your house – nonstop.

Ferret ownership certainly isn’t for everyone. They require a lot of attention. Plan on a couple of hours a day. They need to run around, exercise and interact with you and each other. Please don’t even think of keeping them in cage like a gerbil, hamster or rabbit.

They will wreck some of you belongings. No question about it. Your couch will be clawed with the underside fabric ripped out. Your carpet will be either stained or ruined. Vases will be knocked off of tables. Every single plant in your house will be uprooted – even those ones placed up high.

Ferrets are thieves. They will take and hide some of your cooking utensils, jewelry items and wallets. They will wreck the toes of any leather shoes left on the ground.

Please think about these things before deciding upon ownership.

I’ve even had an entire 10 lb bag of potatoes turn up missing. One of our critters opened up a cupboard door, ripped open the plastic bag and removed the potatoes one by one – only to hide them under a bed.

Ferret ownership can be expensive

Plan on paying $125 here in the US to purchase one. (This means $250 for my more-than-one-rule). Cage $100 – $300, Shots $50. Monthly food, litter, treats $20-$30. Veterinarian visits can range from $50 to hundreds when one becomes sick.

Ferrets require maintenance

Most owners tend to let their ferrets roam free during the day and remain caged at night. This means fresh water and food in multiple places – both inside their cage and in your chosen pantry or other pet feeding area.

Likewise, you will have multiple locations to freshen and change their litter. Ferrets are quite clean and will quickly develop sleep areas, eating areas and pooping areas. Besides the bottom of the cage, your litter boxes will need to be cleaned daily.

Please think about these chores before surprising your child with the cutest critter from the pet store.

But most of all, ferret ownership can be rewarding

Once you accept the costs and downsides, there is nothing left but love. As I have mentioned, ferrets are very social and will seek out companionship from their counterpart or from you.

They will follow you from room to room, be ready for play at the drop of a hat and grab you trying to entice play exhaustively. It is really really hard to be in a bad mood when your ferrets are chattering and bouncing around the room.

If you are new to ferrets, drop me a line below and let me know how your ownership expectations have been met or let down.