All about Ferrets

AnjaD13

Hi, I am Anja and I am huge pet lover. I owm two ferrets for now  I also learning about ferret for 6 years now. Aslo write and blog and everyday getting sam question about ferrets from ferret owners. So if you have some question ask I would be happy to help. I think that is good that this forum have ferret thread. Becasue we can healp each others. Sorry for my english

willmunny1990

AnjaD13 wrote: »

Hi, I am Anja and I am huge pet lover. I owm two ferrets for now  I also learning about ferret for 6 years now. Aslo write and blog and everyday getting sam question about ferrets from ferret owners. So if you have some question ask I would be happy to help. I think that is good that this forum have ferret thread. Becasue we can healp each others. Sorry for my english

I was looking into maybe getting a ferret, or a rat.

Do you keep them inside the house and do they smell?

Also my main reason for not having a rat or ferret yet is medical reasons, don't they fall into the exotic category? id hate to get something and have it get sick and not be able to bring it to a qualified vet, I know not every vet will be able to deal with animals like this.

zoe 3619

willmunny1990 wrote: »

I was looking into maybe getting a ferret, or a rat.

Do you keep them inside the house and do they smell?

Also my main reason for not having a rat or ferret yet is medical reasons, don't they fall into the exotic category? id hate to get something and have it get sick and not be able to bring it to a qualified vet, I know not every vet will be able to deal with animals like this.

Ferrets and rats are not exotic and any decent pet vet should have some experience.
Both make great pets if you make time for them (the more you handle them,the tamer they get).
They can live either in or out,but common sense applies (somewhere sheltered,no drips or damp,not in direct sun in summer and bring them in if it's icy cold).
Male ferrets smell strongly in spring (breeding season).They can be neutered to avoid this.Female ferrets don't smell,but need breeding from every year when they come in season(something to do with a build up of eostrogen-can kill them).Females can be spayed of course,or there's an injection I think to bring them off heat.
Great fun to keep,but make sure to get one that is used to being handled and spend plenty of time with it.
You could also call to the local vet first and ask for advice just to guage how much they know about ferrets.

AnjaD13

Hello, so sorry I wasn't able to reply before, I was a little busy.  Actually, rats and ferrets aren't that similar. Ferrets aren't considered exotic animals, but not so many vets know how to handle a ferret. Depends on where you live. If you have any ferret owner around you it would be the best to ask them for an opinion about good vet for ferrets.  
My ferrets are inside, I rarley go our with them. They don't smell because they are fixed. Most of their smell is connected to hormones, so if you fix them thier smell should be minimal. Also, if you are planning to get a female ferret you must spay it because when she is in heat she must mate, if she isn't she will continue to be in heat indefinitely. That can lead to anemia, which can be fatal for them. The best is to spay them when they are young, before they are in heat. 
If you have a flu, don't go near your ferret, but most ferrets are prone to insulinoma or adrenal disease when they get older and that is why you have to have a good vet. 
I hope I've helped you with my answers! 
Ferrets are awesome, do your homework about them and you won't have any problems with them

AnjaD13

This is my two ferrets
https://www.friendlyferret.com/wp-content/uploads/ferrets.jpg

murphf

Lovely ferrets such cute faces! They do have their unique smell, but I think mostly if they are neutered this is down to bedding / fabric tunnels or litter trays. We board small animals and love to see the ferrets coming , they are so entertaining! I could give you the name of a couple of vets in dublin who are used to ferrets if you want to pm me

Sineadandpets

Hello both,

Delighted to see more people warming up to ferrets and rats as pets, they are such sweet critters and often unnapreciated as wonderful pets they are.

Ive had both and it's hard to choose :-)
Top line:

Ferrets are great fun, extremely curious and active, need lots of play time and owner interaction. Some can walk on a lead and you can microship them and travel with them easier I believe.

Cons: You'll need a bigger cage than youd need for rats and for playtime out of the cage, you need to be VERY carefull to ferret-proof the area as they can sneak in areas you would never dream they'd fit. Of.course it depends on the personalities, but rats can be more cuddly.

I had male and female ferrets and IMO they smell as much as a dog (ie a normal characteristic smell animals and ppl would have, but I might be biased here and other ppl in the house had different opinions ☺

Rats are absolutely wonderful, easier to take off, extremely affectionated and many are very cuddly and recognise and miss you and even licks you as "little kisses". Very intelligent, require also lots interaction with owners and are wonderful sweet animals. Quiet, smaller cages, should be bought in 2 as crave company.

Your concern about vets is thoughtful, responsible and fully justified. There are a few vets that can treat ferrets and rats in Ireland, but I found that consistency on treatment varies greatly depending on the clinic, vet and condition your animal may have.
Compared to other countries with longer traditional in treating these animals, you may feel a bit frustrated. Doing your research in forums and speaking with experienced owners helps a great deal.

Wishing you all the best!