I was wondering if any of you have have brought a new baby in to a ferret
home.  I am pregnant with my first and I have three ferrets whom I love
dearly.  I was hoping you guys could help me anticipate problems before
they arise since this is the first time I have dealt with this.
 
Perhaps I should tell you a little about my ferrets routine as it is now.
My ferrets have their own room filled with bedding, toys and litter areas.
It measures about 9 ft by 11 ft and they will continue to have this room
after the baby gets here.  They stay in the room for most of the day and
are let out once in the morning and once in the evening totaling about two
hours "out time" a day.  I would leave them out longer, but they prefer
to return to their room to go to sleep.  They seem satisfied with this
routine.  I like it because they don't have to be locked in a cage when
company comes over.
 
Has anyone experienced any problems with a new baby that they hadn't
anticipated?  I would really appreciate your stories.  It is important to
me to have my child and ferrets coexist peacefully.  I am concerned for the
wellbeing of my baby AND my ferrets.  Many of my family members want me to
get rid of the ferrets, but I think that it is good for a child to grow
up with animals and I don't see how ferrets would be any more or less
dangerous than another species IF the situation is handled correctly.
(Incidentally, these are the same family members who have been against my
having ferrets for the past seven years even though I have done so with no
problems.)
 
Please, let me know if you think I am wrong.  Let me know if I am right.
This is an important issue for me and I want everyone's opinion, even if
it is a flame.
 
Thanks in advance,
Britta
[Posted in FML issue 2926]